Board Of Directors

With a wealth of expertise spanning three decades, Henry Pitman is a seasoned entrepreneur renowned for his business acumen in both the UK and Africa. Presently serving as the Executive Chairman of OPTIMISM Health Group, he also holds the title of co-founder at African Century Group, a distinguished investment entity focused on the African continent. Henry’s impressive track record includes founding and helming Tribal Group plc as CEO, and contributing as a Non-Executive Director at Grainger plc. His multifaceted experience positions him as a key figure in the realms of health, investment, and corporate leadership, showcasing his enduring commitment to business excellence.

Brusk Korkmaz boasts two decades of experience in the construction industry, showcasing a rich professional journey. In 2008, he founded Hercules, a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit. Before this venture, Brusk held pivotal roles at distinguished firms such as MJ Gleeson, Black and Veatch, and Hochtief UK. His expertise extends across diverse civil engineering projects and labor supply, encompassing sectors like highways, rail, water industry, and utilities. As a member of the Institute of Civil Engineers, Brusk is well-versed in the intricacies of the field. His academic background includes a BEng Honours Degree from the prestigious University College London.

Paul Wheatcroft, with an impressive 25-year tenure as a Finance Director, has navigated diverse industry sectors including construction, building materials, energy, wholesale, and manufacturing. Joining in February 2020, he injects substantial business acumen into the team, with expertise in M&A, finance raising, and financial management. Notably, Paul served as Finance Director for three Hanson PLC subsidiaries for over 13 years and held the position of Group Finance Director at Ecotricity Group, a green energy company. Paul spearheaded financial, legal, HR, and IT matters. A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, Paul brings a wealth of strategic financial insight.

Ahmet Iplikci, currently serving as a strategic board member at Banco Finantia, a prominent Portuguese bank, and a partner at Noctua Partners Europe Limited, a multi-family office spanning Miami, New York, and London. His influence extends to advisory roles on the boards of the British Chamber of Commerce in Turkey, Fuel Ventures (a UK-based early-stage venture capital firm), and Privcorp Private Equity (focused on investments in Emerging and Frontier markets). Ahmet’s past roles include being a Senior Adviser to the Turkish Prime Minister’s Office Investment Agency from 2010 to 2014, and later, a Senior Adviser to the Kazakh Invest National Company JSC from 2018 to 2020.

Richard Kilner, a chartered civil engineer and member of the Institution of Civil Engineers, brings a wealth of experience to the table. Educated in South Africa, he holds a B.Sc. degree in civil engineering. Richard has expertise in property development, business process outsourcing, and healthcare. Notably, as a partner at 3i Group plc, he played a pivotal role in substantial investments across Asia, the USA, and Europe. Additionally, Richard served as a Non-Executive Director at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust for five years, including a term as acting Chairman. Currently, he holds the position of Non-Executive Director at AIM-listed Nexus Infrastructure plc.

Chartered Accountant Robin Stevens is the Head of Capital Markets at MHA MacIntyre Hudson LLP, a UK member of Baker Tilly International. Previously with Crowe UK LLP, Mazars LLP, and MRI Moores Rowland LLP, he brings extensive corporate finance expertise, spanning advisory, capital raising, buyouts, reconstructions, and pre-flotation planning. Stevens played a pivotal role in advising on acquisitions, disposals, IPOs, and secondary offerings globally. Currently, the Non-Executive Chairman role at AIM-listed Vector Capital plc, Non-Executive Director positions at Aura Renewable Acquisitions Plc on the Standard Segment of the Main Market in London, and Annica Holdings Limited listed on the Catalist Market of the Singapore Stock Exchange.