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Phatisa hires new partner

Robert-Jan van Ogtrop has had operational experience at Remy Cointreau and is an advocate of circular economies, experience which Phatisa said make him good match for the African firm.

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African private equity firm Phatisa has hired former industrial partner at global private equity firm CVC Capital, Robert-Jan van Ogtrop, as a senior partner.

Phatisa chairman Valentine Chitalu said van Ogtrop’s experience in Europe and Africa would help him provide a pivotal role in guiding the portfolio team and bringing an international perspective to investment decision-making.

Van Ogtrop has been chief executive at Bols Royal Distilleries and Remy Cointreau. He founded the Dutch social enterprise Circle Economy, which promotes programmes such as buy-back schemes to create a less wasteful economy. He is also chairman at wildlife parks Africa Parks.

He will focus on nature conservation, sustainability and business development at Phatisa, which has invested in several vertically integrated agribusinesses through its $246 million African Agriculture Fund.

Co-investors into Phatisa portfolio companies include development finance institution CDC.