EMPEA, a global industry association for private capital in emerging markets, has appointed André Roux to serve as a Senior Advisor to the organization and Chair of its Africa Council.

EMPEA’s Africa Council represents one of its longest-running leadership Councils and was previously chaired by Henri Obi, Chief Operating Officer of Helios Investment Partners.

Roux previously served on EMPEA’s Board of Directors from the association’s inception in 2004 to December 31, 2013 and was a Founding Member representing the South Africa-based firm Ethos Private Equity.

Commenting on his appointment, Roux said: “For over a decade, EMPEA has played a pivotal role in fostering a vibrant, well-informed private equity industry across emerging markets. I am immensely proud to have been associated with EMPEA since its formation and am privileged to now take up the Chair of EMPEA’s Africa Council, together with the role of Senior Advisor. I’m looking forward to working closely with Robert and his team and anticipate many more years of productive partnership.”

Roux is the Founding Partner of Ethos, having established the business in 1984.

He is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of South African private equity and held the post of Chief Executive since Ethos’ inception to December 31, 2013.

Prior to the establishment of Ethos, he held the position of Chief Executive of FirstCorp Capital Investors and FirstCorp Merchant Bank.

He has served on the boards of several portfolio companies associated with the various investment funds advised by Ethos.

Robert van Zwieten, EMPEA’s President and CEO, said: “André’s dedication to fostering private capital investment in Africa is well-known in the industry and the EMPEA community. As the organization stands at the forefront of the sustained wave of investor interest in the continent and serves the need for deeper intelligence about the diverse markets and sectors it covers, we are honored to have his continued guidance and leadership in EMPEA’s efforts."

“Henry Obi admirably stewarded the Africa Council, taking on one of EMPEA’s first regional leadership bodies and active member-to-member discussion forums. We are tremendously grateful for his service and look forward to his on-going involvement in the Africa Council and association,” Van Zwieten added.
EMPEA currently serves approximately 340 member firms representing over $1trn in assets under management.

The organization’s membership, including fund managers, institutional investors and other industry stakeholders, share the belief that private equity investment in emerging markets can generate attractive returns to investors while creating significant value for companies, economies and communities.