Upgrade Energy
Arthur obtained a Masters in Law at the University of Leuven, after which he completed his MSc. International business and finance with honours at Hult International Business school in London and New York. He is currently completing the CFA program. Having a background in sales, tech and finance, he heads up the Upgrade Energy Africa’s finance and investment team.
Emil matriculated at Hilton College and received his tertiary marketing qualifications through the IMM. He then established a knock-down pine furniture factory Megacor, which manufactured and exported flat pack furniture for global markets. He listed the company on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in 1997 and served on the Board. He entered the South African renewable energy space in 2008 and was a founding member of the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA). As a director of Belgian-headquartered Upgrade Energy Africa (Pty) Ltd he spearheaded the installation of the first commercial windfarm in South Africa at Coega near Port Elizabeth in time for the 2010 World Cup and remains at the forefront of pioneering extensive work in the African market.
Mel is a trained accountant who is passionate about marketing. He is a former CEO of Primedia @ Home, Founder/CEO EP Marketing, Founder/CEO Numedia and Founder/CEO Hola Moja. He has successfully launched several products and services into the African market. Primedia@Home operated in South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho Swaziland and Namibia. Mel successfully launched the Mauritius office with Checkers and Game as anchor clients. In 2012 Mel launched Moben Africa, a technology company in South Africa and took the offering to Botswana, Namibia,Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Kenya, Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Dubai.
Raf is a qualified lawyer with great entrepreneurial flair. He has set up businesses in trailer manufacturing, storage facilities building, energy efficiency and renewable energy. He has successfully launched the businesses in 12 countries and grew them into significant entities. He also ran and grew a family owned business for 16 years as CEO. Raf sits on the boards of several EU companies and their subsidiaries. In his youth, Raf was President of Law Student Organisation at KULeuven and President of Youth Christian Democratic Party.