Bio

Bruce Smith is a Partner with Avisto Capital Partners, LLC. Bruce is responsible for strategy, planning and acquisitions. His background includes international energy banking and management focused on restructuring the liabilities of financially troubled energy companies.Prior to forming Avisto, Bruce was the Chairman and CEO of Tesoro Corporation after serving as the CFO where he successfully restructured debt and equity to avoid bankruptcy and assumed the responsibility of Tesoro’s oil and gas business sector. During his time as CEO, he refocused the company’s business strategy, disposed of non-core assets and acquired six refineries which created significant value for shareholders and elevated Tesoro to a Fortune 100 company. Following 15 years as CEO, Bruce retired and co-founded Avisto Capital Partners and a predecessor company, One Cypress Energy. Bruce has served as a director on a number of community and public corporate boards, including LyondellBasell Industries N.V. and Noble Energy Inc. He chaired the Audit Committee at both corporations and at various times, chaired the Nominating and Governance and Compensation committees. Bruce received a Bachelor of Arts from Westminster College and an MBA from the University of Kansas.