Operational Management Team
Plena’s investment team and operational management have strong track records. Managers of operational investments are hand-picked after a rigorous selection process to execute fast and efficient implementation of agreed strategies. Where possible, Plena forms long term relationships with managers who take on other assignments after concluding turnarounds.
Mohamed Alraies (CEO) Delta Sand Bricks and Egypt Lime
EGYPT
Prior to joining Delta Sand Bricks and Egypt lime Industries, Mr. Alraies had a successful managerial career at Seedplast where he managed the company’s international business in Northern Africa and South Europe. Prior to Seedplast, Mr. Alraies lead a project team through a successful venture for construction material and residential development in Angola, where he had to negotiate with high ranking governmental officials. Mr. Alraies is a mechanical engineer from MTC.
Dr. Nikolay Kolev (Managing Director) Ognyanovo-K
BULGARIA
Prior to joining Ognyanovo-K, he was the General Manager of Ytong Bulgaria (AAC producer). During this period he increased Ytong Bulgaria’s market share from 2% to 25% and made it the most profitable Eastern European operation in the Ytong Group. He has over the last 8 years, as Managing Director of Ognyanovo-K, created a successful and profitable company that is now the clear market leader in lime and limestone in Bulgaria. Dr. Kolev received a M.Sc. degree and a PhD in Economics from Sofia University.
Tomas Lundstrom (General Manager) Nefertiti Real Estate
SWEDEN
Prior to joining Sjoborg Fastigheter/Nefertiti Real Estate, Mr. Lundstrom was a manager at another real estate company in the region. He joined Sjoborg Fastigheter/Nefertiti as General Manager in 2005. Mr. Lundstrom is managing both the current residential and commercial property portfolio and new residential construction projects. He has recently concluded a 12 million Euro project and the company is about to start another large green field residential construction project during 2010.
Emanuel Papadakis (General Manager) Thrakon and Ytong
GREECE
Prior to joining Plena, Mr. Papadakis was a manager at Ubrach Hacker Chartered Accountants, where he was managing teams for due diligence and negotiations for clients. He joined Plena as Financial analysts in London but quickly showed interest in operations. He led project teams for operation projects and later became assistant General Manager for Ytong and Thrakon Greece, where today he is now the General Manager. Mr. Papadakis has a BAc from University of Dundee (Scotland) and is ACCA accredited.
Amer Sabic (Director) Xylon Corporation
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Mr. Sabic joined Xylon in early 2007 as Head of Production with the assignment to completely overhaul the existing production process and tracking of materials. Promoted to Company Director in 2008, Mr. Sabic still oversees the company’s production but focuses on product and production processing development and international sales development to reach the company’s growth targets. Mr. Sabic is a mechanical engineer from the University of Sarajevo specialization in Wood Processing.
Stanimir Uzunov (General Manager) Thrakon Bulgaria
BULGARIA
Mr. Uzunov joined Thrakon Bulgaria in mid 2008 as Sales Manager to expand the group’s sales of building materials in Bulgaria. In July 2009 Mr. Uzunov was promoted to General Manager of Thrakon Bulgaria and is today running a trading operation of some 10 people. Prior to joining Thrakon Bulgaria, Mr. Uzunov was a successful Sales Manager of Maxit Bulgaria and was therefore perfectly placed to take charge of the new venture. Mr. Uzunov has a MD degree in English Philology from Plovdiv University.
Bangsuo Xia (Chairman) Zhongying Investment and Guarantee Co.
CHINA
Mr. Xia was previously General Manager for New China Life Insurance (for Anhui Province). The Insurance company is one of the 4 largest in China. After successfully running Anhui Province division, Mr. Xia was asked to join New China Life Insurance’s main management board in Beijing, where he led new ventures in financial institution. Mr. Xia has now created a small financial institution called Zhongying Investment and Guarantee Company, where Plena is the largest shareholder and together with Mr. Xia look forward to growing this operation.