Catherine (Cat) Hunter is Director, North Africa and Levant in IHS Markit's exploration and production (E&P) terms and above-ground risk group. Cat's recent research focus is on Eastern Mediterranean gas competition and pipeline diplomacy, as well as Egypt gas pricing. She has acted as an expert witness on Egypt's gas export policy at the London Court of International Arbitration. Cat is also engaged in advisory work for E&P companies on a range of issues including North Africa, Israel, Cyprus and Lebanon new entry, contract disputes, energy policy risks and asset evaluations. Her previous experience includes time as the MENA lead at the International Energy Agency, research at the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office as well as Global Insight, an IHS Markit acquisition. Cat is a graduate of St Hugh's College, Oxford University and holds an MSc from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), London University.