Manuel Benito

Commodity Trader | Biofuels | Renewable Feedstocks | FAME | HVO | SAF | Vegetable Oils | Physical & Derivatives Trading | Risk Management | Business development | Sustainability

Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland

About

I am a driven and entrepreneurial professional with a strong foundation in agribusiness, complemented by hands-on experience in oil & gas trading and complex global supply chain operations. In my current role, I focus on the origination and trading of renewable feedstocks derived from waste oils and fats, primarily across Latin America, Europe, and the U.S., serving the biodiesel, renewable diesel (HVO), SAF, oleochemical, and animal feed industries. I am also actively involved in the commercialization and development of biofuels and renewable energy solutions within international markets. My work is centered around building sustainable and circular value chains, connecting global suppliers and consumers, and contributing to the advancement of the energy transition through renewable commodities and low-carbon fuel solutions. Throughout my career, I've demonstrated success in physical and derivatives trading, business development, price risk management, project execution, and P&L growth, underpinned by a sharp commercial mindset and a global business perspective. I hold a dual Engineering degree from the Pontificia Comillas University (ICAI) and Technische Universität München (TUM), a testament to my technical grounding, ambition, and drive. During my time at TUM, I led the Formula Student racing team to championship victory with an innovative new prototype, and later managed a 10-person team within the Energy & Environment Club, engaging directly with the university board on sustainability initiatives. Beyond the office, I’ve remained actively engaged with global NGOs, teaching, building schools and hospitals, and offering direct care to individuals in need, which has shaped me into a collaborative, empathetic leader. I am fluent in Spanish and English, and highly proficient in German, and bring a multicultural, multilingual approach to everything I do. I’m passionate about shaping a more sustainable, innovative, and equitable future, whether through commodities, renewable energy, or global impact work. I welcome connections from across industries who share that same vision. Key Skills: Physical & Derivatives Trading | Renewable Feedstocks | Risk Management | Market Analysis | Supply Chain Strategy | Business Development | Sustainability | Project Management | Regulatory Compliance | Commodities | Power BI | Reuters-Eikon | Microsoft Office Feel free to reach out at [email protected] or +41 76814 2959

Experience

  • Senior Trader - Biofuels & Renewable Feedstocks at Viroque Energy
    Apr 2026 - Present · 4 mos

    Leading the origination and trading of renewable feedstocks and biofuels across Europe, the Americas, and global markets, with a strong focus on developing sustainable supply chains for the energy transition. My role at Viroque Energy involves sourcing, structuring, and expanding physical trading flows in products such as UCO, tallow, POME, vegetable oils, glycerines, and other waste-based feedstocks serving the biodiesel, renewable diesel, SAF, oleochemical, and animal feed industries. With experience across both the U.S. and international markets, I focus on building long-term partnerships, developing strategic origination networks, and navigating complex regulatory and sustainability frameworks including ISCC, EPA/RIN, RED II, and global traceability requirements. Passionate about circular economy solutions, renewable fuels, and connecting global counterparties through efficient and sustainable commodity flows.

  • Trading Manager - Renewable Feedstocks at Continental Industries Group, Inc.
    May 2025 - Apr 2026 · 1 yr

    Driving Renewable Solutions | Sustainable Feedstock Origination | Waste Oils & Fats | LATAM Focus I specialize in originating renewable feedstocks derived from waste oils and fats, primarily across Latin America, to support the transition to a more sustainable energy future. My core work involves sourcing and developing supply chains for Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel producers, while also serving the oleochemical and animal feed industries. With a strong understanding of global sustainability goals, market dynamics, and regulatory frameworks, I connect suppliers and buyers in a way that adds value across the chain, from environmental impact to commercial performance.

  • Vegetable Oils Trader at Cargill
    Dec 2022 - May 2025 · 2 yrs 6 mos

    Hybrid position managing both Physical and Derivatives trading book for the Tropical Oils desk. • Developed origination book around LATAM & EU and traded more than 1.5 MM mt of product between American, European & Asian markets. • Led Palm Oil and Renewable feedstocks protfolio. • Managed custom-made hedging strategies (risk &/or physical management programs)

  • Repsol (8 yrs)
    • Oil&Gas Trader
      Jan 2021 - Dec 2022 · 2 yrs

      Designed the prop trading book (futures, swaps & options), market risk structure control and pricing strategies (spot & term deals) within OTC deal style structures that provide tailor made hedging solutions. • Pursued and achieved the negotiation of 130 spot deals and 15 term contracts in 2022 with a revenue of $35M, a 350% increase of the P&L. • Developed the Bio-Bunker-Project, being the first suppliers of Biofuels in the Mediterranean Market in 2022. • Concluded the origination, evaluation, and development of an international trading network with an increase of 250% clients.

    • Supply Chain, Refinery Products Trading Lead
      Jan 2019 - Jan 2021 · 2 yrs 1 mo

      Led the coordination of Buy/Sell Crude Oil trading cargoes to cover demand and production of the Spanish Refinery System. • Developed the Spanish Refinery Industry Greenhouse gas emission reduction 2020-2025. • Conducted fundamental & technical analysis of supply, demand & storage capacities in EU & WAF market, for Green Hydrogen being able to achieve Sustainability target of 25% carbon reduction.

    • Heavy Products & Bunker Trader/Operator
      Jan 2017 - Jan 2019 · 2 yrs 1 mo

      Customized control and development of blending operations with optimization and improvement tools. • Analyzed and helped the acquisition project of 5 new physical storages in Spain for new operations of loading, transport and unloading cargoes involving growth of WC.

  • NGO Volunteer at Missionaries of Charity
    Jun 2017 - Sep 2017 · 4 mos