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Work Background
COO
MyHydroCOO
Jun. 2021City of Cape Town, Western Cape, South AfricaMyHydro is an innovative, transformational, water-to-wire utility investment firm that is bringing affordable power to off-grid communities in Africa. In partnership with Natel, we provide SHP solutions using their next generation of modular, fish-safe, low-head, hydropower turbines (RHT). I am responsible for the overall vision, management, and strategic leadership for new projects/ business development focused on Africa. I lead the development process of projects and identify adjustments in scope and operations to ensure that the project adapts to changes in need and context. Our team work in remote locations and I supervise and empower all personnel, motivate and lead a dynamic team of professionals across large geographies. I make sure we effectively manage our team and suppliers, complex activities, and that we achieve performance objectives. We work closely with Power Africa and I help establish effective partnerships with other US government agencies, African partners, development partners, non-governmental organizations, and a wide variety of other stakeholders. I communicate effectively in large public settings, as well as with senior government officials, but I am equally at home in rural areas in my sandals. It is a privilege to be working in Africa and to bring impactful investment and solutions into underserved markets.
Chief Operating Officer
SYMBION POWER LLCChief Operating Officer
Apr. 2013NYC / Cape TownI am the support to the CEO, focusing on the establishment and optimization of day-to-day operations in the Company. I am responsible for effective management and play an important role in all elements of the business including refining processes related to support functions. In this role I am responsible for operating activities such as expense, cost and margin control. I establish, in close partnership with the CEO, metrics to manage key elements of the company’s operational performance required to meet both client and financial expectations. • Strategic planning in the short-term and long-term range and resource allocation • Establish operational processes/ process improvement. • Manage strategy implementation and timelines • Ensure quality control of all company output • Ensure all department heads are fully informed of operational objectives • Establish and monitor performance reporting systems
Business Development Manager
SYMBION POWER LLCBusiness Development Manager
Dec. 2009 - Mar. 2013Africa/ Washington DCBusiness Development in Africa, Middle East and other emerging markets. Developed company presence, created new markets, and drove business growth notably in Sub-Saharan Africa. Identified opportunities for competitive bidding, new project development and potential acquisitions. Conducted market analysis and research to determine trends and competitive environments. Coordinated country specific business models and strategies, and led the development, approval and implementation of business plans in liaison with national and international business teams. Travel: 66% travel to explore new opportunities, meet with potential business partners and attend corporate meetings, primarily in the United States, Nigeria, Madagascar, Rwanda, Ghana, Kenya and Tanzania. Business Development ― Created a niche market in Nigeria that drove business growth by over 50% with continued rapid growth predicted based on acquired greenfield projects. Acquisition ― Played an active role in compiling bids for example in Tanzania, Madagascar and Rwanda as well as in the acquisition of the Ubungo power plant in Nigeria. Change Management ― Turned around grossly underperforming operation in Tanzania making heavy losses by implementing major changes in management ― a 24-week project that led to cost reductions and increased productivity. Demonstrated strong decision making and tenacity in a complex situation. Relationship Building ― Raised company profile at the highest level by building and maintaining key relationships with government leaders, key stakeholders and power utility decision makers. Administration ― Identified and responded to stringent regulatory requirements for entry into local markets encompassing certifications, accreditations and approvals. Symbion specialized in the construction of turnkey electric power systems, including power stations, extra high voltage transmission lines, distribution lines, substations and switchyards, but since 2015 the Company focuses on IPPs.
Head of Business Development & Strategic Planning
Spintelligent, Clarion EventsHead of Business Development & Strategic Planning
Jan. 2008 - Nov. 2009Cape Town Area, South AfricaFocus: North America and Africa - Languages:English/French/Afrikaans Developed a dedicated marketing division and created a business development team capable of working with the sales and marketing divisions ― a key factor in gaining product and sector knowledge. Managed all facets of marketing, including web development, artistic design and PR/social media marketing campaigns. Researched and analysed trends and leads. Drove corporate branding, creativity, quality and consistency. Met challenge of growing the Africa unit/portfolio by applying sound knowledge of conducting business in Africa. Recruited country-specific local personnel to relate to clients throughout Africa, which proved instrumental in increasing sales. Created the vision and led the planning and strategy in alignment with corporate goals. Grew portfolio of events and reached challenging countries through targeted campaigns.
Business Development Manager: Francophone Africa
MSI SAFCONSULTBusiness Development Manager: Francophone Africa
Mar. 2006 - Dec. 2007Business Development in Francophone Africa. Start-up company in East of DRC. Consulting Project in Uganda. Metering Services management in South Africa. Office management and marketing.
Sector Manager: Power & Mining and Infrastructure
SpintelligentSector Manager: Power & Mining and Infrastructure
Jul. 2004 - Feb. 2006Cape Town Area, South AfricaEvent production duties included: •Brainchild of the iPAD DRC brand Pre- and on-site coordination of events Local and international (sourcing and liaising with suppliers; co-ordinating speakers and delegates) •Researched and analyzed industry trends, hot-topics and countries •Sourced speakers and topics for programme/ liaised with ministers and business leaders •Maintained relationships with existing and new customers (CRM function) •Communicating (face-to-face; telephonically and written) with customers, associations and utilities -- negotiating participation •Compiled budgets and adhered to them •Marketing function: compiled material and ran campaigns (sourcing/writing copy, brochures, websites, press-releases, adverts, industry-trade-outs) •Drove advertising campaign: printed media, radio, television, local and international-work with in-house studio •Sales: got sponsors, delegates, exhibitors and manage telemarketers •Database management: Extended database through networking internationally •Team work: Worked with marketing assistant, e-marketer, exhibition manager, studio, telemarketing, publications
Senior Producer
World Television ReportSenior Producer
Jan. 2003 - Jun. 2004Cape Town Area, South AfricaWorld Television Report was a television production company, with head offices in Amsterdam and Cape Town, which produced programmes for CNBC Europe, a leading business channel. Programmes focused on investment opportunities and tourism in African, European and Middle Eastern countries. My primary focus was on Africa. Responsibilities included the researching of countries and country leaders, scheduling and performing interviews, coordinating filming, project management, translating program material (English/French) and negotiating barters. Research focused on identifying influential commercial sectors and ministries within a country and obtaining a socio-economic and political overview. Candidates fitting the profile of CNBC Europe viewers were identified. Contact was made with the country’s government and directors of non-profit organisations and large corporations, in order to introduce the company. Meetings, during which interviews were compiled, were scheduled with heads of state and cabinet members and attended in the country. Sales meetings, during which commercial airtime contracts were negotiated, were scheduled with company directors and also attended. A detailed database of all contacts was compiled for each country. The entire project was managed, including the compilation of filming schedules and production phases. As most of these tasks were performed in foreign countries and required liaising with heads of state, performing it required extensive stays in foreign countries and high level diplomatic interaction.
Brand Ambassador/ Estate Representative: Fleur du Cap, Zonnebloem, Nederburg
DistellBrand Ambassador/ Estate Representative: Fleur du Cap, Zonnebloem, Nederburg
Nov. 1999 - Dec. 2002StellenboschI liaised with Marketing, Events and F&B Managers of prominent corporations. I assisted in cellar planning, event wine selection and sales. Presented tastings at corporate level, at conferences, product launches and meetings. 11/1999 - 06/2001 Retail Management – Fine Wine Centre, Bergkelder (Distell), Stellenbosch I managed the administration and day-to-day operations of the Wine Fine Centre. Responsible for administration, sales, banking, stock reconciliation (over 130 products). Presented wine tastings to tourists, export clients and general public. Perform administrative duties (using SAP).
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