Our team

• Our CEO, Marco Raffinetti has had a successful career spanning 20 years, and his track record includes the execution of over US$ 1 billion in transactions. He has detailed knowledge of developments in the port, rail and energy sectors, all of which are invaluable to Hyphen. In South Africa, Marco led the development of a 320MW thermal power plant in Richards Bay, to be operated in a system together with 350MW of renewable generation (250MW solar and 100MW of wind) in partnership with two international developers. With a capex value of US$ 1.1 billion, the project was instrumental in the phased development and expansion of the Port of Maputo.

Giuseppe has nearly 30 years’ experience managing and growing large-scale energy infrastructure projects across the world. Giuseppe brings strategic direction and strong leadership to Hyphen.

He has worked at some of the world’s largest oil and gas operations, with a proven track record of establishing, managing and developing complex projects. Giuseppe has a full understanding of African and international markets, having been chief operations officer at SAIPEM and Dangote Industries Limited in Nigeria. Giuseppe has a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Calabria, and an MBA from Bocconi University and MIP School of Management in Milan, Italy.

Willem de Vries (Head of green hydrogen derivatives offtake in ENERTRAG) is in charge of the commercial offtake discussions for HYPHEN, maintaining a connection with all major offtakers in Europe, Korea & Japan. Having lived on the Namibian border (in Zambia) as a child, Willem is acquainted with the opportunities that Namibia offers. This international background he combines with his physics degree and experience in the chemical- and oil&gas sector in Europe.

Victoria, a seasoned professional with over 24 years’ experience in human resources, brings a unique blend of expertise to Hyphen. Her qualifications include a B-Tech in Human Resource Management (HRM) from Cape Peninsula University of Technology and certifications in Management Development Programme and International Labour Standards. Her executive management experience in organisations such as Skorpion Zinc, ABB and G4S Namibia make her a valuable addition to the team. Victoria has worked in industries including mining, power automation, security, finance, telecommunications and retail.

Titus has been working in finance and business operations for more than a decade. A chartered accountant with, Titus has studied at the University Namibia, the University of Cape Town and Rhodes University, and has an MBA from Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University. He has worked in auditing, mining, oil and gas logistics, and agribusiness. Titus is also a board member of the National Disability Council of Namibia. His responsibilities will include financial planning & strategy, reporting, budgeting, compliance, funding and liquidity management, and risk management.

Johannes is an infrastructure development and finance professional, with 13 years’ experience in planning and structuring projects through public procurement and public-private partnership (PPP). In his previous role at the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, Johannes helped public entities to identify and package investment opportunities for potential private investment. He has also worked at the Ministry of Finance & Public Enterprises in Namibia, where he was responsible for advising government on identifying and developing PPP opportunities. At Hyphen, Johannes is responsible for localising investment and implementing a robust procurement strategy that aligns with the broader socio-economic development framework, to maximise benefits and opportunities for Namibian citizens

Martin is a mechanical engineer and technical author with 27 years’ experience designing skills programmes focused on income generation. Martin understands the skills needs of our communities and will develop training and skills programmes to equip Namibians for roles in green hydrogen in construction and operations. As well as having run his own manufacturing and event company, Martin has worked for GIZ ProTVET, Millennium Challenge Account, Kayec Trust, Lux Development and Oxfam.

In his spare time, Martin makes steel and wood furniture, and enjoys cooking, hiking and Windhoek’s live music scene.

Ben is a proud Namibian with expertise in environmental management, including environmental impact assessment processes, as well as in vegetation and landscape ecology, ranging from baseline studies to applied management options.  Ben’s role as a Junior Project Developer will see him work closely within Hyphen’s Environmental workstream.  His commitment to sustainable development aligns with his love for Namibia’s people, its unique landscape, and biodiversity.  Ben holds a master’s degree in ecological sciences from North-West University.

Megan is a Namibian national with 10 years’ experience managing and executing international engineering projects, specifically in the areas of drinking water and sanitation, renewable energy, climate resilience, and project finance. As an IPMA certified project manager, Megan has worked on projects in more than 20 countries, mostly in the global south, and understands the complexities of developing projects in challenging environments. She brings a strong background in civil engineering, technical coordination, and project management to the Hyphen project. Megan holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering and a Master of Science in Water & Environmental Engineering from the University of Bristol.

Cheroline is an experienced electronic, electrical and mechanical engineer, who has played a key role in the development stages of the Government of Namibia’s green hydrogen strategy in strategic research, policy analysis and project coordination. Cheroline has held positions including senior resource consultant for water, land and agriculture for Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, professional assistant to the presidential advisors in the Office of the President in Windhoek, and engineering researcher at Stellenbosch University.

Cheroline has a master’s in engineering from the University of Stellenbosch, and a Bachelor of Engineering and a Diploma from Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

Born and raised in Lüderitz, Victoria has 15 years on-the-ground experience in community development, local authority administration and skills development. In her previous role, she served as centre manager for a local technical vocational education and training centre. As community relationship manager for //Kharas, her role will involve developing and maintaining a positive relationship with local communities, community-based organisations and key stakeholders. She will also be office manager for Hyphen’s Lüderitz office. Victoria holds a bachelor’s degree in lifelong learning in community education from the University of Namibia and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in adult education.

Rache-Ann Albertse grew up in Walvis Bay, Lüderitz, and brings with her three years of experience in office administration across a range of industries. Rache-Ann completed her Level 2 in Business Services (Office Administration) at COSDEC Benguela and aims to pursue Level 3 while aspiring to enroll in NUST for a Bachelor of Business Management degree.

Simone Kali was born and raised in Lüderitz and has over eight years of experience as an Office Administration Assistant, Events Coordinator, and Sales Executive in both the private and public sectors. She holds a Level 2 certificate in Business Services (Office Administration) from COSDEC Benguela.

Thozama joins the team in her hometown of Lüderitz, where she has over a decade of experience in the tourism industry, most notably in the Tsau //Khaeb National Park. She is known for her friendly demeanour, which enables her to contribute to and thrive in a team environment.