In a discipline where outcomes hinge on relationships, trust and insight, our value resides in the experience and judgement of our partners. We are a compact, senior-led practice engineered for impact in the world's most complex commercial environments.

A Deliberate Structure

VSG is intentionally lean and partner-led. This model guarantees that every engagement receives senior-level focus, strategic continuity, and absolute discretion.

Our reach is extended through a curated global network and, for select mandates, a strategic partnership with Egon Zehnder. This allows us to combine the agility and depth of a partnership with the scale and research capabilities of a global institution when the client remit demands.

Senior Leadership.

Arno Saffran — Founder

Arno Saffran established VSG on a principle refined through his career: in complex markets, commercial outcomes are determined by human factors long before formal processes begin.

His methodology was shaped through advisory roles spanning extractive-sector client development and deal advisory at KPMG, and strategic commercial engagement conducted in affiliation with firms such as Hakluyt. His work focused on stakeholder alignment and market access for major industrial and energy clients—environments where progress depends on nuanced judgement rather than procedural rigour.

VSG is the embodiment of this focus. Arno advises a limited number of partners on positioning the leadership required for early-stage relationship building, strategic access, and pre-competitive alignment. He is recognised for his discretion and his ability to translate geopolitical and commercial complexity into precise human capital outcomes.

He engages internationally through referral.

Sam Weiber — Partner, Mining

Sam Weiber advises VSG’s partners on securing the leadership required to win and execute high-value resource projects.

His focus is on identifying and positioning the revenue-focused operators who can translate complex geology, stakeholder landscapes, and local content mandates into bankable bids and long-term production.

With over eighteen years in mining operations and commercial roles, Sam has built and led teams across major and mid-tier mining houses, including BHP and First Quantum Minerals. His work has centered on the critical pre-bid and project development phases—where commercial outcomes are determined by the team's ability to align technical plans with political realities, financing structures, and offtake partnerships.

Prior to joining VSG, Sam held senior commercial and general management positions where he was responsible for bid strategy, partner selection, and government engagement for greenfield and brownfield projects across Africa, Latin America, and Australia.

He is recognized for his ability to assess not just the technical viability of a resource, but the operational leadership capable of delivering it under complex local conditions.

Sam’s approach is grounded in site-level experience—having overseen contract negotiations, joint-venture governance, and community engagement programs—giving him a practical lens for evaluating which leaders can navigate the gap between feasibility study and first revenue.

Sam holds a degree in Mining Engineering and an MBA focused on strategic leadership. He is based in Geneva and engages through referral.

Mr R.Isayev — Partner, Caspian & Turkic Markets

Mr Isayev advises VSG’s partners on strategic access, government relations, and commercial architecture across the Caspian region, Turkey, and post‑Soviet energy corridors. His focus is on navigating the intersection of sovereign interests, infrastructure diplomacy, and cross‑border resource monetization.

With over fifteen years of senior leadership in Caspian energy infrastructure and joint‑venture operations, Mr Isayev has structured and supported high‑stakes engagements involving national oil companies, transit governments, and international consortia. His work has centered on aligning export routes, fiscal terms, and local‑content mandates with long‑term project bankability.

Prior to advising VSG, Ramin held executive roles within major Caspian energy ventures, where he facilitated market entry and stakeholder alignment across Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Turkey, and Eastern Europe. He is recognized for his fluency in the political‑commercial dynamics of the region and his ability to translate strategic intent into governable commercial terms.

Mr Isayev holds advanced degrees in International Political Economy and is a native speaker of Azerbaijani, Turkish, and Russian. He operates from Istanbul and engages through referral.

Extended Advisory Network

Beyond our core partners, VSG draws upon a closed, trusted network of senior advisors, former officials, and industry specialists across global oil and gas, mining and metals markets.

— This extended capability provides grounded local insight, validates critical intelligence, and enables introductions that lie beyond established channels.

To learn more about how we work—or to discuss a potential engagement—please contact us directly.