Exiled: Dealmakers on a Desert Island

Oscar is a dealmaker at heart, whose career beginnings in 2008’s El Salvador paved the way for a role at the heart of industry. For Oscar, challenging conditions are nothing but an opportunity to learn, instilling a mindset of solutions-focused creativity. He’s driven by a passion to innovate, and his chosen guests are the perfect combination of pioneers to make the most of desert island life.

Today’s guest is Alise Porto, Senior Vice President Power & Sustainability at Switch, whose impressive journey through the tech and sustainability space is built on meaningful connections.

Our guest today is Dhruv Menon, CFO for Ampyr Solar Europe, an independent power producer focused on Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands. Dhruv's career includes work at Credit Suisse, HSBC, and White Oak. It will come as no surprise that his choices reflect a deep respect for those who demonstrate commercial drive and the ability to build businesses from the ground up.

Today’s guest is Fahad Afolabi, Senior Vice President of Project Finance at Arevon. After a globe-trotting childhood between Nigeria and the US, and an early fascination with aviation, Fahad found his calling in renewable energy. He now helps oversee more than 5.5 GW of solar and storage projects across 17 states, powering communities and championing teamwork at every turn.

In this special edition, we caught up with two former Global Heads of Export Finance: Michiel de Vries and Francesca Beomonte. As well their respective 'Exiles', we took the opportunity to hear their reflections on a career in export finance. 

James Lowrey is a well-known name in the commodity trade finance world, with over 30 years’ experience across the sector. He’s worked internationally, living and working in eight different countries in the past two decades, before launching his own consultancy focused on trade, finance, strategy, risk management, and commodities.

Today’s Exile is Madiha Aslam, Director and Head of Structured Finance At Innovo Group. Madiha admires people who forge their own path, drawing on their experience without being restricted by what’s gone before.

Today’s Exile is Federico Fische, President at Alternative and Sustainable Energy Inc. For Federico, learning is key. He may have switched his career three times, but he won’t be leaving the world of sustainable energy for some time, as he continues to learn something new every day.