Phatisa Group, a sector-specific African private equity fund manager, has appointed Robert-Jan van Ogtrop as Senior Partner.

Ogtrop is the former CEO of Bols Royal Distilleries and subsequently CEO of Remy Cointreau, prior to becoming an Industrial Partner at CVC Capital Partners.

He has since founded the social enterprise ‘Circle Economy’ with the singular aim of accelerating the global transition to sustainable circular economies.

In this regard, he is an active investor in a number of companies with the objective of facilitating their transformation into circular operational businesses.

Ogtrop is trying to combine his experience in the business world with his activities regarding nature conservation and business development in Africa and Europe.

As a Board member of the Wilderness Leadership School, Wilderness Foundation, BiD Network, the chairman of TBL Mirror Fund, African Parks, and as a founder of Foundation for Natural Leadership and Circle Economy, he practices what he has been preaching.

Commenting on his appointment, Ogtrop said: “Looking at my background and experience, Phatisa is a natural fit. I am very excited to start this new journey with such a positive and energized team.”

Valentine Chitalu, Chairman of Phatisa, added: “We are privileged to have an individual with such a depth of business experience, culminating in significant operating partner roles in European and African private equity, joining the Phatisa partnership. Robert-Jan will play a pivotal role in guiding our portfolio team and bringing international perspective to our investment decision-making.”

Phatisa currently has two funds under management, totaling more than $285m, focused on food and affordable housing.

Phatisa comprises a team of over 30 dedicated staff with more than 500 years of collective experience, and a solid track record of managing private equity funds and commercial businesses throughout the continent.