Team & Experts

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 will be 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, and with a capex value of US$ 1.1 billion and was instrumental in the phased development and expansion of the Port of Maputo.

Our Head of Environment, Social & Governance (ESG), Toni Beukes, was born and raised in Namibia and has spent the last 10 years working in South Africa under its REIPPP Programme for various international wind energy OEMs. An admitted attorney and seasoned renewable energy executive, Toni brings more than 18 years’ experience across energy, oil and gas, and construction. She has been actively involved in developing the wind industry in South Africa, and was both Director of the South African Wind Energy Association and Chair of the organisation’s Economic Development Working Group. Toni sits on the board of the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC) and in 2022 became a mentor on the Global Wind Energy Council’s ‘Women in Wind Global Leadership Program’. In 2021, she featured in a children’s book from WindEurope, ‘When I grow up, Inspiring Stories from People Working in Clean Energy’.

Sheldon is an experienced environmental planning and management professional, with more than 10 years’ experience applying sustainability thinking at policy, plan, programme and project levels. He has significant knowledge of Namibian environmental statutory requirements and international financing institutions’ ESG requirements for projects seeking finance. Sheldon has been an active member of the Environmental Assessment Professionals of Namibia (EAPAN) executive committee for seven years, including one as the organisation’s president. Sheldon actively promotes innovation and best practice in environmental assessment and management, such as finding sustainable solutions through careful consultation.

Jan-Barend (Senior Project Developer) is a Namibian engineer and developer with over seven years of experience and was a key driver in the establishment of the Namibian renewable IPP industry, including the development, construction and commissioning of Namibia’s first wind park in Lüderitz and several solar parks, in addition to the development of utility scale desalination water projects in Namibia. He prioritises public and community engagements within each project’s implementation. Jan-Barend is actively involved in Namibia’s renewable energy and economic associations and is the current Chairperson of REIAoN.

Selma joined Hyphen from one of Namibia’s leading IPP players and infrastructure developer. Selma has more than 10 years of experience in finance, administration and client-facing roles in Namibia’s private and public sectors. Selma enjoys the challenges and rewards that come with day-to-day office operations, is adept at wearing many hats and managing multiple areas of work. Selma also has a keen interest in strategic management and leadership.

Anna was born and raised in a small village in the northern part of Namibia called Oikokola. She holds a Master of Science degree from the University of Dundee, Scotland, in energy studies, specialising in energy and the environment. She also holds a BA Hons in Geology from the University of Namibia. Anna has five years’ working experience in exploration geology and a further three years in environmental and social impact assessments.

Romanus hails from Iipanda, Ogongo, in the Omusati Region. He has a Master of Philosophy degree and a Post-Graduate Diploma in sustainable development, both from the University of Stellenbosch. Romanus also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from STADIO and is currently studying for a PhD at Wits University. Romanus worked as a primary school teacher for seven years and has held various education, environmental and development roles.

Richie is an experienced community development and natural resources practitioner with more than 11 years of experience working in protected area management. This includes working in //Tsau Khaeb and Etosha National Parks, and at Namibia Development Trust, where he focused on supporting rural and urban marginalized communities. As the Community Relationship Manager for Hardap, Richie will foster positive relationships with local communities, organisations and stakeholders while supporting the project’s environmental workstream. He holds a degree in natural resource management: nature conservation from the Namibian University of Science and 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.

Jonathan Metcalfe (Business Case Development Manager at ENERTRAG) is project manager for the Hyphen Hydrogen Energy project in Namibia. His core focus is to position Southern Africa as a sustainable global energy player of the future. Jonathan has expertise in Southern Africa’s hydrogen sector, having previously led the Hydrogen division for PwC South Africa. He holds a technical background in Economics and Finance, specializing in covariance matrix mathematics and risk modelling.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Patrick Stein-Kaempfe is a seasoned private equity professional with experience with leading investment houses H.I.G., Penta Investments and Cranemere across the US, Europe and Africa. Patrick’s experience in the energy sector include the buyout of Haltermann (today H.C.S. Group), a specialty refinery, during his time at H.I.G., and a €100 million series E growth capital round for MiaSolé, a CIGS solar PV manufacturer, during his time at Passport Capital. Patrick co-founded Actus Education Africa, an Africa-focused K-12 education holding platform and led successful investments in Kenya’s leading affordable private school chain with 6 schools and close to 5,000 enrolments, where he remains a shareholder. Patrick started his career as a project manager at Siemens across a range of global assignments.

Dr. Tobias Bischof-Niemz (Head of Division, New Energy Solutions, ENERTRAG) has over 15 years’ experience in the renewables and broader energy sector, including systems energy research and planning, and the development of green hydrogen projects in Africa. He is responsible for all green hydrogen projects at ENERTRAG. Before joining ENERTRAG in 2017, Tobias established and led the Energy Centre at the South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), he worked as chief engineer at the system operator of South Africa’s electric utility Eskom, and as senior consultant at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Tobias is author of the book “South Africa’s Energy Transition” that outlines a roadmap for a low-cost, decarbonised and job-rich future for South Africa’s energy sector.

Dr Gunar Herring (CEO, ENERTRAG), has over 20 years’ experience in the renewables and broader energy sector, spanning advisory, project development and operations. Gunar Hering has been a member of the Executive Board at ENERTRAG AG since 2014 and is responsible for project development, asset management, and finance.

Ulrich Heindl (Head of New Energy Systems, ENERTRAG) has over 25 years of work experience in the development and implementation of large-scale production facilities for the industrial gas business with companies Linde, Air Liquide, and Air Products. He worked in various positions on four continents with responsibilities for business development, engineering, project execution and operations. Most recently he was leading the development of the world’s largest Green Ammonia project with 1.1 Mtpa NH3 capacity in Neom, Saudi Arabia for Air Products.

Mercia Grimbeek (Director, Project Development, ENERTRAG and Chair, South African Wind Energy Association) is a seasoned development professional in the energy and environment industry with over 20 years experience. She has extensive local and international experience in the development of renewable projects and has actively participated in the Renewable Independent Power Producer Programme in South Africa since its inception. She currently holds the position of Development Director at ENERTRAG South Africa. Mercia continues to contribute to the development and growth of the renewable industry in South Africa and serves as Director and Chairperson of the South African Wind Energy Association. She is an avid champion for the development of women and youth in the industry.

Mr. Myerson (founder of Nicholas Holdings) is a hedge fund pioneer having entered the UK markets with an activist investment strategy in 1989. Over a 33-year period he has made and realised investments worth over $1 billion. Mr. Myerson has been Chairman of or a Board Director of nine London and Johannesburg Stock Exchange listed companies. In Africa specifically, he has raised and invested in companies worth over $800 million since 2003. This includes the acquisition of a controlling stake in Sheltam in 2017. Sheltam – which is now named Traxtion – is a provider of railway operations, leasing and maintenance services and has grown to be one of Africa’s largest privately owned railway companies.

Simon Hagedorn (CFO and member of the executive board of ENERTRAG) has a 15-years track record in structuring, financing and realizing renewable energy projects. During the last decade at ENERTRAG, he was responsible for successfully raising over US$2 billion in long-term debt and equity transactions for energy projects in diverse markets.

Aram Sander (Head of Department, International Project Development PtX, ENERTRAG) develops business and projects in the area of international medium and large-scale green hydrogen. Before joining ENERTRAG in 2021, Aram worked for ENERCON, a leading and innovative German Wind Turbine producer, as a Managing Director for Uruguay. Aram has strong experience in developing large-scale wind and solar farms in the international environment along the entire value chain including the investor’s perspective.

James Peggie has over 25 years experience as a lawyer and investor, with a focus on real estate and infrastructure investments, both private and publicly listed. As General Counsel of the Nicholas Holdings Group and Co-Founder of Principle Capital, James is responsible for all corporate and legal affairs of the group which specialises in investments in the real estate, infrastructure and wealth management, and fiduciary services sectors. In 2012, James became Senior Independent Director of Sirius Real Estate, a former investment of Principle Capital and now a FTSE 250 business with a market value of £1.3 billion. It is listed in London and Johannesburg and is also one of the largest constituents of the South African Property (SAPY) index.