Claire Harvey also shares her advice for the next generation of energy leaders
When Claire Harvey received a Future Texas Business Legend Scholar Award while earning her MBA at Rice University, she was already laying the groundwork for an impressive career in finance, private equity, and energy investing. Today, as Partner at EIV Capital and CEO of EIV Resources, Harvey leads investments in non-operated oil and gas assets across the Lower 48 states.
Following Rice, Harvey began her career in investment banking with Lehman Brothers and Barclays before moving into private equity as the first employee of Tudor Pickering Holt’s private equity group. She later joined Pine Brook Partners, where she spent more than five years investing in energy companies before pursuing her entrepreneurial ambitions.
That ambition led her to launch Gryphon Oil and Gas in 2019, securing backing from Blackstone shortly before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through market volatility and industry disruption, Harvey adapted and continued building, ultimately leading to her current role at EIV Resources.
Her leadership has helped drive significant growth at EIV Capital, including the recent close of EIV Resources II as part of a broader $1.1 billion capital raise. Earlier this year, Harvey was also recognized as one of Hart Energy’s 2026 Influential Women in Energy.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Harvey credits much of her success to relationship-building. She encourages young professionals to invest in networking through industry events, charitable organizations, and one-on-one conversations. Her advice is simple: be persistent, listen carefully, and adapt based on what you learn.
Despite significant changes in the energy industry over the past two decades—including the global financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty—Harvey remains optimistic about the future. While many professionals left the sector during the energy transition movement, creating what she describes as a “generational desert” of talent, she believes substantial opportunities remain for young professionals willing to work hard and develop expertise.
Her message to future leaders reflects the principles that have guided her own career: stay adaptable, remain curious, build meaningful relationships, and don’t be afraid to pursue opportunities others may overlook.
From TBHF Award Recipient to industry leader, Claire Harvey’s story demonstrates the power of resilience, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning.
