Message from Philip Dyk, Managing Partner.
ABOUT EVERSTRONG
Founded in 2015, Everstrong is a US-owned infrastructure asset manager with offices in the US, Kenya and South Africa. Everstrong aims to support development on the African continent to deliver critical infrastructure significantly improving the populations’ welfare.
Our responsible investment philosophy
Everstrong Capital was founded with the objective of achieving attractive financial returns for our funders through investment in the energy & power, transportation, communication, water, healthcare and housing sectors in sub-Saharan Africa. These projects naturally aim to deliver critical infrastructure to populations whose welfare stands to improve significantly through it. They also capitalize on the substantial opportunities that exist in emerging markets. We are confident that by identifying promising projects and pairing them with adequate and sustainable funding, we can deliver strong returns while providing the tools that enable social and economic growth:
Access to reliable, affordable energy can facilitate education, health, comfort, security and productivity
Safe and efficient transportation infrastructure can expand access to employment, education and healthcare opportunities
Modern communications networks underpin economic development by streamlining access to information
Our concept of responsibility extends beyond the inherent benefit of the assets themselves. Everstrong is committed to operating in a manner that respects the dignity, autonomy and needs of all its key stakeholders. We do this by assessing all material financial and non-financial considerations throughout our investment lifecycle. This equips our decision makers with a more complete understanding of the risks and opportunities present in our pipeline and portfolio. We think it’s also the right thing to do.
OUR TEAM
Superior teamwork begins with superior team members. Collectively, the Everstrong team has worked on hundreds of projects and organized billions of dollars for specific projects and infrastructure funds. Our team members have extensive experience developing and financing infrastructure companies in Africa, the USA and Europe.
Our top-level relationships with leading global construction, engineering and development firms provide advanced project opportunities in electric power-generation, energy, storage, water, communications and transportation. These relationships also offer a differentiated source of opportunities and the ability to assemble infrastructure assets in a manner that minimizes investor risk.
PHILIP DYK
Managing Partner
Philip Dyk
Managing Partner
Philip Dyk has more than 30 years of financial advisory, banking and equity investment experience. Having spent his entire career in the infrastructure sector, in 2015, Mr. Dyk’s passion led him to start Everstrong Capital, to assemble and manage investments in energy, transport, communication and water infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Mr. Dyk is a founding partner of Alinda Capital Partners, one of the largest private infrastructure management firms. From 2006 to 2014, he served on the investment committees of Alinda’s funds and on the board of various portfolio companies, including a multi-state regulated gas utility, a multi-state parking company, a municipal lighting company and a company providing wastewater treatment under a 30 year concession. Mr. Dyk has over 20 years of portfolio management experience and was instrumental in setting up Alinda’s portfolio management function.
Prior to Alinda, Mr. Dyk was the Managing Director of Pacific Capital Resources and Atlantis Water Fund, Regional Vice President of Foster Wheeler Capital & Finance Corporation, President of Ahlstrom Capital, and head of the project finance team at Union Bank of California.
He is a former member of the advisory board to the Institute for Infrastructure Finance and holds a B.A. with honors from Claremont McKenna College. He is the proud father of five daughters and is a member of the board of directors to the National Parents Organization.
Philip Dyk
Managing Partner
Philip Dyk has more than 30 years of financial advisory, banking and equity investment experience. Having spent his entire career in the infrastructure sector, in 2015, Mr. Dyk’s passion led him to start Everstrong Capital, to assemble and manage investments in energy, transport, communication and water infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Mr. Dyk is a founding partner of Alinda Capital Partners, one of the largest private infrastructure management firms. From 2006 to 2014, he served on the investment committees of Alinda’s funds and on the board of various portfolio companies, including a multi-state regulated gas utility, a multi-state parking company, a municipal lighting company and a company providing wastewater treatment under a 30 year concession. Mr. Dyk has over 20 years of portfolio management experience and was instrumental in setting up Alinda’s portfolio management function.
Prior to Alinda, Mr. Dyk was the Managing Director of Pacific Capital Resources and Atlantis Water Fund, Regional Vice President of Foster Wheeler Capital & Finance Corporation, President of Ahlstrom Capital, and head of the project finance team at Union Bank of California.
He is a former member of the advisory board to the Institute for Infrastructure Finance and holds a B.A. with honors from Claremont McKenna College. He is the proud father of five daughters and is a member of the board of directors to the National Parents Organization.
HENRY KYANDA
Managing Director
Henry Kyanda
Managing Director
Henry has over 18 years’ experience in pension fund administration and investment management. Prior to joining Everstrong, Henry was CEO and Trust Secretary of Kenya Power Pension Fund (KPPF), one of the leading occupational pension Funds in Kenya, and was responsible for strategic management; benefits administration; investment, financial and risk management; and portfolio management of diverse assets of the Pension Fund.
Henry was team leader in the origination and execution of several real asset investments including leading KPPF to becoming the region’s first pension fund to make commitments to a PE Fund and to invest in energy infrastructure assets. Henry has served on the Advisory Boards of various private equity (PE) funds that have an East African focus and served on the boards of KPPF’s investee companies, including two electricity generation companies. Henry has over 10 years of portfolio management experience and was instrumental in developing KPPF’s alternative investment management function.
Prior to KPPF, Henry was with Co-optrust Investment Services one of the largest asset management firms in Kenya, where he gained experience in investment analysis and portfolio management.
Henry graduated with a Bachelor of Science in International Business Administration and an MBA, both from the United States International University – Africa (Nairobi). He is a Certified Investment and Financial Analyst (Kenya) and a Certified Pension Fund Trustee (Kenya).
Henry Kyanda
Managing Director
Henry has over 18 years’ experience in pension fund administration and investment management. Prior to joining Everstrong, Henry was CEO and Trust Secretary of Kenya Power Pension Fund (KPPF), one of the leading occupational pension Funds in Kenya, and was responsible for strategic management; benefits administration; investment, financial and risk management; and portfolio management of diverse assets of the Pension Fund.
Henry was team leader in the origination and execution of several real asset investments including leading KPPF to becoming the region’s first pension fund to make commitments to a PE Fund and to invest in energy infrastructure assets. Henry has served on the Advisory Boards of various private equity (PE) funds that have an East African focus and served on the boards of KPPF’s investee companies, including two electricity generation companies. Henry has over 10 years of portfolio management experience and was instrumental in developing KPPF’s alternative investment management function.
Prior to KPPF, Henry was with Co-optrust Investment Services one of the largest asset management firms in Kenya, where he gained experience in investment analysis and portfolio management.
Henry graduated with a Bachelor of Science in International Business Administration and an MBA, both from the United States International University – Africa (Nairobi). He is a Certified Investment and Financial Analyst (Kenya) and a Certified Pension Fund Trustee (Kenya).
MANDLA SIBANDA
Member, EKIF Investment Committee
Mandla Sibanda
Member, EKIF Investment Committee
Mr. Sibanda has over 16 years of global experience in private equity and corporate finance. He is a non-executive director of the Invest in Africa Holdings Group (IAH), an investment holding company focused on African infrastructure with an emphasis on the power sector. He is a seasoned African investment specialist. Before IAH, he was the head of Corporate Finance at Econet Wireless International where he was responsible for mergers and acquisitions as well as equipment finance. At Econet, he spearheaded the acquisition, expansion, and sale of several networks including those in Burundi, Lesotho, and New Zealand. Before joining Econet, Mr. Sibanda was a partner at Gallium, a pan African Investment Company. While there, Mandla managed transactions in Southern and East Africa in the telecoms and transport sectors.
He was also an investment analyst at AIG Global Investment in New York, where he helped set up the AIG Africa Infrastructure Fund, and an associate in the emerging markets division of JP Morgan, where he traded government bonds.
Mr. Sibanda earned an MBA from New York University and a Masters in Materials Engineering from the University of Cape Town. He also holds a Bachelor’s in Metallurgical Engineering and is currently studying towards a Doctorate in Materials Science at the University of Cambridge.
FAHIMA ZEIN
Member, EKIF Investment Committee
Fahima Zein
Member, EKIF Investment Committee
Fahima has over 25 years experience in Investment Management with her last position being Chief Investment Officer at GenAfrica Asset Managers, one of the largest Asset Managers in the region. At GenAfrica, Fahima managed key client assets worth over Kshs 100 billion and oversaw the investment management, dealing, research and business development functions. Prior to this, Fahima also held the roles of Head of Operations and Investment Manager. She also sat on the Board of GenAfrica and was instrumental in growing the business both locally and regionally. Prior to joining GenAfrica, Fahima worked with the Trustee and Investment Services arm of Kenya Commercial Bank.
Additionally she was a founding member and first Vice President of the CFA Society of East Africa and also sat on the Capital Markets Authority Steering Committee that developed the 10 year capital markets plan.
She holds an Honors Degree in Computing from the University of Greenwich, an Executive MBA from Strathmore Business School and earned her CFA Charter in 2006. Fahima is currently pursuing the Financial Risk Manager qualification offered by the Global Association of Risk Professionals in the US.
JOHN MAINGI
Investment Principal
John Maingi
Investment Principal
John Maingi is an experienced Energy and Infrastructure finance professional with over 7 years experience in arranging, structuring and advising on greenfield and brownfield project finance transactions in East Africa.
Prior to Everstrong, John had been with Standard Bank Africa where he was involved in executing project finance transactions in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia and South Sudan as well as international transactions with in-bound capital into East Africa. Sectors of expertise span across power (private sector-led generation, transmission, distribution); infrastructure (roads, railways, ports, airports); oil and gas (Advisory to private and government parties on pipelines and storage terminals); and mining (advisory to private sector).
John is a Chartered Accountant (FCCA) and holds a Bcomm (Hons) Finance Degree from Strathmore University as well as a Bsc in Applied Accounting from Oxford Brookes University.
John joined Everstrong in our Nairobi office to focus on origination, assessment and management of investments for the Everstrong Kenya Infrastructure Fund.
John Maingi
Investment Principal
John Maingi is an experienced Energy and Infrastructure finance professional with over 7 years experience in arranging, structuring and advising on greenfield and brownfield project finance transactions in East Africa.
Prior to Everstrong, John had been with Standard Bank Africa where he was involved in executing project finance transactions in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia and South Sudan as well as international transactions with in-bound capital into East Africa. Sectors of expertise span across power (private sector-led generation, transmission, distribution); infrastructure (roads, railways, ports, airports); oil and gas (Advisory to private and government parties on pipelines and storage terminals); and mining (advisory to private sector).
John is a Chartered Accountant (FCCA) and holds a Bcomm (Hons) Finance Degree from Strathmore University as well as a Bsc in Applied Accounting from Oxford Brookes University.
John joined Everstrong in our Nairobi office to focus on origination, assessment and management of investments for the Everstrong Kenya Infrastructure Fund.
GERALDINE MICHALIK
Director
Geraldine Michalik
Director
Geraldine A. Michalik has over 30 years experience in asset management and financial planning. She has extensive compliance and operations experience in launching hedge funds and managing investment advisory infrastructure, including credit research, investor relations, marketing, treasury/finance, and fund management. At Exxon-Mobil her experience was concentrated in the transportation and energy sectors. At Ryan Labs Asset Management and Coltec Industries, she was a Portfolio Manager and Director of Credit Research.
Geraldine has obtained a PhD in Financial Management, with emphasis in Corporate Development; Pacific Western University (California Miramar); an MBA in International Business and Economics, New York University; and a BA, Cum Laude (Economics), Honors Program, Saint Peter’s University, with her junior year abroad at the University of Stockholm, Sweden. Licensed in Series 7, 63 & 66.
PUMLA MATHE
Investor Relations
Pumla Mathe
Investor Relations
Pumla Mathe has over 9 years experience in professional and financial services. Pumla worked in the Corporate Wealth space for a leading Investment Bank in South Africa. She later worked in the Private Bank space, with focus on High-Net Worth (HNW) qualified Chartered Accountants employed at KPMG and Ernst & Young. She then worked for a leading Insurance Group, where she managed P&L targets and management of the Joint Venture/Partnership business with large-scale retail businesses.
Prior to Everstrong, Pumla was part of a Management Consulting firm, dealing with business process improvements and application of global best practices to support development of procurement at various government agencies. Pumla earned a B.Comm Economics at Rhodes University, a Postgraduate Diploma In Business Administration from Wits Business School, completed a Master’s Degree in Finance at University of Sussex, and in 2019 completed a Private Equity Programme at Oxford University.
Pumla Mathe
Investor Relations
Pumla Mathe has over 9 years experience in professional and financial services. Pumla worked in the Corporate Wealth space for a leading Investment Bank in South Africa. She later worked in the Private Bank space, with focus on High-Net Worth (HNW) qualified Chartered Accountants employed at KPMG and Ernst & Young. She then worked for a leading Insurance Group, where she managed P&L targets and management of the Joint Venture/Partnership business with large-scale retail businesses.
Prior to Everstrong, Pumla was part of a Management Consulting firm, dealing with business process improvements and application of global best practices to support development of procurement at various government agencies. Pumla earned a B.Comm Economics at Rhodes University, a Postgraduate Diploma In Business Administration from Wits Business School, completed a Master’s Degree in Finance at University of Sussex, and in 2019 completed a Private Equity Programme at Oxford University.
NEEMA KAMAU
Associate
Neema Kamau
Associate
Neema Kamau recently completed her B.A in Finance at Gordon College, Massachusetts. She has interned at Bank of America Merrill Lynch as a Sales and Trading Analyst in 2019 and prior to doing so, worked as a Summer Intern at Everstrong Capital in Darien and Nairobi in 2018. During her time in College, she served as a Presidential Fellow and had the pleasure of working directly with her school’s CFO for a year. Neema is passionate about economic development in emerging markets. She joins Everstrong as an Associate in 2020.
PATRICIA WACHIRA
Investment Analyst
Patricia Wachira
Investment Analyst
Patricia Wachira is an Investments Analyst who is passionate about alternative investments in emerging markets. She was previously a Research Associate responsible for the deal origination and screening process for real estate projects, that includes detailed research, analysis, report-writing, financial modelling, valuation and investment recommendations. In this role, she gained experience in the residential, commercial office, retail, hospitality, listed real estate and affordable housing sectors in Kenya, Tanzania and Ghana.
Prior to joining Everstrong, Patricia was part of a Communications Consultancy where she was in charge of general operations, finance and business development. She earned her BSC in Actuarial Science from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology. Patricia is pursuing her MSC of Finance degree from the University of Nairobi and the CFA charter (Level II candidate).
Patricia Wachira
Investment Analyst
Patricia Wachira is an Investments Analyst who is passionate about alternative investments in emerging markets. She was previously a Research Associate responsible for the deal origination and screening process for real estate projects, that includes detailed research, analysis, report-writing, financial modelling, valuation and investment recommendations. In this role, she gained experience in the residential, commercial office, retail, hospitality, listed real estate and affordable housing sectors in Kenya, Tanzania and Ghana.
Prior to joining Everstrong, Patricia was part of a Communications Consultancy where she was in charge of general operations, finance and business development. She earned her BSC in Actuarial Science from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology. Patricia is pursuing her MSC of Finance degree from the University of Nairobi and the CFA charter (Level II candidate).
LAURIE P. ROBERTS
Compliance Advisor
Laurie P. Roberts
Compliance Advisor
Laurie is a securities and compliance expert with over 25 years of experience managing regulatory and risk management matters for broker-dealers and registered investment advisors. Laurie joined the Company in 2019 as Compliance Advisor. She is also President and Chief Executive Officer of Cheatham Roberts Consulting, Inc.
Prior to joining the Company, Laurie was Managing Director and Chief Compliance Officer of Civitas Capital Group and each of its operating divisions, including EB-5 Capital, Alternative Investments, Real Estate Development and Asset Management. Under Laurie’s stewardship, Civitas Capital created over 53 funds and increase in assets under management from under $100 Million to over $1.3 Billion, completing 47 real estate projects with investors located in 30 countries.
Prior to joining Civitas Capital, Laurie was President of USA Mutuals and USA Mutuals Advisors, Inc. In that capacity, she directed all operations of the trust through US Bank Fund Services and the advisor, including oversight of the sub-advisor, sales and marketing, public relations, financial operations, portfolio management and compliance. Laurie also co-founded two broker-dealers where she acted as their Chief Compliance Officer.
Laurie holds FINRA Series Securities Industry Essentials (SIE), 7, 24, 27, 63 and 79 securities licenses. Laurie holds a Master of Science in Organizational Development from the University of Texas at Dallas and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Oklahoma State University.
CAROL NJUGUNA
Finance and Administrative Manager
Carol Njuguna
Finance and Administrative Manager
Carol Njuguna is a finance and administration professional with extensive experience in accounting and financial management including coordination of international audit and accounting assignments for companies in financial services, healthcare, education, manufacturing, service and consumer business.
She has previously held various positions within the Finance, Audit and Risk departments at various companies and has been largely involved in company as well as project audits and outsourced accounting services to various established and startup companies.
Carol is a qualified accountant also holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Information Technology from Strathmore University, Kenya, and is a member of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association.
Carol Njuguna
Finance and Administrative Manager
Carol Njuguna is a finance and administration professional with extensive experience in accounting and financial management including coordination of international audit and accounting assignments for companies in financial services, healthcare, education, manufacturing, service and consumer business.
She has previously held various positions within the Finance, Audit and Risk departments at various companies and has been largely involved in company as well as project audits and outsourced accounting services to various established and startup companies.
Carol is a qualified accountant also holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Information Technology from Strathmore University, Kenya, and is a member of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association.
SENIOR ADVISORS TO EVERSTRONG
SENIOR ADVISORS TO EVERSTRONG
AMB. KYLE MCCARTER
U.S. Ambassador to Kenya 2019-2021
Amb. Kyle McCarter
U.S. Ambassador to Kenya 2019-2021
Senior Advisor to Everstrong, Ambassador Kyle McCarter served as United States Ambassador to Kenya from 2019-2021. His role as Ambassador involved fostering and enhancing relationships between US and Kenyan government and the private sector, in efforts to bring self-sustenance to the Kenyan economy as part of the Aid to Trade initiative.
Mr. McCarter is a successful entrepreneur with 23 years experience in the manufacturing business. He created, grew and sold profitable companies. Since 1987, he and his wife Victoria, lived and worked in Tharaka Nithi, Kenya, where they built the Faith Medical Clinic, a K-8 school, and a children’s home for Each1Feed1, a Christian ministry that provides care and education for orphans and widows. He was endorsed by the Illinois Republican congressional delegation as having a “heightened insight into the governmental operations and other political, economic, and social realities of both Kenya and the larger region of East Africa.” His background in politics, government, and business make him uniquely qualified to appreciate, galvanise, and support Everstrong in efforts to develop and finance sustainable and impactful infrastructure in Africa.
Ambassador McCarter graduated from Oral Roberts University in 1984 with a degree in Accounting. He served as a member of the St. Clair County Board from 2000 to 2009, and served as Illinois State Senate from 2009-2019.
MILELE ENERGY
Everstrong Capital is sponsoring a $200m pan-Africa clean energy platform. Milele Energy invests in a diverse portfolio of equity investments into clean energy assets with long-term predictable cash flows. Milele’s focused sectors include grid-connected renewable power, transitional power and commercial and industrial (C&I) energy in Sub-Saharan Africa. Investments will include equity participation in development and operating assets.
For more information visit mileleenergy.com
MILELE ENERGY TEAM
ERIK GRANSKOG
Chief Executive Officer
Erik Granskog
Chief Executive Officer
Erik has over 20 years of experience in developing, structuring, financing, constructing and managing energy infrastructure investments worldwide. Most recently, Erik was Managing Director and Deal Execution Leader for Africa at GE Energy Financial Services. Erik led the team responsible for commercial origination, risk assessment and execution (underwriting, structuring, financing, closing and managing investment transactions) of new investment opportunities in support of GE equipment sales in Africa.
Prior to joining GE in Africa, Erik was Vice President – Commercial Management at Atlantic Power Corporation in Boston, where he was responsible for managing the company’s origination, underwriting, and execution of acquisitions, as well as for providing commercial support to the company’s portfolio of diverse power generation and transmission assets. Before that, Erik was a Senior Vice President at GE EFS where he led the Risk team charged with executing equity and debt investments in Global Growth Markets and then oversaw the development, financing, and construction of wind power projects in the US.
Prior to GE, Erik held various positions at CMS Energy for 11 years, focused on the development and financing of independent power projects globally, with a primary focus on Africa. Erik has also worked at the Overseas Private Investment Corporation and the Export-Import Bank of the United States. Erik graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Rhode Island and an MBA from American University (Washington, DC). He lives in Nairobi, Kenya with his wife and daughter.
JAY IRELAND
Executive Chairman
Jay Ireland
Executive Chairman
Jay Ireland is the former CEO of GE Africa (2011-18); established GE office in Nairobi and grew SSA team to over 5,000 (95% local hires).
He previously led GE Asset Management and NBC Universal Television.
Jay is a Board Member of MasterCard Foundation.
MICHELE VAN DER WESTHUIZEN
Senior VP, Development
Michele van der Westhuizen
Senior VP, Development
Michele van der Westhuizen recently joined Milele as SVP Development. Before joining Milele, Michele led GE Power’s Sub-Saharan Project Development team, which most recently co-led the development of the Bridge Power Project – an integrated Gas to Power, 400MW LPG fueled thermal project in Tema, Ghana. Michele has worked in the power industry for more than 20 years, beginning in private practice as a Project Finance and Development lawyer in Atlanta before joining GE Power in 1999 as an M&A lawyer. After various roles as a lawyer, she moved into the Project Development group where she worked on projects globally before moving back to Africa where she has worked on both Renewable and Gas to Power projects across the region.
Michele holds a Bachelor of Business Science degree from the University of Cape Town and a joint MBA and Juris Doctor from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.
KENNEDY KAYAKI
Analyst
Kennedy Kayaki
Analyst
Kennedy recently joined Milele Energy as an Analyst. Prior to Milele, Kennedy was part of Nomura Asset Management – Japan Strategic Value’s Equity research associate program where he was responsible for providing updates to sectors and industry coverage, initiating, and supporting findings with valuation methodologies: Asset reproduction value and constructed industry models from a proprietary framework to assess potential investments. He also supported with other key investment functions that were targeted – focused on unlocking value at business level, with an emphasis on quality and long-term investment themes.
Prior to Nomura, Kennedy was with Lazard’s Japan office as a summer analyst, helping conduct valuations and analysis on cross-boarder transactions and researching regional submarkets related to strategic value delivery.
Prior to Lazard, Kennedy was a private equity analyst at AAIC Africa Partners – a private equity firm focused on investing across whole of Africa and worked on both equity and debt financing transactions, contributing to due diligence process prior to transactions and developing presentations to general and limited partners.
He recently graduated with a MSc. in Finance from Waseda University’s school of Business.
OUR TEAM
Superior teamwork begins with superior team members. Collectively, the Everstrong team has worked on hundreds of projects and organized billions of dollars for specific projects and infrastructure funds. Our team members have extensive experience developing and financing infrastructure companies in Africa, the USA and Europe.
Our top-level relationships with leading global construction, engineering and development firms provide advanced project opportunities in electric power-generation, energy, storage, water, communications and transportation. These relationships also offer a differentiated source of opportunities and the ability to assemble infrastructure assets in a manner that minimizes investor risk.
PHILIP DYK
Managing Partner
Philip Dyk
Managing Partner
Philip Dyk has more than 30 years of financial advisory, banking and equity investment experience. Having spent his entire career in the infrastructure sector, in 2015, Mr. Dyk’s passion led him to start Everstrong Capital, to assemble and manage investments in energy, transport, communication and water infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Mr. Dyk is a founding partner of Alinda Capital Partners, one of the largest private infrastructure management firms. From 2006 to 2014, he served on the investment committees of Alinda’s funds and on the board of various portfolio companies, including a multi-state regulated gas utility, a multi-state parking company, a municipal lighting company and a company providing wastewater treatment under a 30 year concession. Mr. Dyk has over 20 years of portfolio management experience and was instrumental in setting up Alinda’s portfolio management function.
Prior to Alinda, Mr. Dyk was the Managing Director of Pacific Capital Resources and Atlantis Water Fund, Regional Vice President of Foster Wheeler Capital & Finance Corporation, President of Ahlstrom Capital, and head of the project finance team at Union Bank of California.
He is a former member of the advisory board to the Institute for Infrastructure Finance and holds a B.A. with honors from Claremont McKenna College. He is the proud father of five daughters and is a member of the board of directors to the National Parents Organization.
Philip Dyk
Managing Partner
Philip Dyk has more than 30 years of financial advisory, banking and equity investment experience. Having spent his entire career in the infrastructure sector, in 2015, Mr. Dyk’s passion led him to start Everstrong Capital, to assemble and manage investments in energy, transport, communication and water infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Mr. Dyk is a founding partner of Alinda Capital Partners, one of the largest private infrastructure management firms. From 2006 to 2014, he served on the investment committees of Alinda’s funds and on the board of various portfolio companies, including a multi-state regulated gas utility, a multi-state parking company, a municipal lighting company and a company providing wastewater treatment under a 30 year concession. Mr. Dyk has over 20 years of portfolio management experience and was instrumental in setting up Alinda’s portfolio management function.
Prior to Alinda, Mr. Dyk was the Managing Director of Pacific Capital Resources and Atlantis Water Fund, Regional Vice President of Foster Wheeler Capital & Finance Corporation, President of Ahlstrom Capital, and head of the project finance team at Union Bank of California.
He is a former member of the advisory board to the Institute for Infrastructure Finance and holds a B.A. with honors from Claremont McKenna College. He is the proud father of five daughters and is a member of the board of directors to the National Parents Organization.
HENRY KYANDA
Managing Director
Henry Kyanda
Managing Director
Henry has over 18 years’ experience in pension fund administration and investment management. Prior to joining Everstrong, Henry was CEO and Trust Secretary of Kenya Power Pension Fund (KPPF), one of the leading occupational pension Funds in Kenya, and was responsible for strategic management; benefits administration; investment, financial and risk management; and portfolio management of diverse assets of the Pension Fund.
Henry was team leader in the origination and execution of several real asset investments including leading KPPF to becoming the region’s first pension fund to make commitments to a PE Fund and to invest in energy infrastructure assets. Henry has served on the Advisory Boards of various private equity (PE) funds that have an East African focus and served on the boards of KPPF’s investee companies, including two electricity generation companies. Henry has over 10 years of portfolio management experience and was instrumental in developing KPPF’s alternative investment management function.
Prior to KPPF, Henry was with Co-optrust Investment Services one of the largest asset management firms in Kenya, where he gained experience in investment analysis and portfolio management.
Henry graduated with a Bachelor of Science in International Business Administration and an MBA, both from the United States International University – Africa (Nairobi). He is a Certified Investment and Financial Analyst (Kenya) and a Certified Pension Fund Trustee (Kenya).
Henry Kyanda
Managing Director
Henry has over 18 years’ experience in pension fund administration and investment management. Prior to joining Everstrong, Henry was CEO and Trust Secretary of Kenya Power Pension Fund (KPPF), one of the leading occupational pension Funds in Kenya, and was responsible for strategic management; benefits administration; investment, financial and risk management; and portfolio management of diverse assets of the Pension Fund.
Henry was team leader in the origination and execution of several real asset investments including leading KPPF to becoming the region’s first pension fund to make commitments to a PE Fund and to invest in energy infrastructure assets. Henry has served on the Advisory Boards of various private equity (PE) funds that have an East African focus and served on the boards of KPPF’s investee companies, including two electricity generation companies. Henry has over 10 years of portfolio management experience and was instrumental in developing KPPF’s alternative investment management function.
Prior to KPPF, Henry was with Co-optrust Investment Services one of the largest asset management firms in Kenya, where he gained experience in investment analysis and portfolio management.
Henry graduated with a Bachelor of Science in International Business Administration and an MBA, both from the United States International University – Africa (Nairobi). He is a Certified Investment and Financial Analyst (Kenya) and a Certified Pension Fund Trustee (Kenya).
MANDLA SIBANDA
Member, EKIF Investment Committee
Mandla Sibanda
Member, EKIF Investment Committee
Mr. Sibanda has over 16 years of global experience in private equity and corporate finance. He is a non-executive director of the Invest in Africa Holdings Group (IAH), an investment holding company focused on African infrastructure with an emphasis on the power sector. He is a seasoned African investment specialist. Before IAH, he was the head of Corporate Finance at Econet Wireless International where he was responsible for mergers and acquisitions as well as equipment finance. At Econet, he spearheaded the acquisition, expansion, and sale of several networks including those in Burundi, Lesotho, and New Zealand. Before joining Econet, Mr. Sibanda was a partner at Gallium, a pan African Investment Company. While there, Mandla managed transactions in Southern and East Africa in the telecoms and transport sectors.
He was also an investment analyst at AIG Global Investment in New York, where he helped set up the AIG Africa Infrastructure Fund, and an associate in the emerging markets division of JP Morgan, where he traded government bonds.
Mr. Sibanda earned an MBA from New York University and a Masters in Materials Engineering from the University of Cape Town. He also holds a Bachelor’s in Metallurgical Engineering and is currently studying towards a Doctorate in Materials Science at the University of Cambridge.
FAHIMA ZEIN
Member, EKIF Investment Committee
Fahima Zein
Member, EKIF Investment Committee
Fahima has over 25 years experience in Investment Management with her last position being Chief Investment Officer at GenAfrica Asset Managers, one of the largest Asset Managers in the region. At GenAfrica, Fahima managed key client assets worth over Kshs 100 billion and oversaw the investment management, dealing, research and business development functions. Prior to this, Fahima also held the roles of Head of Operations and Investment Manager. She also sat on the Board of GenAfrica and was instrumental in growing the business both locally and regionally. Prior to joining GenAfrica, Fahima worked with the Trustee and Investment Services arm of Kenya Commercial Bank.
Additionally she was a founding member and first Vice President of the CFA Society of East Africa and also sat on the Capital Markets Authority Steering Committee that developed the 10 year capital markets plan.
She holds an Honors Degree in Computing from the University of Greenwich, an Executive MBA from Strathmore Business School and earned her CFA Charter in 2006. Fahima is currently pursuing the Financial Risk Manager qualification offered by the Global Association of Risk Professionals in the US.
JOHN MAINGI
Investment Principal
John Maingi
Investment Principal
John Maingi is an experienced Energy and Infrastructure finance professional with over 7 years experience in arranging, structuring and advising on greenfield and brownfield project finance transactions in East Africa.
Prior to Everstrong, John had been with Standard Bank Africa where he was involved in executing project finance transactions in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia and South Sudan as well as international transactions with in-bound capital into East Africa. Sectors of expertise span across power (private sector-led generation, transmission, distribution); infrastructure (roads, railways, ports, airports); oil and gas (Advisory to private and government parties on pipelines and storage terminals); and mining (advisory to private sector).
John is a Chartered Accountant (FCCA) and holds a Bcomm (Hons) Finance Degree from Strathmore University as well as a Bsc in Applied Accounting from Oxford Brookes University.
John joined Everstrong in our Nairobi office to focus on origination, assessment and management of investments for the Everstrong Kenya Infrastructure Fund.
John Maingi
Investment Principal
John Maingi is an experienced Energy and Infrastructure finance professional with over 7 years experience in arranging, structuring and advising on greenfield and brownfield project finance transactions in East Africa.
Prior to Everstrong, John had been with Standard Bank Africa where he was involved in executing project finance transactions in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia and South Sudan as well as international transactions with in-bound capital into East Africa. Sectors of expertise span across power (private sector-led generation, transmission, distribution); infrastructure (roads, railways, ports, airports); oil and gas (Advisory to private and government parties on pipelines and storage terminals); and mining (advisory to private sector).
John is a Chartered Accountant (FCCA) and holds a Bcomm (Hons) Finance Degree from Strathmore University as well as a Bsc in Applied Accounting from Oxford Brookes University.
John joined Everstrong in our Nairobi office to focus on origination, assessment and management of investments for the Everstrong Kenya Infrastructure Fund.
GERALDINE MICHALIK
Director
Geraldine Michalik
Director
Geraldine A. Michalik has over 30 years experience in asset management and financial planning. She has extensive compliance and operations experience in launching hedge funds and managing investment advisory infrastructure, including credit research, investor relations, marketing, treasury/finance, and fund management. At Exxon-Mobil her experience was concentrated in the transportation and energy sectors. At Ryan Labs Asset Management and Coltec Industries, she was a Portfolio Manager and Director of Credit Research.
Geraldine has obtained a PhD in Financial Management, with emphasis in Corporate Development; Pacific Western University (California Miramar); an MBA in International Business and Economics, New York University; and a BA, Cum Laude (Economics), Honors Program, Saint Peter’s University, with her junior year abroad at the University of Stockholm, Sweden. Licensed in Series 7, 63 & 66.
PUMLA MATHE
Investor Relations
Pumla Mathe
Investor Relations
Pumla Mathe has over 9 years experience in professional and financial services. Pumla worked in the Corporate Wealth space for a leading Investment Bank in South Africa. She later worked in the Private Bank space, with focus on High-Net Worth (HNW) qualified Chartered Accountants employed at KPMG and Ernst & Young. She then worked for a leading Insurance Group, where she managed P&L targets and management of the Joint Venture/Partnership business with large-scale retail businesses.
Prior to Everstrong, Pumla was part of a Management Consulting firm, dealing with business process improvements and application of global best practices to support development of procurement at various government agencies. Pumla earned a B.Comm Economics at Rhodes University, a Postgraduate Diploma In Business Administration from Wits Business School, completed a Master’s Degree in Finance at University of Sussex, and in 2019 completed a Private Equity Programme at Oxford University.
Pumla Mathe
Investor Relations
Pumla Mathe has over 9 years experience in professional and financial services. Pumla worked in the Corporate Wealth space for a leading Investment Bank in South Africa. She later worked in the Private Bank space, with focus on High-Net Worth (HNW) qualified Chartered Accountants employed at KPMG and Ernst & Young. She then worked for a leading Insurance Group, where she managed P&L targets and management of the Joint Venture/Partnership business with large-scale retail businesses.
Prior to Everstrong, Pumla was part of a Management Consulting firm, dealing with business process improvements and application of global best practices to support development of procurement at various government agencies. Pumla earned a B.Comm Economics at Rhodes University, a Postgraduate Diploma In Business Administration from Wits Business School, completed a Master’s Degree in Finance at University of Sussex, and in 2019 completed a Private Equity Programme at Oxford University.
NEEMA KAMAU
Associate
Neema Kamau
Associate
Neema Kamau recently completed her B.A in Finance at Gordon College, Massachusetts. She has interned at Bank of America Merrill Lynch as a Sales and Trading Analyst in 2019 and prior to doing so, worked as a Summer Intern at Everstrong Capital in Darien and Nairobi in 2018. During her time in College, she served as a Presidential Fellow and had the pleasure of working directly with her school’s CFO for a year. Neema is passionate about economic development in emerging markets. She joins Everstrong as an Associate in 2020.
PATRICIA WACHIRA
Investment Analyst
Patricia Wachira
Investment Analyst
Patricia Wachira is an Investments Analyst who is passionate about alternative investments in emerging markets. She was previously a Research Associate responsible for the deal origination and screening process for real estate projects, that includes detailed research, analysis, report-writing, financial modelling, valuation and investment recommendations. In this role, she gained experience in the residential, commercial office, retail, hospitality, listed real estate and affordable housing sectors in Kenya, Tanzania and Ghana.
Prior to joining Everstrong, Patricia was part of a Communications Consultancy where she was in charge of general operations, finance and business development. She earned her BSC in Actuarial Science from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology. Patricia is pursuing her MSC of Finance degree from the University of Nairobi and the CFA charter (Level II candidate).
Patricia Wachira
Investment Analyst
Patricia Wachira is an Investments Analyst who is passionate about alternative investments in emerging markets. She was previously a Research Associate responsible for the deal origination and screening process for real estate projects, that includes detailed research, analysis, report-writing, financial modelling, valuation and investment recommendations. In this role, she gained experience in the residential, commercial office, retail, hospitality, listed real estate and affordable housing sectors in Kenya, Tanzania and Ghana.
Prior to joining Everstrong, Patricia was part of a Communications Consultancy where she was in charge of general operations, finance and business development. She earned her BSC in Actuarial Science from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology. Patricia is pursuing her MSC of Finance degree from the University of Nairobi and the CFA charter (Level II candidate).
LAURIE P. ROBERTS
Compliance Advisor
Laurie P. Roberts
Compliance Advisor
Laurie is a securities and compliance expert with over 25 years of experience managing regulatory and risk management matters for broker-dealers and registered investment advisors. Laurie joined the Company in 2019 as Compliance Advisor. She is also President and Chief Executive Officer of Cheatham Roberts Consulting, Inc.
Prior to joining the Company, Laurie was Managing Director and Chief Compliance Officer of Civitas Capital Group and each of its operating divisions, including EB-5 Capital, Alternative Investments, Real Estate Development and Asset Management. Under Laurie’s stewardship, Civitas Capital created over 53 funds and increase in assets under management from under $100 Million to over $1.3 Billion, completing 47 real estate projects with investors located in 30 countries.
Prior to joining Civitas Capital, Laurie was President of USA Mutuals and USA Mutuals Advisors, Inc. In that capacity, she directed all operations of the trust through US Bank Fund Services and the advisor, including oversight of the sub-advisor, sales and marketing, public relations, financial operations, portfolio management and compliance. Laurie also co-founded two broker-dealers where she acted as their Chief Compliance Officer.
Laurie holds FINRA Series Securities Industry Essentials (SIE), 7, 24, 27, 63 and 79 securities licenses. Laurie holds a Master of Science in Organizational Development from the University of Texas at Dallas and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Oklahoma State University.
CAROL NJUGUNA
Finance and Administrative Manager
Carol Njuguna
Finance and Administrative Manager
Carol Njuguna is a finance and administration professional with extensive experience in accounting and financial management including coordination of international audit and accounting assignments for companies in financial services, healthcare, education, manufacturing, service and consumer business.
She has previously held various positions within the Finance, Audit and Risk departments at various companies and has been largely involved in company as well as project audits and outsourced accounting services to various established and startup companies.
Carol is a qualified accountant also holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Information Technology from Strathmore University, Kenya, and is a member of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association.
SENIOR ADVISORS TO EVERSTRONG
SENIOR ADVISORS TO EVERSTRONG
AMB. KYLE MCCARTER
U.S. Ambassador to Kenya 2019-2021
Amb. Kyle McCarter
U.S. Ambassador to Kenya 2019‑2021
Senior Advisor to Everstrong, Ambassador Kyle McCarter served as United States Ambassador to Kenya from 2019‑2021. His role as Ambassador involved fostering and enhancing relationships between US and Kenyan government and the private sector, in efforts to bring self-sustenance to the Kenyan economy as part of the Aid to Trade initiative.
Mr. McCarter is a successful entrepreneur with 23 years experience in the manufacturing business. He created, grew and sold profitable companies. Since 1987, he and his wife Victoria, lived and worked in Tharaka Nithi, Kenya, where they built the Faith Medical Clinic, a K-8 school, and a children’s home for Each1Feed1, a Christian ministry that provides care and education for orphans and widows. He was endorsed by the Illinois Republican congressional delegation as having a “heightened insight into the governmental operations and other political, economic, and social realities of both Kenya and the larger region of East Africa.” His background in politics, government, and business make him uniquely qualified to appreciate, galvanise, and support Everstrong in efforts to develop and finance sustainable and impactful infrastructure in Africa.
Ambassador McCarter graduated from Oral Roberts University in 1984 with a degree in Accounting. He served as a member of the St. Clair County Board from 2000 to 2009, and served as Illinois State Senate from 2009-2019.
MILELE ENERGY
Everstrong Capital is sponsoring a $200m pan-Africa clean energy platform. Milele Energy invests in a diverse portfolio of equity investments into clean energy assets with long-term predictable cash flows. Milele’s focused sectors include grid-connected renewable power, transitional power and commercial and industrial (C&I) energy in Sub-Saharan Africa. Investments will include equity participation in development and operating assets.
For more information visit mileleenergy.com
MILELE ENERGY TEAM
ERIK GRANSKOG
Chief Executive Officer
Erik Granskog
Chief Executive Officer
Erik has over 20 years of experience in developing, structuring, financing, constructing and managing energy infrastructure investments worldwide. Most recently, Erik was Managing Director and Deal Execution Leader for Africa at GE Energy Financial Services. Erik led the team responsible for commercial origination, risk assessment and execution (underwriting, structuring, financing, closing and managing investment transactions) of new investment opportunities in support of GE equipment sales in Africa.
Prior to joining GE in Africa, Erik was Vice President – Commercial Management at Atlantic Power Corporation in Boston, where he was responsible for managing the company’s origination, underwriting, and execution of acquisitions, as well as for providing commercial support to the company’s portfolio of diverse power generation and transmission assets. Before that, Erik was a Senior Vice President at GE EFS where he led the Risk team charged with executing equity and debt investments in Global Growth Markets and then oversaw the development, financing, and construction of wind power projects in the US.
Prior to GE, Erik held various positions at CMS Energy for 11 years, focused on the development and financing of independent power projects globally, with a primary focus on Africa. Erik has also worked at the Overseas Private Investment Corporation and the Export-Import Bank of the United States. Erik graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Rhode Island and an MBA from American University (Washington, DC). He lives in Nairobi, Kenya with his wife and daughter.
JAY IRELAND
Executive Chairman
Jay Ireland
Executive Chairman
Jay Ireland is the former CEO of GE Africa (2011-18); established GE office in Nairobi and grew SSA team to over 5,000 (95% local hires).
He previously led GE Asset Management and NBC Universal Television.
Jay is a Board Member of MasterCard Foundation.
MICHELE VAN DER WESTHUIZEN
Senior VP, Development
Michele van der Westhuizen
Senior VP, Development
Michele van der Westhuizen recently joined Milele as SVP Development. Before joining Milele, Michele led GE Power’s Sub-Saharan Project Development team, which most recently co-led the development of the Bridge Power Project – an integrated Gas to Power, 400MW LPG fueled thermal project in Tema, Ghana. Michele has worked in the power industry for more than 20 years, beginning in private practice as a Project Finance and Development lawyer in Atlanta before joining GE Power in 1999 as an M&A lawyer. After various roles as a lawyer, she moved into the Project Development group where she worked on projects globally before moving back to Africa where she has worked on both Renewable and Gas to Power projects across the region.
Michele holds a Bachelor of Business Science degree from the University of Cape Town and a joint MBA and Juris Doctor from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.
KENNEDY KAYAKI
Analyst
Kennedy Kayaki
Analyst
Kennedy recently joined Milele Energy as an Analyst. Prior to Milele, Kennedy was part of Nomura Asset Management – Japan Strategic Value’s Equity research associate program where he was responsible for providing updates to sectors and industry coverage, initiating, and supporting findings with valuation methodologies: Asset reproduction value and constructed industry models from a proprietary framework to assess potential investments. He also supported with other key investment functions that were targeted – focused on unlocking value at business level, with an emphasis on quality and long-term investment themes.
Prior to Nomura, Kennedy was with Lazard’s Japan office as a summer analyst, helping conduct valuations and analysis on cross-boarder transactions and researching regional submarkets related to strategic value delivery.
Prior to Lazard, Kennedy was a private equity analyst at AAIC Africa Partners – a private equity firm focused on investing across whole of Africa and worked on both equity and debt financing transactions, contributing to due diligence process prior to transactions and developing presentations to general and limited partners.
He recently graduated with a MSc. in Finance from Waseda University’s school of Business.
In Everything We Do, We are Guided by an Unwavering Commitment to Integrity and Ethical Conduct.
CREATING VALUE THROUGH ASSET ASSEMBLY
Everstrong’s asset assembly process allows us to quickly prioritize the long list of potential opportunities available and focus efforts on using capital to tactically remove the barriers to initial or incremental revenue generation in assets.
RISK MANAGEMENT
Everstrong only invests in assets with clear line of site to revenue production. In addition to its singular focus on later stage development, Everstrong shares risk with its development partners while focusing on protected assets where Everstrong can achieve an exclusive interest.
UNIQUE TRANSACTIONS
These ingredients of our firm allow us to present a differentiated portfolio of middle market infrastructure assets that are neither subject to the type of bidding competition as is common with more mature assets or many of the risks common to typical infrastructure project development.
In Everything We Do, We are Guided by an Unwavering Commitment to Integrity and Ethical Conduct.
CREATING VALUE THROUGH ASSET ASSEMBLY
Everstrong’s asset assembly process allows us to quickly prioritize the long list of potential opportunities available and focus efforts on using capital to tactically remove the barriers to initial or incremental revenue generation in assets.
RISK MANAGEMENT
Everstrong only invests in assets with clear line of site to revenue production. In addition to its singular focus on later stage development, Everstrong shares risk with its development partners while focusing on protected assets where Everstrong can achieve an exclusive interest.
UNIQUE TRANSACTIONS
These ingredients of our firm allow us to present a differentiated portfolio of middle market infrastructure assets that are neither subject to the type of bidding competition as is common with more mature assets or many of the risks common to typical infrastructure project development.
IDENTIFYING, DEVELOPING AND MANAGING ATTRACTIVE INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES.
IDENTIFYING, DEVELOPING AND MANAGING ATTRACTIVE INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES.