David oversees the Africa portfolio of TWFA, based at the regional headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. This includes development of technical strategy, overall portfolio management, and regional expansion.
He has a long-standing background in private sector development and value-chain market facilitation, and is the principal contact in the region for all TWFA-related efforts.
“To lead The Wood Foundation’s Africa portfolio of investment is a very exciting opportunity. We are a small but commercially oriented team, and the private sector nature of the Foundation allows us to strive for innovation while remaining honest to our core philanthropic principle – investment, trade, and jobs as the means to poverty alleviation.”
Brownfield Division
John serves as the Chief Executive Officer for EATI, bringing with him decades of commercial tea experience in East Africa. The company holds majority stake in Mulindi and Shagasha tea factories, where John oversees all operations including the senior field and factory management teams of both businesses.
Patrick has worked in a senior finance capacity in the tea sector for several years. As CFO, Patrick is responsible for all financial matters related to Mulindi and Shagasha tea factories. This includes overseeing finance staff, ensuring statutory compliance, and preparing management accounts, budgets and audit files. Patrick also serves as Company Secretary for Mulindi and Shagasha.
Mathew is based in Southern Tanzania in Njombe where he oversees roll-out and execution of Chai portfolio investments on the ground. Mathew also provides operational backstopping to the Njombe Outgrowers Services Company (NOSC), and coordinates relationships with partners and stakeholders in the field. He has a professional background in tea field and factory management.
Filbert has significant experience in managing field operations in the tea sector and smallholder tea development. He currently serves as General Manager of the Njombe Outgrowers Services Company (NOSC), where he is responsible for all operational, financial, and administrative matters associated with the Services Company.
Etienne has expertise in tea and coffee growing in East Africa, as well as having a background with certification and sustainability matters. He currently serves as overall Operations Director for the Nyraguru greenfield development in South Eastern Rwanda.
Strategy and Social Investment
Finance, HR and Administration
Halima coordinates the finance, administrative and logistics functions for TWFA based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Her role includes supporting the set-up of new investment vehicles in Tanzania and aiding in compliance with statutory requirements.
Jennifer provides financial and administrative support to the TWFA Rwanda’s office, assisting in its day to day operations. She is the contact for in-country logistical support and assists in contracting and mobilization processes for staff and consultants.