23 July 2026

APERTURA ENERGY PLC

Director appointment

Leading Venezuelan Oil and Gas Expert to join the Board

Apertura Energy Plc (LSE: VZLA, "Apertura" or the "Company"), the Main Market listed acquisition company, announces the appointment of Carlos Bellorin as a Non-Executive Director, effective immediately. His appointment further strengthens the Board as the Company advances its strategy in Venezuela.

A native Venezuelan with over 20 years in the global upstream sector, Carlos is one of the most respected Venezuelan energy professionals working internationally today. He served as legal counsel on major developments in the Orinoco Oil Belt and has subsequently advised industry participants, investors and governments on Venezuelan energy opportunities, regulatory developments and upstream strategy.

Based in London, Carlos is Executive Vice President, Energy Trends & Analysis at Welligence Energy Analytics, a leading independent energy research and advisory firm. In this role, he focuses on global oil markets, energy policy, upstream investment and corporate strategy. Prior to joining Welligence, he spent 15 years at S&P Global Commodity Insights.

In recognition of his contribution to the field, he was appointed Honorary Fellow of the University of Dundee's Centre for Energy, Petroleum and Mineral Law and Policy (CEPMLP) in 2023, one of the world's leading institutions for energy law and policy. For over a decade, he has taught International and Comparative Petroleum Law at Queen Mary University of London and Sciences Po in Paris. Carlos holds a law degree from the Universidad Católica Andres Bello and an LLM in Petroleum Law and Policy from the University of Dundee.

Greig Gilbert, Chief Executive Officer, commented:

"We are delighted to welcome Carlos to the Board of Apertura. He brings extensive experience across upstream operations, energy policy, regulatory affairs and corporate strategy. This expertise, combined with his extensive relationships across the industry, will be invaluable as we move into Apertura's next stage.

As Apertura continues to assess and pursue opportunities in Venezuela, Carlos' knowledge of the sector, relationships across the industry and understanding of the country's energy landscape will provide significant value to the Company and its shareholders."

Carlos Bellorin, Non-Executive Director, commented:

"Venezuela's oil and gas sector has the resource base and strategic importance to become a major destination for international investment again. Realising that potential will require a credible commercial framework, long-term capital and a clear understanding of how the country fits within an evolving global energy market.

Apertura is approaching this opportunity with a long-term perspective and a strategy tailored to Venezuela's particular realities. I look forward to contributing my experience across the country's energy sector, regulatory framework and international oil markets as the Company develops its investment strategy and assesses opportunities in Venezuela.

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