Advisory Team

Julian Samuels - President & CEO

Over the last 20 years Mr. Samuels has been actively serving customers globally across geographies (Americas, Europe, Asia & Middle East) and industries advising a multitude of individuals and institutions with respect to the development of a broad spectrum of business needs, financing products and fund-based strategies. Throughout his career, Mr. Samuels has been engaged in originating personally and collectively over $60 billion in Corporate & Project Finance and implementing multiple structures for clients ranging from high-net-worth individuals to multinational conglomerates cutting industry timing in many cases at more than 50%. His career began in London, in the commercial division of Meridian Investment and Finance, and he later relocated to the United States with the same firm within its investment banking division. He then redeveloped the international component of his work by taking a senior position with Bermuda-based Mercury Reinsurance Group. While there, Mr. Samuels utilized his investment banking skills to develop the firm’s fixed income platform and captive insurance models. After his mandates with clients such as Banco Santander and Crédit Industriel et Commercial Julian went on to advise high net worth clients both corporate and individual in jurisdictions around the world.

Brent Jaciow - Investment Advisory

Mr. Jaciow was the co-founder and CIO of Pilotage Wealth Management in Zurich Switzerland, a bespoke investment firm catering to US persons with Swiss domiciled assets. While at Pilotage, Mr. Jaciow headed research, trading and asset allocation for high and ultra-high net worth clients. Previously, he worked at Argent Wealth Management where his responsibility was to create, evaluate and monitor client portfolios spanning Equity, Fixed Income, and Alternative Portfolios. Mr. Jaciow specializes in quantitative analysis of global capital markets, multi-asset portfolio construction, asset & debt structuring, as well as risk management techniques. Currently Brent holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Designation (CAIA), and Series 65.

Javier Higuera Mata - Strategic Real Estate and Development Advisor

Javier has worked all over the world, as an architect, project manager and international coordinator. Given his intimate knowledge of the development process, Javier plays a critical role at Ophde when underwriting, evaluating and structuring real estate transactions. Most recently, Javier headed international business development and coordination for HCP Architecture & Engineering. While Office Director Javier has coordinated the design of projects such as Al Salam Hospital in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, the Bo Islands tourist complex in Egypt, the Piojo tourist resort in Columbia, the Setif Hotel in Algeria and a building for Co-Living in Sydney. Previously, Javier worked as a senior analyst at IOC Real Estate Advisors where he was responsible for analyzing greenfield real estate projects.

David Gilbertson - Business Development & Special Advisor

Mr. Gilbertson is a Special Advisor to Ophde. Mr. Gilbertson is an avid entrepreneur and has established multiple relationships related to Ophde expansion and growth. Mr. Gilbertson is a business developer and consults in areas of corporate development strategies ranging from real estate development, strategic startup planning and family office advisory. Mr. Gilbertson is also a co founder and owner of CDA Wood (Couer d’Alene Wood). CDA’s patented technology of naturally coloring interior and exterior wood lead to the fastest US based manufacturing patent issued in 27 years. Mr. Gilbertson handles strategy and negotiations with a myriad of firms inclusive of Lowes, Home Depot, Menards, Costco and Hobby Lobby. Additionally, Mr. Gilberston has a passion for martial arts and has acted as a Krav Maga Instructor Black Belt at the largest Krav Maga organization in the world. Mr. Gilbertson is an internationally recognized best selling author. Mr. Gilberston also operates in the are of trade finance with firms such as Lloyd’s of London and AXA Insurance navigating their banking and logistics protocols on behalf of his clients. Mr. Gilbertson is an asset to this operation and continues to function in the capacity as marketing and public relations support as well as business development advisor.

David Mullen - Marketing & Business Development

Dave is a Special Advisor to Ophde.  He is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and received his Masters in Business Administration from Pepperdine University’s Graziadio School of Business Management.  Dave has a diverse experience beyond his military service and work with the government.  After working for the publicly listed Lindblad Expeditions (Nasdaq: LIND), he raised the capital for— and launched— an international small ship adventure cruise line.  Dave is also an accomplished commercial photographer from the advertising industry, working with both large brands and government tourism boards.  With experience in hospitality, the maritime industry, and working with nonprofits and sustainable businesses, Dave brings a talent to bridge business with creativity.

Yusuf Madzhidov,  Regional Manager, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia

Yusuf is Doctor of Philosophy in Economics, he has experience in the business field and academia world where he served at various top-ranking roles such as President of Tajik Institute of Management, first private university in Tajikistan, and Regional Vice President of Enactus. Yusuf has extensive experience in various fields including academic administration, policy development, research and strategic planning, financial management, sales development and marketing, capital raising, global branding, and public relations. Yusuf's expertise and insight in economic, social, and cultural backgrounds allowed him to serve pivotal roles in establishing and expansion of the international non-profit organization in Central Asian and Eastern European countries. He has a wide range of networking with top business executives, top government corporations and high echelon leaders in the Central Asian region. He has over 5,000 students who are now CEOs, CFOs and top business corporation owners and business leaders.

Craig Campbell, Senior Advisor Aerospace, Defense, Security, Alternate Energy, and Environmental

Craig brings decades of experience in various business development and procurement roles. He advises both Canadian and international companies on key governmental programs and initiatives and develops strategies for gaining access to these opportunities. Craig recently held the position of Managing Director, Global Partnerships at Weatherhaven and previously held the title of Vice President, Business Development at DEW Engineering. Craig also managed the Procurement Services division at Hill & Knowlton Canada from 2002-2009.

Earlier in his career, Craig spent over a decade at Industry Canada in a variety of roles and capping off his career as the Senior ITB Manager for the CF18 Modernization Program. Craig is also President of JPOM Canada which offers business expertise in the sectors.