Tell us a little about your professional background.

I am a chartered accountant who has been CFO of a number of listed companies. After assessing bottlenecks to value creation in my work, I wanted to become actively involved in strategic decision-making. As a result, I was the joint CEO of the last listed company I recently left.

 

Why did you want to join d.light?

First and foremost, the team has a clear, tangible passion, and an intent to live the values of the company. The current stage of d.light’s growth cycle was also appealing to me. And finally, I appreciated the products themselves and their ability to meaningfully change people’s lives.

The world would be a better place all around if companies shared d.light’s values and positive social impact.

What are you most excited about in your new role?

Helping d.light deliver on its mandate, both internally and externally to investors. We have a great opportunity to show investors that investments in Africa can and will deliver both financial and social results, and that they don’t have to be mutually exclusive concepts.

What are your hopes for d.light and the off-grid solar industry over the next few years?

When we look back, the industry as a whole has evolved in product innovation and affordability, allowing a significant portion of those currently off the grid to access efficient, reliable, and affordable energy. I hope d.light will continue to be the leading name in the industry, providing off-grid energy in a responsible and high-quality manner.

What would success in this role look like to you?

My success would mirror the industry’s success and, more specifically, d.light’s success. We at d.light are all in this together.

Tell us a little more about yourself. Who’s in your family? What are your favorite activities or hobbies outside of work?

I have been married for twenty years to Jackie. We have a son, Jack, who is currently writing his final school exams. We are a very tight-knit family, where we promote freedom to express one’s views.

As I have grown and aged, I like to think of myself as an inward reflector, which has made me more holistic and patient, something I wasn’t before. In my spare time, friendships and laughter are always key, along with fair amounts of exercise.

Anything else about you that we should know?

I strongly believe that anything worth doing is worth doing 100 percent. Don’t short-change yourself