Eastern Cape Development CorporationActing Executive: Trade, Investment and Innovation
Jan. 2021 - Jun. 2021East London, South Africa Metropolitan AreaExecutive responsible for the facilitation of trade, investment promotion and innovation (TII) in the Eastern Cape. Responsible to promote the Province as a destination for TII and tourism, across automotive, manufacturing, agro-processing, oceans economy, renewable energy, film and BPO sectors.
Rowan led a specialized unit in facilitating strategic execution of TII investment opportunity identification, negotiation, deal packaging, financial management and oversight accountability, fund resourcing/mobilisation, implementation, and after-care. Rowan's responsibilities included the development and management of Unit business plans, strategy, roadmap implementation plans, budgets, and operational plans. Rowan's key projects included:
- 2Africa Undersea Cable
- Various Film and Television Projects with International and Domestic Awards (Knuckle City, Survivor, etc).
- Innovation Project Prototype Development
- Hyperscale Data Centres
- International Trade Deals
Responsibilities include ensuring sound governance, alignment to public sector regulatory prescripts and guidelines, financial and non-financial performance management, monitoring and reporting of budgets and plans with accountability to CEO, Board and Shareholder. Maintenance of optimal risk management in response to the global and domestic trends. Effected and conducted research and analysis in industry sectors to advise and direct alignment between government priorities and private sector strategies. Rowan has represented the ECDC ata Shareholder Representative level to various entities to ensure sound governance, best practice and alignment to shareholder interests.
Managed key local and international strategic stakeholder (C-Level, Board-Level, International Relations, industry sectors) relations to secure mutually beneficial objectives to facilitate trade and investment into the Province. The establishment of strategic partnerships and networks inclusive of local, provincial and national government.