Team

Chris has extensive experience in developing power and infrastructure projects in Africa, having overseen initiatives valued at more than $4 billion combined. He was appointed as CEO of Lekela in March 2015 by the board.

Before joining Lekela, Chris spent eight years as Group Vice President at Bombardier Transportation, one of the largest rail-equipment manufacturing and servicing industry companies in the world. Based in Berlin, he was responsible for close to $10 billion in global sales and business development.

Swiss-born, Chris has been active in the energy and infrastructure industry since 1987 in sales and business development positions, including senior management positions at ABB, the leading global electrical engineering group. During an 11-year spell at the company, his roles included Business Area President for ABB Equity Ventures, Regional VP for Asia Pacific and Regional VP of Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Chris joined the Lekela team in September 2016, serving as a member of the Executive Committee. He is actively engaged in developing and implementing Lekela’s strategy, leading construction and asset management across our portfolio in Africa.

With 20 years of experience in the energy sector, Chris has held numerous senior roles across the industry. He most recently spent 10 years with Globeleq, living and working in Tanzania where he was Head of Asset Management with responsibility for the commercial and technical performance of its Africa wide operating businesses and for managing the Songas power project.

Michael joined Lekela as CFO in May 2018, with responsibility for all financial matters for the group. Michael also serves as a member of the Lekela Executive Committee and is a director on operating subsidiary boards throughout the group.

With over 20 years of wide-ranging experience, Michael has held a variety of senior head office financial and accounting roles throughout his career and has particular expertise within the energy sector, in both Africa and Central America.

Prior to Lekela, Michael had been Director of Finance for Globeleq, responsible for managing the finance function, and working across Africa to establish new businesses and strategic projects as well as overseeing existing operations. He previously held positions at Actis, CDC Group, Close Brothers and NatWest UK.

Chris recently joined Lekela in October 2021 as General Counsel with responsibility for all legal matters across the group and is a member of the Lekela Executive Committee.

Chris has worked in project finance and development for almost 20 years with a particular focus on African power and infrastructure development for the last 15. Chris brings a wealth of experience on project finance and development from all perspectives having held positions in private practice with Clifford Chance in Paris, Webber Wentzel in Johannesburg and in house with the IFC in Washington DC and most recently as General Counsel of the Black Rhino Group. Chris is a native French speaker and has worked extensively on projects across the African continent.

Romina joined Lekela in August 2019 and oversees all Human Resources across the UK and African operations. She provides professional HR advice with a focus on talent and performance management, succession planning and employee engagement.

As a member of the Lekela's Executive Committee, she will also contribute to the company’s growth strategy.

Romina has a proven track record in Human Resources, with 20 years of experience working for organisations across Europe, Middle East and Africa. Prior to joining Lekela, Romina spent the past five years at Globeleq, having previously worked for the Fiat Group, Panduit and Bio-Rad Laboratories. Romina is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD.

Jennifer joined Lekela in October 2015 and leads on the Company’s approach to responsible investment and impact. Jennifer is also a member of the Lekela Executive Committee.

In her role, Jennifer leads on the Company’s environmental and social due diligence, engages with key stakeholders developing Lekela’s social licence to operate and works with contractors and asset managers to deliver Lekela’s projects responsibly and to the highest environmental and social standards.

Jennifer has more than 15 years’ experience working in the sustainability field consulting for a wide range of public and private sector clients including the World Bank, Development Finance Institutions, commercial banks and project developers.

Having joined Lekela in August 2018 initially as Head of Project Finance, Bernard is a member of the Lekela Executive Committee with responsibility to lead the Business Development team, the financial structuring of all business development investments, and for Project Finance and Corporate Finance arrangements.

Bernard has over 15 years’ experience in infrastructure and energy, holding a variety of investment roles throughout his career. He has worked in the African energy sector for over 10 years, and has closed multiple complex projects, including 850MW of renewable energy projects in South Africa.

Prior to joining Lekela, Bernard was Investment Director at GreenWish Partners, responsible for business development in Africa. Before this, he was responsible for Mainstream Renewable Power’s commercial activities in Africa and the Middle East and was a key participant in the creation of Lekela.