Our professional staff

BRASS is globally recognized as a leader in fluid transportation pipelines, a reputation built for exceptional teams of professionals from its founders and leadership to the experts across various disciplines. Everyone has been carefully selected to meet the highest standards of client demands, their combined experience and expertise allow them to approach industry challenges with innovative and effective solutions.

Founders

Brad Ricks
Founder – Board Chairman
Senior Consultant

Chemical Engineer, M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering, Brigham Young University, USA. Over 45 years of experience in industrial mining pipeline projects, from pre-commissioning to startup. Contributing author with over 20 published articles related to pipeline design, maintenance, and operation. 

George Shou
Asia Regional Director 
Senior Consultant

Mining Engineer, Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, University of Arizona, USA. M.B.A. in Information Technology Management, University of Phoenix, USA. M.Sc. in Mining Engineering, Northeastern University, China. B.S. in Mining Engineering, Chungking University, China. Over 30 years managerial experience in the mining industry. Proven acumen and knowledge of pipeline design, thickened tailings, slurry and backfill processes. 

Roy Betinol
LATAM Regional Director
Senior Consultant

Mechanical Engineer, Licenced P.E. Silliman University, Philippines. Member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Over 35 years of experience across the mining industry, specialized in multiple areas in long-distance pipeline  project design, from commissioning to startup. International consultant for emergency first-response events in pipeline operations. Lead advisor for  client relations, contract  negotiations,  internal communications and regional expaction developments.

General Manager

Mauricio Rios
General Manager BRASS Chile

General Manager with over 15 years of experience leading engineering service companies in Chile and Brazil. Skilled in driving the planning and implementation of organizational strategy, providing comprehensive engineering solutions for the mining industry. A Mechanical Civil Engineer with an MBA in Business Administration, complemented by diplomas in Project Management, Marketing and Sales, and specialized training in strategy and execution in both Chile and Brazil.

Dileni Sampaio
General Manager BRASS Brasil

General Manager with extensive experience in designing fluid transport systems, including pipelines, drainage systems, and service commissioning. Skilled in the design and operation of mineral processing plants and the management of high-performance engineering teams. Holds a Master’s degree in Metallurgical and Mining Engineering and a Postgraduate degree in Business Management from FGV.

Hernán Iriarte
General Manager BRASS Perú

General Manager of BRASS Perú SAC since 2015 and Business Development Manager at BRASS Chile S.A. An Execution Engineer in Electronics and Industrial Civil Engineer with over 22 years of experience in electrical design and instrumentation, leading projects for mining companies and overseeing medium and low voltage electrical designs, as well as instrumentation designs. Specialized in strategic management, sales and marketing.

Directors

Ingrid Flores
Director of Quality and HSEC BRASS LATAM

Director of Quality and Health, Safety, Environment, and Community Management System at BRASS LATAM, with over 20 years of experience and extensive knowledge in quality management, workplace safety, health, and environmental management. A Chemical Civil Engineer with various diplomas and specializations in business, administration, and team management.

César Retamal
Director of Finance BRASS LATAM

Director of Finance at BRASS LATAM since 2022, with over 20 years of experience as a financial management administrator. A Certified Public Accountant with a Master’s degree in Finance and a Master’s degree in Taxation.

Héctor Oberg
Director of Operation BRASS LATAM

Mechanical Engineer from the University of Chile. Over 15 years of experience undertaking projects in Bachelor of Engineering Sciences (BSc). Over 25 years of experience in the development of mining projects, primarily in the field of long distance fluid transportation (water and mineral slurry).
Focused on design, cost, construction, commissioning and start-up.
The mining sector to include: basic and detailed engineering, operational support, commissioning and start-up. Additional roles include technical review, inspection and process revision on control systems and instrumentation for industrial processes across different engineering phases.