People: Gran Tierra Energy Inc (GTE.TO)

Mr. Verne G. Johnson is Independent Director of Gran Tierra Energy Inc., since January 2005. Starting with Imperial Oil Limited in 1966, he has spent his entire career in the petroleum industry, primarily in western Canada, contributing to the growth of oil and gas companies of various sizes. He worked with Imperial Oil Limited until 1981 (including two years with Exxon Corporation in New York from 1977 to 1979). From 1981 to 2002, Mr. Johnson served in senior capacities with various companies, achieving the positions of President of Paragon Petroleum Ltd., President and CEO of ELAN Energy Inc., and Senior Vice President of Enerplus Resources Group. Mr. Johnson retired in February 2002. Mr. Johnson is currently Chairman of Fort Chicago Energy Partners LP and Petromanas Energy Inc., and a Director of US Oil Sands Inc. (formerly Earth Energy). Mr. Johnson was previously a director of Essential Energy Services Trust, Harvest Energy Trust, Blue Mountain Energy, Mystique Energy and Suroco Energy Inc., all publicly traded companies. Mr. Johnson received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Manitoba in 1966. He is currently president of his private family company, KristErin Resources Inc.