MEET OUR DIRECTOR - CO - FOUNDER
Vanessa Yacoob is the Co-Founder and Director of Sheriff Consultancy, a dynamic leader with over 17 years of global experience in the energy sector. Known for her resilience and forward-thinking mindset, She lives by the philosophy: “In life, there is no such thing as failure—only learning experiences.”
After an extensive international career, she returned to Suriname in late 2019. Following the profound loss of her father in early 2020, she chose to remain in-country, driven by a renewed sense of purpose. She joined EnerMech Inc. as Business Development Lead for both Suriname and Guyana, where she also served as Project Coordinator for the company’s role in Staatsolie’s first turnaround (TA) in Suriname following its refinery expansion.
Vanessa played a pivotal role in establishing Guyana’s first world-class oil and gas training center, making internationally accredited programs like TBOSIET accessible locally—programs that were previously only available abroad. Her efforts, supported by the Government of Guyana, have had a lasting impact on the nation’s workforce development.
With a strong academic foundation in Business Administration, Project Management, and a certificate in Contract Law from Harvard University, Vanessa recently earned a second MBA in Global Governance. She is now making history as Suriname’s first Ph.D. candidate in Oil & Gas Management, with a vision to drive impactful change for future generations in her country.
Now based once again in Suriname, Vanessa leverages her international expertise to support national development. She is a firm believer in cross-sector collaboration and the role of industry experts in building a sustainable and prosperous future.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Vanessa is the author of “The Experience of Life After Death.” And founder of Sheriff Foundation, which she established in honor of her late father to provide care and support for orphaned children.
“Our children are our future. We only rise by lifting others.”