The Randstad, Netherlands
Throughout my 25+ year career, I have honed my skills as a tactical, analytical, and innovative senior Operations, Project and Program Manager. My expertise lies in delivering complex construction and engineering projects within budget, often in politically sensitive environments. I have extensive experience across sectors such as ICT/telecom, oil & gas, and construction, working with both private and (semi) government institutions. Building and maintaining strong collaborations with clients, internal and external stakeholders, government officials, and diverse groups of individuals has been a key aspect of my work. Leading multicultural teams of up to 30 members and providing coaching and project management training has allowed me to develop exceptional management, strategic planning, relationship management, and leadership skills. My consistent track record showcases my ability to complete projects within tight timelines, budgets, and quality standards. My career began at Bilfinger-Tebodin in Kyiv and Prague, where I worked in the construction and telecom department. Subsequently, I joined Nokia in 1999, where my project team played a pivotal role in the successful launch of the GSM infrastructure for T-Mobile. I continued to advance my career, undertaking various engineering, construction, and high-profile projects in the Netherlands, Germany, Nigeria, and Abu Dhabi. Before joining SLE Global, I held management and project management positions at esteemed organizations such as Shell, Huawei, and AGT International. Since 2019, I serve as the Development Director | COO of SLE Global. In this capacity, I am focused on real estate development, financing, and establishing a Veerhuis building materials factory in Ghana. My Education in short: Structural Engineering (MSc) from the Technical University of Eindhoven, Business Programs at TSM Business School, LSE and Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.
At SLE Global BV, I oversee the real estate development, as well as the overall operations. Our business approach involves offering innovative financing structures that address the challenges faced by developers and end-users when traditional financing options are either unavailable or unaffordable. We prioritize the development of holistic real estate projects that integrate renewable energy sources, efficient water management, and effective waste disposal and recycling systems. Our current primary focus is on creating student accommodations within these sustainable communities. In 2018, we initiated the groundwork for student accommodation developments in Ghana and Kenya, aiming to establish a distinguished and leading student community brand in Sub-Saharan Africa. To achieve this, we have established partnerships with educational organizations, universities, international architectural and engineering firms, water and solar energy specialists, contractors, suppliers, and financial specialists from the UK, the Netherlands, and Pan-African regions. Overall, SLE Global BV is dedicated to creating sustainable, integrated communities, with a focus on student accommodations, and we leverage partnerships and innovative financing to achieve our objectives.
SLE Student Accra is a 3,000-student bed accommodation development opportunity adjacent to the University of Ghana campus in Accra.
Founded a project management consultancy firm specializing in the telecom, engineering, and construction industries, providing high-level project management services for large-scale and socially complex projects. The consultancy offered strategic guidance and execution for government and private sector clients, leveraging industry best practices to deliver successful project outcomes while managing risks, resources, and stakeholder expectations across diverse sectors.
During this period, I was accountable for designing and developing an impact assessment method, handling system and ICT tools to process structural damage claims as a result of man-made induced earthquakes. I oversaw and coordinated the end to end project lifecycles for both initiatives including all aspects of testing and implementation to ensure earth tremor events were handled effectively. In addition, I managed and maintained collaborative relationships and effective engagement with key stakeholders.
As Project Manager, I oversaw and executed a major engineering initiative to improve the structures for 350 earthquake-threatened terraced houses in the region. I worked in collaboration with key stakeholders, residents and public figures, i.e. the local Mayors to understand concerns, recommend an appropriate solution and subsequently gain buy-in and approval to go ahead. In addition, I prepared comprehensive reports based on research and presented findings and recommendations at town hall meetings to ensure all residents understood the problems with their homes and the architectural structural solution. I also liaised with engineering and building contractors to ensure achievement of project timelines, quality standards and budgets.
I was accountable for specifying and building structural works as part of a business-critical ICT infrastructure improvement programme at a leading university medical centre with 13,000 staff and 1,000 beds. I oversaw the full end to end lifecycle of the structural works of the programme involving the design, procurement and implementation of indoor telecoms coverage and work terminal solutions ensuring both business and technology needs were addressed. I worked closely with key business leaders and senior managers to understand requirements, and in addition, I delivered significant improvements to ICT and construction outcomes through optimising benefits and aligning both units.
Founder and partner of ZeroTax Shopping, a tax refund service for non-EU residents shopping in the EU. Responsible for developing the concept, designing the web interface, and managing back-office, legal, and administrative processes.