Experience

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  Plutus Consulting Group Limited

  • United Kingdom
  • Financial Services
  • 1 - 100 Employee

  • Founder and Chief Executive Officer

    • 1995 - Present

    I, oversee, participate, and lead in all aspects of client projects, including performing analytical tasks, developing recommendations, supervising investment associates, developing presentation materials, and presenting recommendations directly to board members, family members or principals in a family office.I am responsible for growing Plutus by sourcing, developing, negotiating, closing, and exiting investment / divestment opportunities and relationship management involving the monitoring of end-to-end transactions and programme governance.In most instances I report to the CEO and Board, or Partner led organisations with a functional and coordinating relationship with Investment Managers, Associates and Analysts including members of Value Creation Teams. In summary, I have responsibilities that include:Provide leadership, source, and execute investment opportunities.Manage a team of Investment Managers, Associates, members of the Value Creation Team and external providers through the investment and ESG process. Lead due diligence, direct transaction team and coordinate transaction execution and closing – Present investment proposals to the Investment Committee and Board.Actively work with project / portfolio companies’ post-investment in close cooperation with Value Creation Teams.Liaising with Investee’s management teams, and ensure that best financial and non-financial practices, including EMS (Environmental Management Systems) are implemented. Take board seats in Investee partners.Coach, develop and mentor teams in knowledge transfer and career development. Business development with the objective to build a strong pipeline of potential investment opportunities.

  • Investment and ESG / Sustainability Director

    • 2012 - Present

    Client achievements:-Developed a comprehensive ESG strategy and 2025 roadmap with milestones to drive progressive improvement across 15 sustainability KPIs.-Created a strategy linking ESG goals to business objectives around growth, risk management, and operational excellence.-Led the design and implementation of ESG policies across all business functions, achieving 100% policy integration within 2 years.-Developed over 20 new ESG policies on issues like climate, human rights, diversity, and data privacy.-Created implementation guides and provided training to integrate policies into processes and decision making.-Established ESG reporting frameworks benchmarked against SASB and TCFD standards, leading to the company's inclusion on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index.-Built a sustainability reporting process aligned to SASB and TCFD methodologies.-Implemented programs in facilities, logistics, procurement to drive energy, water and waste reductions.-Saved $3.2M annually through efficiency projects and process improvements.-Secured $20M in green financing by engaging investors on the company's ESG strategy and performance.-Conducted roadshows to brief credit rating agencies and investors on ESG strategy and governance.-Increased employee sustainability engagement scores from 60% to over 90% through training and incentive programs.-Launched sustainability bonuses and recognition programs tied to ESG goals.-Saved $5M in annual operating costs by identifying efficiency opportunities through ESG analysis.-Developed business case for $5M in savings through LED lighting upgrades, low-flow fixtures, and recycling programs.-Projects approved and implemented, delivering targeted $5M in annual OpEx savings.-Improved disclosure and engagement with ESG rating agencies-Verified ESG leadership through inclusion in sustainability rankings and indices.-Developed an ESG training curriculum that upskilled over 5,000 employees on sustainability in its first year.

  • Integration & Strategy Director

    • 1998 - Present

    I define strategies, execute roadmaps and establish rigorous PMO portfolio standards, as well as governance, control, risk, resource and reporting frameworks to assure quality outcomes, benefits realisation and ROI. I have built, mobilised and directed multinational integration and delivery teams of over 200 staff from different business and functional areas and have controlled budgets up to £800M, M&A and divestments up to $13.5BN Some examples of work completed:-Regulatory compliance of Barclays Bank concerning all directives including the Banking Reform Act, MiFID I / II, GDPR, Dodd-Frank, BCBS239, and Basel III, LIBOR remediation and Brexit Response Programmes-Acquisition by Apex Group of Sanne (FTSE250), Private Equity deal-Advisory on M&A,divestments for IG Group and complex restructuring of back-office Finance / IT-Diversification strategy and roadmap for State Oil Company of Azerbaijan, and the Country’s President-Merger integration of Family Investments and Engage Mutual to create One Family-£575M merger integration of HBOS into Lloyds TSB, and subsequent regulatory compliance-£10.5BN funding strategy and commercial business plan for the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games-$150M sale and creation of new legal structure and offices in London, Vienna and Lyon for Calvin Klein-Sale and integration of Barclays Global Investors division to Blackrock for $13.5BN-$3.4BN purchase of ABSA Bank in South Africa for Barclays Group-Barclays Bank Group Woolwich acquisition: (Project Pyramid – Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey) – relocation of Offshore products and customer accounts-Lloyds SME / Midmarkets development of Reporting databases for finance risk assessment and measurement systems -Barclays Banking Group – consolidation of middle and back office functions – establishment of Centre of Excellence and Outsourcing initiatives-Lloyds Banking Group – redevelopment and restructuring of Risk Weighted Assets (RWA) model and IT architecture

  • Managing Director - Summit Diagnostics

    • Jul 2021 - Present

    Without reliable data – it is just an opinion.I bought the brand because I like the product (a bit like Victor Kiam – Remington!), as well as seeing the potential for exponential growth!I oversee the development of producing cohesive, robust and relevant reporting models to enable decision making in complex ESG scenarios.Standardised data and data mapping frameworks, scoring customisation and the development of ESG infrastructures to support new product and portfolio analysis are at the heart of what I do. Combining my consulting and advisory services to help identify and address obstacles to a sustainable financial system that lies within market practices, structures and regulations.Providing informative and industry-relevant research, building innovative approaches to sustainability challenges and creating scalable environments that provide ESG outcomes with strategic purpose, good governance, integrity and accountability.Changing investor behaviours for a better and more sustainable future.

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  Aspire Performance Improvement Ltd

  • Basingstoke, England, United Kingdom

  • Partner - Strategy, Delivery, JV projects (sector lead for Financial Services...

    • Jun 2021 - Present
    • Basingstoke, England, United Kingdom

    As a financial services professional and consultant, I lead and oversee FS projects relating to Aspire’s goal, which is to provide a more cost-effective solution that generates richer, and deeper insights than more traditional methods.Our approach to consulting is embodied by the Aspire Performan...

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  Global PMI Partners

  • London, England, United Kingdom

  • Financial Services Associate

    • 2019 - Present
    • London, England, United Kingdom

    I have joined GPMIP to support their Global M&A programmes with my experience and expert knowledge of migration, divestment and acquisition strategies, providing focussed and essential input into the complexities of business integration, carve out and operational readiness.As a senior member ...

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  Spirit Foundation

  • Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

  • Treasurer Board of Directors | NED | Funding Advisor | Cash Management

    • Jan 2024 - Present
    • Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

    I am happy to be joining my old High School in supporting this cause - recognising the benefits I received at Westerford and wanting to give back to those less fortunate than me. If we are able to make a difference to a single person's life, creating opportunities they never had, and fulfilli...

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  South African Chamber of Commerce UK

  • London, England, United Kingdom

  • Executive Committee Member - Governance, Stakeholder committees, ESG Lead

    • Mar 2021 - Present
    • London, England, United Kingdom

    Member of Exco / ESG / Policy unit - Strategic decisions and providing overall guidance and direction:-Strategic Planning: Actively participate in the development and review of the organization's strategic plans and objectives. -Decision Making: Making key decisions that impact the organizati...

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  Change Gap

  • United Kingdom

  • Partner

    • May 2023 - Dec 2023
    • United Kingdom

    I have joined in partnership leading the development of an ESG 'Co-Lab' to support financial institutions in achieving ESG objectives and impact targets while increasing industrywide standards and tooling.Creatiing and supporting the development in awareness, credibility, and adoption by...

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  ICRS | The Institute of Corporate Responsibilit...

  • London, England, United Kingdom

  • Chairperson Steering Committee - London / The City Hub

    • Mar 2022 - Sep 2023
    • London, England, United Kingdom

    I am the Chair of the Central London Hub / The City for the Institute with main duties:-Leads the Hub and Steering Committee.-Sets the programme for the Hub in consultation with Steering Committee and Hub Members.-Chairs regular Steering Committee meetings .-Joins quarterly Hub Leader calls hoste...

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  Capgemini

  • London, United Kingdom

  • Interim Senior Programme Director / Management Consultant

    • 2017 - 2020
    • London, United Kingdom

    -Delivered strategic advice, governance and oversight to the CEO of Barclays Banking Group across £MM business, technology and regulatory-driven programme of change. -Established centralised group-wide PMO, introduced Agile practices and supported the development of new products and services for ...

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  IG Group

  • London, United Kingdom

  • Interim Consultant Programme Director

    • 2016 - 2017
    • London, United Kingdom

    Brought in to advise and manage a team on M&A and divestments, and conducted front-to-back business, IT architecture and people capability analysis to identify risks, issues and opportunities aligned with aggressive growth strategy.-Presented recommendations to the Board and C-suite executive...

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  SOCAR-AQS LLC

  • London, England, United Kingdom / Baku, Azerbaijan

  • Consultant - Strategy and Governance Lead

    • 2015 - 2016
    • London, England, United Kingdom / Baku, Azerbaijan

    Worked directly for the President, conducted country-wide business and economic assessment, and advised on potential solutions to mitigate revenue dependency on oil. Produced diversification strategy, and governed and oversaw operational execution providing technical, financial, regulatory and co...

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  Lloyds Banking Group

  • United Kingdom
  • Financial Services
  • 700 & Above Employee

  • Senior Programme Manager - Common Reporting Directive Compliance Programme (CRD IV - FINREP / COREP)

    • 2012 - 2015

    Business-side Programme manager assigned to manage the end to end and pan bank CRD IV programme for the Group:-Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that the organization is in full compliance with the CRD IV regulations. This includes understanding the directive's requirements, developing and implementing appropriate policies and procedures, and monitoring the organization's compliance on an ongoing basis.-Risk Management: Identifying, assessing, and managing the risks associated with the CRD IV. This includes credit risk, market risk, operational risk, and liquidity risk. -Financial Reporting: Overseeing the preparation and submission of financial reports in accordance with the CRD IV. This includes ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the data, as well as its timely submission to the relevant regulatory authorities.-Stakeholder Management: Communicating effectively with various stakeholders, including senior management, board members, employees, and regulators. -Project Management: Leading the implementation of the CRD IV within the organization. This includes planning and coordinating the project, managing resources, and ensuring that the project is completed on time and within budget.-Continuous Learning: Staying up to date with the latest developments related to the CRD IV, including changes in regulations, industry trends, and best practices.-Ethics and Integrity: Upholding the highest standards of professional conduct in all aspects of the CRD IV implementation. This includes acting in the best interests of the organization and its stakeholders and maintaining the confidentiality and security of sensitive information.-Business Strategy: Connecting the CRD IV implementation to the broader business goals of the organization.

  • Senior Programme Manager - Retail Distribution Review Regulatory and Compliance programme (RDR)

    • 2012 - 2013

    My role in the RDR (Retail Distribution Review) Compliance programme involved ensuring that Group complied with the regulations and requirements set forth by the RDR initiative, a regulatory framework in the financial industry that aims to improve transparency, fairness, and professionalism in the sale of retail investment products and services.The programme was managed at Group level.My responsibilities included:-Program Management: Overseeing the overall RDR Compliance programme, including planning, coordination, and execution of various projects and initiatives. This involved defining objectives, establishing timelines, and monitoring progress to ensure timely completion of deliverables.-Stakeholder Management: Collaborating with stakeholders from the Finance and Risk divisions, such as senior management, department heads, compliance officers, and legal teams. -Regulatory Compliance: Understanding and interpreting the RDR regulations and guidelines to develop and implement appropriate policies, procedures, and controls. -Risk Management: Identifying and assessing risks associated with non-compliance and implementing risk mitigation strategies, conducting risk assessments, developing contingency plans, and monitoring the effectiveness of controls.-Reporting and Documentation: Generating regular reports on the progress, status, and outcomes of the RDR Compliance programme. This included documenting compliance activities, maintaining records, and preparing materials for internal and external audits or regulatory inspections.-Training and Awareness: Developing and delivering training programs to educate employees on RDR regulations, compliance requirements, and best practices. -Continuous Improvement: Identifying areas for process improvement and efficiency within the RDR Compliance programme, evaluating performance metrics, and implementing enhancements to optimize the effectiveness and efficiency of compliance efforts.

  • Senior Programme / Integration Director - Programme lead LloydsTSB and HBOS merger (Release A and C)

    • 2009 - 2013

    I, as programme director led the in-house and Deloitte teams (over 30 FTE) for the end-to-end management and acquisition of HBOS by Lloyds Banking Group primarily resulting from the financial crisis of 2007 and 2008.My role and achievements were:-Defining the scope and objectives of the analysis project, ensuring it covers key aspects such as the reasons for the merger, the financial positions of both banks, the role of the government, and the long-term impacts.-Assembling a team with expertise in UK banking, financial crisis analysis, mergers and acquisitions, and government bailouts to conduct the analysis.-Developing a project plan and timeline that reflects the key events of the merger, such as the initial deal in September 2008, the government approval and capital injection, HBOS's 2009 losses, and the gradual government stake sell-off. -Managing the project budget and resources to ensure the analysis is conducted efficiently and delivers insights commensurate with the scale and importance of the Lloyds-HBOS merger-Coordinating with key stakeholders, such as Lloyds and HBOS executives, UK Treasury officials, and regulators to gather information and data on the merger specifics and decision-making processes.-Communicating regularly with senior stakeholders to keep them informed of findings on how the merger unfolded, the government's role, and the long-term consequences for Lloyds and the industry.-Presenting the final analysis and recommendations to senior decision-makers, explaining the lessons learned from the Lloyds-HBOS merger and how they can inform future crisis-era banking deals.-Ensuring the team adheres to all relevant legal, regulatory, and ethical standards in analysing this high-profile, politically sensitive merger case.-Supporting the professional development of the project team through opportunities to deepen their expertise in financial crisis analysis, bank mergers, and government interventions.

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  OneFamily

  • Brighton / London/ Harrogate

  • Senior Programme Manager / Finance and Risk Lead

    • 2014 - 2014
    • Brighton / London/ Harrogate

    Programme Lead for the merger and acquisition of two large groups within Mutual Funds market (budget £20m, Assets £8bn+, Customer numbers 2m+)-Developed and co-ordinated the Finance, Reporting/MI and Risk work streams of a merger and acquisition programme for Day One readiness using Agile methodo...

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  Barclays Wealth Management

  • London, England, United Kingdom

  • Interim Senior Programme Manager

    • 2009 - 2010
    • London, England, United Kingdom

    I was brought in by C-suite leadership to conduct front to back post MIFID strategic and operational review, whilst building a team of 18 to provide governance and oversight for multi-jurisdictional Regulatory and Compliance programmes.Delivered a stream-lined cost reduction operating model to re...

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  LOCOG (London Organising Committee Of The Olymp...

  • London, United Kingdom

  • Strategy and Commercial Lead / Director

    • 2009 - 2009
    • London, United Kingdom

    I was asked to lead the Commercial and Strategy team for the London 2012 Olympic Games with the objective of securing in excess of £12bn to fund the event.Working alongside external sponsors and Government (Dept. of Culture, Media and Sport), I was the single point of contact with the London Mayo...

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  Calvin Klein

  • London, United Kingdom, Vienna , Austria, Rotte...

  • Integration Director

    • 2008 - 2009
    • London, United Kingdom, Vienna , Austria, Rotte...

    Programme lead for the sale of Calvin Klein European operations by the US holding company (Warnico Inc.) and establishment of UK operations for the new European owners.Produced a demerger plan that was accepted by all parties and built an integration team to incorporate UK/European operations/ fu...

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  Barclays

  • United Kingdom
  • Financial Services
  • 700 & Above Employee

  • Mergers and Acquisitions Director

    • 2005 - 2009

    I, led the global expansion team as part of Barclays Global Growth programme.Led and managed the full lifecycle of M&A deals from origination through execution, including target screening, valuation analysis, due diligence, deal structuring, and negotiations.Built and maintained relationships with clients, targets, investors, and other deal partners to identify potential opportunities and facilitate transactions.Performed financial modelling and valuation analysis on potential targets using methods like DCF, comparable, precedent transactions, etc.Managed due diligence process across legal, financial, tax, HR and other areas to assess risks and uncover issues.Structured and negotiated deal terms, pricing, conditions etc. and work with internal and external counsel to document deals.Worked closely with integration teams to plan and execute post-merger integrations, including synergy capture, organization structure, system consolidation etc.Led a team of analysts/associates to delegate work streams and provide coaching and development.Supported business development efforts by preparing pitches and proposals for new mandates and clients.Monitored M&A market and industry trends globally to identify potential opportunities or issues impacting deals.Developed and continually refine financial models, valuation methodologies, and deal playbooks/processes.Ensured adherence to internal controls, risk management practices, and regulatory/compliance requirements.Reported on deal progress and issues to senior management and key stakeholders through the process.Represented the company externally to investors, media, conferences etc.

  • Senior Programme / Integration / Relationship Director

    • 2003 - 2005

    I, successfully supported the migration of 2000+ roles from Barclays business operations and reporting to a Shared Service centre model, ensuring cost saving targets were met (circa £2.5bn) whilst maintaining operational integrity, stability, and internal / external reporting.Senior leader for Barclays Finance Shared Service Centre (250 staff) and also managed work performed by offshore Finance team in India (75 staff).Business lead for successfully completing offshoring of centre to India and Glasgow, whilst maintaining high levels of service delivery and quality.Deliverables consist of Statutory, Regulatory, Tax and Management Reporting. Also managing the Group Operational SAP ledger including Data Structures, Processing, etc.Head of the Finance teams with Shared Service Centre (240 staff) covering SAP Maintenance, Data Structures, Regulatory/VAT/Statutory/Management Reporting, Financial Control, Reconciliations provided to all customers within the Barclays Group. As a Senior Director I also led Shared Services interactions and implementations of IFRS and Sarbanes Oxley working closely with the Groupwide teams.

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  Virgin Media

  • Hook, United Kingdom , London United Kigdom

  • Programme / Senior Project Manager - Finance, Divisional Accountant

    • 2001 - 2003
    • Hook, United Kingdom , London United Kigdom

    I was engaged to co-ordinate the restructuring of ntl home division, review Asset and Liability valuations and provide Financial Control / Cash flow support following ownership changes and the buy out by Virgin Media Group.-Carried out Due diligence and pre-sale reviews, reporting to the Board an...

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  Lattice Group

  • Reading, United Kingdom

  • Senior Manager Project Finance and Risk (Start Up)

    • 2000 - 2001
    • Reading, United Kingdom

    Development of financial and risk systems for construction of a fibre optic network in UK utilising British Gas pipeline infrastructure.My role and responsibilities included:-Strategic Planning: Collaborate with the founding team to develop the company's vision, mission, and overall strategy....

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  Virgin

  • Cape Town Area, South Africa

  • Finance and Acquisition Director

    • 1999 - 2000
    • Cape Town Area, South Africa

    I was engaged as the National Finance Manager to co-ordinate all Group functions in preparation for the acquisition by the Virgin Group.

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  Nestlé

  • Cape Town and Johannesburg Area, South Africa

  • Senior Integration Manager

    • 1998 - 1999
    • Cape Town and Johannesburg Area, South Africa

    -Management of the merger and acquisition by Nestle Group of Dairymaid (South Africa)-Finance lead to support the acquisition process and central contact point for Finance and Risk teams.-Produced offer to purchase pack incorporating finance proposal and funding structure to present to shareholde...

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  Murray & Roberts

  • Cape Town Area, South Africa

  • Senior Finance Manager

    • 1997 - 1998
    • Cape Town Area, South Africa
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  DORBYL Automotive Technologies

  • Cape Town, Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth, Sou...

  • General Manager - strategic initiatives

    • 1996 - 1997
    • Cape Town, Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth, Sou...

    I was brought in to develop / support the acquisition by General Motors of Delta Motor Corporation and to increase the strategic footprint of wheel manufacturing, operations and control of motor vehicle production in Southern Africa.GM decided to divest from South Africa in 1986 having sold its S...

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  Supercare

  • South Africa
  • Facilities Services
  • 400 - 500 Employee

  • Regional Managing Director

    • 1995 - 1996

    I was asked to re-locate to take over 'troubled' operations of the group and to turnaround the business for both growth and financial viability.

  • Group Financial Controller

    • 1994 - 1995

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  Everite Building Products

  • Brackenfell and Atlantis, Cape Town, Johannesbu...

  • Group Financial Accountant

    • 1993 - 1994
    • Brackenfell and Atlantis, Cape Town, Johannesbu...

    -Accountant at Tiger Tiles responsible for the Finance function producing management accounts, controlling cash flow, inventory, debtor and creditor control.-Financial Analysis / Reporting: analyse financial data and prepare reports that provide insights into the financial performance. preparing ...

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  Deloitte

  • Cape Town, South Africa, London, United Kingdom...

  • Trainee Accountant / Auditor

    • 1991 - 1993
    • Cape Town, South Africa, London, United Kingdom...

    -'Big 4' Trainee Accountant / Articled clerk team member tasked with carrying out medium sized statutory and regulatory audits of listed companies mainly in the financial services sector.-Member of the Audit Planning Committee with the responsibility of scheduling resources for off-site ...

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  South African National Defence Force

  • Cape Town Area, South Africa, Eastern Cape Command

  • Captain - Financial Services (Financial Services Corps)

    • 1989 - 1991
    • Cape Town Area, South Africa, Eastern Cape Command

    Completed my National Service duty and remained in post to support the Defence Force Financial Services function, whilst I was transitioning back into civilian life. Promoted to Captain on departure.Learnt about life!