Yao is the Founder and CEO of SIA Energy with over 18 years of experience in the oil and gas sector. She has a deep understanding of the structure, drivers and dynamics of Chinese government, NOCs as well as the rising tier-2 Chinese oil and gas players. Yao advises SIA clients on entry opportunities, partnership strategies, oil and gas policy, contract terms, asset valuation and market competition. Prior to founding SIA Energy, Yao served as Senior Director and Head of PFC Energy’s China office. She also worked and lived in the Middle East for six years and served Chinese central government for two years. She has a Master’s Degree in Foreign Service from Georgetown University.