Team
Aequissim provides independent and confidential advice; free from the conflicts of interest which are commonly raised by consulting with an integrated investment bank. Each partner at Aequissim has been directly involved in the value chain of various industries, and we are able to support our clients in a multitude of ways â from investments in renewables and innovative technologies, to high tech financial management, to the commercial launch of new activities, to market intelligence on wholesale markets.
Rie Sordo-De Cock
Founding Partner
Rie has over 35 years experience in international financial markets and has a passion for
innovation, specifically in energy, agrotech, fintech - and all that relates to Social
Responsibility and ESG.
A serial entrepreneur, Rie has built, led and co-led companies from start-up to exit in a variety of sectors as executive or member of the Board. Fluency in Dutch, French, German, Italian and English, combined with an extensive global network of financial and industrial contacts, allows Rie to excel at cross border business in Europe, Asia and Africa.
Rie has a Masters in Applied Economics from the K.U.L., Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, with a specialisation in Finance. Her financial career involved activities within the AIBD, the IBDB, NYSE, NASD and the CFTC. Former employers include EF Hutton, Refco, Société Générale, ICAP and Cedef. She is a FT Certified Non-Executive Director and currently acts as Independent NED for North Sea Wind C.V.
Outside of business, Rie is a font of knowledge about European food, wine, culture and a lot of useless things too!
+44 7767 708715 / +32 470 736737
r.sordo@aequissim.eu
A serial entrepreneur, Rie has built, led and co-led companies from start-up to exit in a variety of sectors as executive or member of the Board. Fluency in Dutch, French, German, Italian and English, combined with an extensive global network of financial and industrial contacts, allows Rie to excel at cross border business in Europe, Asia and Africa.
Rie has a Masters in Applied Economics from the K.U.L., Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, with a specialisation in Finance. Her financial career involved activities within the AIBD, the IBDB, NYSE, NASD and the CFTC. Former employers include EF Hutton, Refco, Société Générale, ICAP and Cedef. She is a FT Certified Non-Executive Director and currently acts as Independent NED for North Sea Wind C.V.
Outside of business, Rie is a font of knowledge about European food, wine, culture and a lot of useless things too!
+44 7767 708715 / +32 470 736737
Dominic Hicks
Partner
Dominic has an entrepreneurial background with 30+ years of experience in business
development and fund raising internationally.
Dominic has set up and run businesses, and consulted in the real estate and energy sectors, where he has used his ability to establish, nurture and manage relationships across different cultures and geographies. He began his career in property, where he established and sold a portfolio of property in Central London. He turned his attention to clean and green tech, and after setting up and selling his interests in an LED lighting company, he has worked with companies to fund and manage development in waste to energy, solar PV, gas peaking plants, and other technologies.
Dominic has recently joined Rie at Aequissim as a Partner and Executive Director to manage the UK operations and further strengthen the international team . He takes a strong interest in environmental matters and is a trustee of a small nature conservation charity in East Sussex.
He has an honours degree from De Montfort University Leicester and, surrounded by European linguists, restricts his languages to English only and doesnât talk about Brexit!
+44 7973 335449
d.hicks@aequissim.eu
Dominic has set up and run businesses, and consulted in the real estate and energy sectors, where he has used his ability to establish, nurture and manage relationships across different cultures and geographies. He began his career in property, where he established and sold a portfolio of property in Central London. He turned his attention to clean and green tech, and after setting up and selling his interests in an LED lighting company, he has worked with companies to fund and manage development in waste to energy, solar PV, gas peaking plants, and other technologies.
Dominic has recently joined Rie at Aequissim as a Partner and Executive Director to manage the UK operations and further strengthen the international team . He takes a strong interest in environmental matters and is a trustee of a small nature conservation charity in East Sussex.
He has an honours degree from De Montfort University Leicester and, surrounded by European linguists, restricts his languages to English only and doesnât talk about Brexit!
+44 7973 335449
Renzo Sordo
Renzo has over 50 years of experience in the food and hospitality sector. He began his career
in Italy, set up his first business in Belgium, and more recently was based in the UK.
His experience spans across hotels, cruises, restaurants, catering, and specialty food & wine retailers. As such, he is well placed to share holistic expertise across, as well as specific advice in, each of these areas. During the last 20 years, Renzo ran his own Italian fine food and wine business, Speck, in London. Throughout this time he worked with suppliers across Europe and catered to customers all over the UK and the discerning London based clientele from Mayfair, Holland Park/Notting Hill and the City of London.
Renzo has a profound understanding of how to build efficient supply chains, optimise procurement, popularise dishes, and build a strong and loyal customer base, all whilst keeping an eye on reducing waste and keeping clients, staff, and investors happy. Recently his focus has shifted to young start-ups in the food industry, looking to share some of the lessons he has learnt with those yet to realise their potential.
Renzo is fluent in Italian, French, English and Veneziano đ . He is without doubt Aequissimâs best wine connoisseur!
+44 7771 580770 / +32 471 848256
Renzo.sordo@aequissim.eu
His experience spans across hotels, cruises, restaurants, catering, and specialty food & wine retailers. As such, he is well placed to share holistic expertise across, as well as specific advice in, each of these areas. During the last 20 years, Renzo ran his own Italian fine food and wine business, Speck, in London. Throughout this time he worked with suppliers across Europe and catered to customers all over the UK and the discerning London based clientele from Mayfair, Holland Park/Notting Hill and the City of London.
Renzo has a profound understanding of how to build efficient supply chains, optimise procurement, popularise dishes, and build a strong and loyal customer base, all whilst keeping an eye on reducing waste and keeping clients, staff, and investors happy. Recently his focus has shifted to young start-ups in the food industry, looking to share some of the lessons he has learnt with those yet to realise their potential.
Renzo is fluent in Italian, French, English and Veneziano đ . He is without doubt Aequissimâs best wine connoisseur!
+44 7771 580770 / +32 471 848256
Paul Zenke
A banking graduate from the School of Frankfurt Finance and Management, Munich Study
Centre (Bankakademie Frankfurt, Standort Munich), Paul began his professional career at
Deutsche Bank AG and subsequently Dresdner Bank AS. After leaving the banking world
Paul worked several years as a Management Consultant advising clients in the energy and
private equity sector across several European countries.
Paul is an expert in corporate finance and has successfully led several M&A transactions. He excels in restructuring distressed companies and is certified by the German Institute for Applied Insolvency Law (DIAI e.V.) as Management Consultant.
Paul is fluent in German, English, Italian and lectures us all on German beer, Italian Grappa and Scottish Malts! He also thinks that he is a good golfer!
+49 1704 190051
p.zenke@aequissim.eu
Paul is an expert in corporate finance and has successfully led several M&A transactions. He excels in restructuring distressed companies and is certified by the German Institute for Applied Insolvency Law (DIAI e.V.) as Management Consultant.
Paul is fluent in German, English, Italian and lectures us all on German beer, Italian Grappa and Scottish Malts! He also thinks that he is a good golfer!
+49 1704 190051
Dirk Wouters
Dirk Wouters is an experienced energy professional. He has set up new commercial
processes for major European energy suppliers, served as a project manager within the
renewable energy sector, and managed sourcing teams in an energy consultancy company.
His entrepreneurial character results in creative problem solving and an out-of-the box way
of thinking.
Dirk co-launched EnergyMarketPrice, a technology company developing digital tools to enhance processes within energy suppliers, consultants in energy and industrial energy users. He has cultivated a robust network and has worked with, and for, major global telecoms, various venture capital funds, EDF, Summit Energy, Eneco Solar, E.ON and Uniper.
He has a Commercial Engineering Degree from the Solvay Business School at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Dirk is fluent in Dutch, French and English.
In short, Dirk is the cool guy with lots of ideas and solutions!
+32 478 557176
wouters@aequissim.eu
Dirk co-launched EnergyMarketPrice, a technology company developing digital tools to enhance processes within energy suppliers, consultants in energy and industrial energy users. He has cultivated a robust network and has worked with, and for, major global telecoms, various venture capital funds, EDF, Summit Energy, Eneco Solar, E.ON and Uniper.
He has a Commercial Engineering Degree from the Solvay Business School at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Dirk is fluent in Dutch, French and English.
In short, Dirk is the cool guy with lots of ideas and solutions!
+32 478 557176
John Williams
John Williams is a pre-construction, commercial, procurement and supply chain specialist in
global construction and property development within the commercial, retail, residential,
infrastructure/utilities and renewable energy sectors.
John was Head of Procurement and supply chain for many years for the Mace Group, a global construction delivery company, and then with Land Securities plc., the UKâs largest developer. He has a Degree in Quantity Surveying (Building) from the University of Nottingham Trent and is a Board member of the Chartered Building Companies and Chartered Building Consultancies (CBC) of the Chartered Institute of Building where he has FCIOB status.
His network of developers, consultants, and global funders, all benefitting from his business acumen, is invaluable to our team and especially to our clients.
As well as moving in the world of property John likes to make an impression with his dance moves!
+44 7748 961567
j.williams@aequissim.eu
John was Head of Procurement and supply chain for many years for the Mace Group, a global construction delivery company, and then with Land Securities plc., the UKâs largest developer. He has a Degree in Quantity Surveying (Building) from the University of Nottingham Trent and is a Board member of the Chartered Building Companies and Chartered Building Consultancies (CBC) of the Chartered Institute of Building where he has FCIOB status.
His network of developers, consultants, and global funders, all benefitting from his business acumen, is invaluable to our team and especially to our clients.
As well as moving in the world of property John likes to make an impression with his dance moves!
+44 7748 961567
Hayo de Feijter
An ambitious and entrepreneurial manager with a broad exposure to, and experience in, the
agro and renewable sector. Hayo builds businesses on sound foundations and thrives in a
fast-paced international and multicultural environment. He is a team player and a bridge
builder who has great pleasure in connecting people.
As an executive, Hayo understands the dynamics of working in an international and multicultural environment, his value-add is in the realisation and optimisation of the advantages of this global setting. He can rely on his broad international governmental network as well as a network in the agricultural and aviation sector. Hayo is passionate about contributing to a sustainable future for everyone.
Hayo has a degree in Crop Science from HAS Den Bosch, 's-Hertogenbosch and an MSc in General Management from Nyenrode Business University, Breukelen.
Hayo is fluent in English, Dutch and Mandarin and is passionate about Africa - and cashews!
+31 614 592316
H.deFeyter@aequissim.eu
As an executive, Hayo understands the dynamics of working in an international and multicultural environment, his value-add is in the realisation and optimisation of the advantages of this global setting. He can rely on his broad international governmental network as well as a network in the agricultural and aviation sector. Hayo is passionate about contributing to a sustainable future for everyone.
Hayo has a degree in Crop Science from HAS Den Bosch, 's-Hertogenbosch and an MSc in General Management from Nyenrode Business University, Breukelen.
Hayo is fluent in English, Dutch and Mandarin and is passionate about Africa - and cashews!
+31 614 592316
Advisory Board
The team is assisted by an Advisory Board which offers guidance and support at both corporate and transactional levels. The members are seasoned professionals who are well regarded in their respective fields, and have been selected on the basis of their extensive experience and thorough understanding of their industry.
GianPaolo Potsios
GianPaolo Potsios is a seasoned professional with more than 30 yearsâ experience in the
financial sector. He is directly involved in the investment management industry, specialising
in private equity and alternative energy assets. He is the Managing Partner of Timberland
Investments Resources Europe LLP, a privately owned investment management partnership
based in London with partners in the US. Timberland Investment Resources Europe LLP
focuses on the acquisition, management and sale of forestry, biomass and related assets
worldwide.
GianPaolo has spent most of his professional career with Citigroup. His latest responsibilities have included serving as Managing Director of the Financial Infrastructure Team for the EMEA region, and Head of the Japanese and Korean coverage desks at Citibank London. Prior to this he was located in Warsaw, where he worked as Corporate Bank Head, Member of the Board and Director of Citibank (Poland) S.A., with broad responsibilities for the whole Central European region. During his time with Citigroup he has held a variety of positions with different degrees of responsibility in New York, Atlanta, London, Geneva, Milan, and Rome.
+44 7771 793551
potsios@aequissim.eu
GianPaolo has spent most of his professional career with Citigroup. His latest responsibilities have included serving as Managing Director of the Financial Infrastructure Team for the EMEA region, and Head of the Japanese and Korean coverage desks at Citibank London. Prior to this he was located in Warsaw, where he worked as Corporate Bank Head, Member of the Board and Director of Citibank (Poland) S.A., with broad responsibilities for the whole Central European region. During his time with Citigroup he has held a variety of positions with different degrees of responsibility in New York, Atlanta, London, Geneva, Milan, and Rome.
+44 7771 793551
Elizabeth Merica
Liz is an international senior banker with widespread senior level experience in financial
markets and investment banking. She has an extensive network of contacts and
transactional experience across the globe, working with governments, supranationals,
corporates, and financial institutions on both sides of the balance sheet.
She has been a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Board of a Canadian owned UK bank whilst also chairing its audit committee, and spent nine years as a main board director of a regulated investment banking boutique specialised in cross border advisory, sourcing and arranging debt and equity finance. Liz has also held positions in senior management teams of major banks including Deutsche Bank, where she ran the derivatives business, and Rabobank International, where she ran the capital markets business. During her time at Rabobank International she oversaw the bankâs own funding and structured investment book, a responsibility she also took on with the Financial Institutions Group.
Liz graduated from the University of Manchester with a BSc in Management Sciences , and is fluent in English and French, loves good wine & cheese and Tudor, her Norwich Terrier.
merica@aequissim.eu
She has been a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Board of a Canadian owned UK bank whilst also chairing its audit committee, and spent nine years as a main board director of a regulated investment banking boutique specialised in cross border advisory, sourcing and arranging debt and equity finance. Liz has also held positions in senior management teams of major banks including Deutsche Bank, where she ran the derivatives business, and Rabobank International, where she ran the capital markets business. During her time at Rabobank International she oversaw the bankâs own funding and structured investment book, a responsibility she also took on with the Financial Institutions Group.
Liz graduated from the University of Manchester with a BSc in Management Sciences , and is fluent in English and French, loves good wine & cheese and Tudor, her Norwich Terrier.
Greg Paterson-Jones
Gregor Paterson-Jones is a Sustainable and Green Investment principal financier with 26
years of experience of investing. He oversees a consultancy business based in the UK that
assists private sector enterprises, project developers and SMEs navigate the world of public
funding, particularly in renewable energy, investment banking and asset management. His
business has worked with some of the worldâs largest and most recognisable brands across
the globe, while also having a passion for Green Fund innovation and development finance.
GPJ was previously Managing Director of the UK Green Investment Bank and CEO of SW Securities, a regulated clean energy finance firm in South Africa investing in renewable energy projects and energy access projects in emerging markets internationally, and responsible for the worldâs first listed Carbon Project Fund in 2005 in South Africa.
Gregor is a previous Investment Committee member of the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), and he is currently Chairman of the South Asian Energy Fund IC and sits on the UNCDF and North Macedonia Innovation Fund ICs. He is a previous Board member of the Middle East Association and a current Board member of the Bamboo Build Fund.
He speaks 3 languages fluently, a number of others badly, and is a fan of martial arts, opera and weak Dad jokes!
+44 7894 561232
greg.pj@gregorpatersonjones.com
GPJ was previously Managing Director of the UK Green Investment Bank and CEO of SW Securities, a regulated clean energy finance firm in South Africa investing in renewable energy projects and energy access projects in emerging markets internationally, and responsible for the worldâs first listed Carbon Project Fund in 2005 in South Africa.
Gregor is a previous Investment Committee member of the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), and he is currently Chairman of the South Asian Energy Fund IC and sits on the UNCDF and North Macedonia Innovation Fund ICs. He is a previous Board member of the Middle East Association and a current Board member of the Bamboo Build Fund.
He speaks 3 languages fluently, a number of others badly, and is a fan of martial arts, opera and weak Dad jokes!
+44 7894 561232
Peter Collins
Peter has collected an impressive 35 years of experience in the insurance sector. His
experience, knowledge, and network are enthralling and his advice on insurance solutions is
highly appreciated by financial investors and companies.
His analytical skills, high level of commercial awareness and a good understanding of financial systems make him a valuable asset to have on any company board. Peter has introduced a variety of insurance policies in the London Insurance market to the benefit of his clients while carrying out Investment Reviews and Insurance Audits to ensure their assets and liabilities remain protected. Currently he is involved as advisor on Special Projects and manages a portfolio of insurance requirements for a wide range of corporates, and excels in the creation and design of insurance solutions rather than using off-the-shelf policies.
Peter is the insurance market guru and the non-profit sector is supported by Peter, through his network, experience and know-how. He also supports a number of charities and has participated in fundraising events for their benefit.
Peter loves good food and wine, fast cars and...... good company.
+44 7894 561232
peter@aequissimrisksolutions.com
His analytical skills, high level of commercial awareness and a good understanding of financial systems make him a valuable asset to have on any company board. Peter has introduced a variety of insurance policies in the London Insurance market to the benefit of his clients while carrying out Investment Reviews and Insurance Audits to ensure their assets and liabilities remain protected. Currently he is involved as advisor on Special Projects and manages a portfolio of insurance requirements for a wide range of corporates, and excels in the creation and design of insurance solutions rather than using off-the-shelf policies.
Peter is the insurance market guru and the non-profit sector is supported by Peter, through his network, experience and know-how. He also supports a number of charities and has participated in fundraising events for their benefit.
Peter loves good food and wine, fast cars and...... good company.
+44 7894 561232