Chief Executive Officer

Millar Cameron are delighted to be supporting British International Investments (BII) to recruit a CEO for Gridworks Development Partners, its successful Africa focused power infrastructure investment and development platform.

Location London Ref A002406

Gridworks Development Partners LLP (Gridworks) is a Transmission & Distribution(T&D) and Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) platform formed, wholly owned, andsupported by British International Investment (BII), the UK Government's developmentfinance institution and impact investor. BII has been investing to create more productive,sustainable and inclusive economies in Africa, Asia and the Carribean over 70 years and hasassets worth over £8 billion. Established in 2019 to address a chronic under-investment in critical energy infrastructure on the Continent, Gridworks is a pioneering developer, investor, owner and operator of T&D and DRE assets across Africa.

About the role

The CEO will be responsible for all aspects of the next stage in Gridworks' evolution, including accelerating its growth and building a long-term sustainable platform that is recognised as the leader in its field. The CEO will direct business development, investment execution, fundraising, risk management and organisational development. Furthermore, they will lead the business as its current pipeline of investment projects reaches financial close and moves into construction and operation. As the business scales and creates more investment opportunities, the CEO will play the principal role in raising additional capital from concessional and commercialsources.The CEO will be the primary spokesperson for Gridworks and will lead its management in delivering the business plan whilst ensuring the core values of the organisation are aligned with those of its shareholders.

Key dimensions of the role

• Leading the refinement, enhancement and implementation of the business strategyand plan
• Driving the overall growth of the organisation, including achievinginvestment targets and development impact goals
• Actively developing and maintaining strategic relationships in the African utilitysector and international investment community
• Managing interactions with key stakeholders including the managingshareholder (BII), strategic partners, governments, and regulators
• Actively promoting and developing the brand and reputation of Gridworks in itstarget markets, including positioning Gridworks as the preferred partner for T&Dand DRE investments in Africa
• Leading a high calibre, highly collaborative team of investment, development and technical professionals, ensuring their career and professional development

Skills and experience

• Demonstrable experience at a C-suite level and of formulating and executingstrategies within limited budgets
• Deep knowledge and business understanding of emerging markets infrastructure investment, ideally in the power industry
• A proven track record of having raised capital from international concessional sources as well as commercial entities
• Demonstrable commercial acumen and negotiating skills, including in projectorigination, development, and operations. Exit experience would be a bonus
• Exposure to complex global organisations and multiple locations with the ability toprioritise time, resources and initiatives effectively
• Understanding of the reputational and stakeholder management issues inherentin dealing with governments, media, trade unions, civil society, etc.
• Demonstrable knowledge and expertise in infrastructure financing and management,and asset portfolio management
• A strong, established network of contacts across the power value chain, ideally inAfrica, although experience in broader emerging markets is also relevant
• Diplomatic and statesman-like personality, with excellent communication skillsand high levels of credibility and personal integrity. A natural networkerand relationship builder, comfortable presenting at the highest levels
• Tactful and empathetic people manager and leader with an agile, determinedand tenacious personality well suited to dealing with the challenges of emergingmarkets

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Millar Cameron, we are dedicated to supporting our Clients in building and supporting diverse and inclusive workplaces and culture, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Since 2007 Millar Cameron has specialised in sourcing leadership and keyperson talent across a number of industries, including agribusiness, international development, industrial, consumer, financial and professional services, private equity, and technology, media and telecommunications. Our mission and purpose is to positively contribute to the development of Africa, and other emerging markets, through the provision of people.

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