KYLLA - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Introduction Partner
- Managing Partner in Intekarta
Ade joined the Kylla team in January 2022 and combines an engineering background with finance. He began his career as head of engineering at a multinational company in Indonesia. His interest in finance then led him to the financial world as a banker at one of Indonesia's biggest banks. This has given him more than 12 years' experience in corporate finance and the investment industry, in specialist sectors such as healthcare, property, infrastructure, agriculture, fintech and financial markets.
As well as his banking activities, Ade is also a managing partner in Intekarta Consultant, a progressive boutique financial consultancy that has a deep understanding of Indonesian business conventions and strong relationships with regional business players, governments and the financial industry.
"For Me, Business Beyond Borders is about a world without boundaries or distance in which business reaches every corner of the world regardless of cultural differences and without bureaucracy getting in the way."
Alessandro is a seasoned management professional with a passion for investments and cross-border transactions. Italian by birth but having lived and pursued a career in various countries around the world within Southern Africa, the Middle East, the US and Europe, Alessandro focuses on commercial-related activities where his international exposure and expertise is seen by his investors and clients as an indispensable asset.
Alessandro's core business revolves around real estate, property development and investments. But over the course of his career, he has held senior managerial positions in multinational companies trading in aviation, medical and travel security as well as third party inspections and certifications.
In his previous life has been singing as a Tenor and this passion goes hand-in-hand with motorsports, outdoor activities, travel and cultural exchange. Alessandro also tries to combine a good work-life balance by pursuing his interests whenever possible.
Job Titles:
- Corporate Transactions Manager
As part of the Kylla family, Alexander loves to combine his experience in business and life to keep our clients more than satisfied - beyond borders! Outside work, Alexander continues to be involved in working for the wider good - as a representative on his local council. He charges his batteries by taking part in sport, including running, fitness and football. And he and his wife are raising two beautiful daughters to be the best they can be.
Anton van der Graaf , who joined Kylla in 2012 as a Partner to build on the firm's international expansion, holds an MSc in financial management from Business University Nyenrode, The Netherlands. His track record includes working as a sales director for Robeco Alternative Investments, in Switzerland, and managing structured products for MeesPierson Private clients. Subsequently, he developed a Dutch Desk for UHNWI clients of BNP Paribas in Geneva, Switzerland, and he repeated the trick with BNP Paribas Amsterdam to develop the UHNWI International Desk.
When he was younger, Anton played the violin at the Rotterdam Conservatory. Today, he's a triathlete, enjoys sailing and classic cars, and has a lower golf handicap than Dick - something he's very proud of. Anton wants to place on the record how lucky he feels to have a wife who knows how to juggle her career as a full-time doctor, a busy family life with their son and daughter, and a husband who refuses to work from 9 to 5.
"I see Business Beyond Borders as offering our clients out-of-the-box international solutions without limitations. Solutions that exceed their expectations based on a close entrepreneurial relationship that clearly adds value to our proven Corporate Transaction concepts."
Job Titles:
- Vice President Corporate Transactions
Johannes Hammerstein has a motto, "Think Positive & Be Different", that has been evident from the day he joined Kylla, back in 2006. Johannes is a highly motivated, dynamic, reliable, hard-working and enthusiastic professional who has managed liquid assets on the international financial markets, consulted and worked on successful corporate fundraising for international projects, and developed the best solutions for corporate structure questions. Today, he is responsible for Kylla's Corporate Funding and Corporate Structure activities, and he is also helping to launch Kylla's Private Equity Innovation Fund.
Before joining Kylla, Johannes studied economics and worked for Dominick & Dominick, Merrill Lynch & Co. and several German banks and insurance companies. When not working, he likes to run, climb mountains and hike. He's also big reader of books about the financial world - and crime thrillers.
Job Titles:
- Business Development Partner
- Electrical Engineer With an
Chandrakant Dwivedy is an Electrical Engineer with an MBA in Finance from India's prestigious KIIT University. Chandrakant ("Chandra") is responsible for evaluating new corporate transaction investments opportunities and is closely working with a number of Kylla's portfolio companies.
His eye for technology and finance, resulted in several private equity transaction with double digit returns.
Prior to joining Kylla, Chandra was Project Management Consultant with the Federal Government of India. He contributed to the execution of the "Make in India" campaign, positioning the country as a business friendly destination along with ease of doing business. In addition, Chandra was working in various roles from energy management systems auditing to relationship marketing in India's top tier Banks.
With Kylla, Chandra specialises in SME's and family owned companies in India and Southeast Asia that require customised and pragmatic solutions. He combines his technical background with financial knowledge, and a persistent enthusiasm and commitment to bring investment transactions to a success.
Job Titles:
- Accounting & Office Manager
Debbie supports the Kylla team in accounting and office management. With her Jack-of-all-trades mindset, gets a kick from managing a wide variety of tasks. She has over 10 years' experience in administrative work and at Kylla is looking forward to diving into the world of marketing as well.
Debbie describes herself as an "introverted extrovert" and loves the social side of work along with focusing on the task at hand. As the mother of two "mini-Debbie" daughters, she is used to juggling multiple roles, along with her partner, and is a natural multi-tasker. Away from work, Debbie loves visiting interesting places with their children, dancing from time to time, and wining and dining with friends.
co-founded Kylla in 2002 by combining his pioneering mid-90's experience as an internet entrepreneur with his time as a managing partner at incubator investor Apex Ventures. He led investments in, and served as a director, board member, and chair of numerous Kylla portfolio companies and clients, and he is a specialist in governance and corporate structuring through cross-border transactions. He wants to continue using his experience in assisting Board of Directors in building great companies and applying corporate governance across the board and management teams.
He studied commercial economics at the Avans University of Applied Sciences in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands, and Venture Capital Funding at the University of Cambridge. Currently, he is doing a Master's in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Bologna. In addition, he has been qualified as a Certified Board Member and has been the Chairman of the Dutch Corporate Finance Association.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Partner
- Ergis Sefa - Associate Partner
Fulya Kalafatoglu has worked in the financial industry for over twenty years, in particular in the tourism sector. After completing her studies in London, she obtained management, financial, development and investment experience on an international level in various roles in a number of outstanding companies. As Kylla's country manager in Turkey since 2002, Fulya has proved herself to be an important bridge between Turkey's entrepreneurs and Western European investors. Fulya has a proven transaction track record accumulated over many years, and her expertise includes negotiating skills, transaction sourcing, market knowledge and interpersonal power.
When not doing her best for Kylla clients, Fulya loves to do traditional Greek dancing and enjoy the vibrant city of Istanbul with her twin daughters and friends.
Job Titles:
- Investment Manager
- Gabriel Kekeh - Investment Manager
Gabriel Kekeh is heading Kylla's office in Paris, having been a associated with the firm since 2004.
He brings to the table a vast and profound experience in finance, with specialised expertise in financial controlling and analysis. His successful tenure as a financial advisor in the banking industry has also equipped him with an exceptional acumen for stock market investment strategies.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Gabriel is a passionate sports enthusiast, with a particular affinity for martial arts. He also cherishes convivial moments spent with friends and family, reflecting his belief in a balanced lifestyle.
Gaël, based in our Paris office, brings extensive expertise in retail banking, credit brokerage, and insurance, gained through a dynamic career with various banks across France and Africa. His profound understanding of the African market is attributed to the early stages of his career with a subsidiary of BNP Paribas. Over the last 14 years, he has honed his skills in financing for small businesses, SMEs, and diverse sector projects.
Academically accomplished, Gaël holds an MSc in Marketing, an MSc in Finance, and an MBA with a focus on Compliance and Risk.
Outside the office, he is an enthusiastic basketball aficionado, especially admiring Michael Jordan, and enjoys martial arts, music, and reading. His interests also encompass politics, economics, and cultural studies.
On a personal note, Gaël is happily married and the proud father of three children.
Jay heads Kylla's office in London. She began her career in debt and restructuring, after which she set up and ran a number of successful ventures in the hospitality and events industries for 10 years. In addition, Jay has sat on the board of directors of a number of companies whose focus was on achieving operational growth. This variety and shared business experiences enables her to empathise with and understand the challenges of fellow entrepreneurs.
Outside work, Jay is passionate about politics and environmental issues, entertaining, running and keeping fit.
As a Qualified Financial Adviser (QFA) with over 20 years of expertise in Legal practice, Corporate and Investment Finance. With Degrees in Law and Finance and a Masters in Entrepreneurship, Creativity, and Innovation from The University College Dublin, Joseph brings a unique blend of legal and financial knowledge to the world of financial consulting and entrepreneurship.
Throughout his career, he has provided invaluable financial guidance to individuals and corporations, navigating the complexities of the financial landscape with precision and insight. His commitment to excellence is underscored by continuous learning and staying abreast of the latest industry trends, ensuring that his clients receive advice that is not only sound but also innovative.
Joseph's educational background, coupled with years of practical experience as a Financial Adviser with Dolmen Stock Brokers ( Now Cantor Fitzgerald) and as a Senior Analyst with State Street Bank and Trust, Dublin Ireland, positions him as a trusted partner for clients seeking to optimize their investment strategies and achieve their business goals.
The journey of "business beyond borders" holds a special significance for me. It encapsulates the idea that in today's interconnected world, businesses must be prepared to transcend geographical boundaries to thrive. Whether it's navigating international regulations or seizing global opportunities, I believe in unlocking the potential of businesses by embracing a vision that extends beyond traditional borders. "Business beyond borders" signifies not just geographical expansion but also a mindset of adaptability, resilience, and a commitment to exploring new frontiers in the pursuit of success.
Nabila joined Kylla in October 2023. In her role as investment manager, she harnesses her financial expertise and communication skills to help rapidly growing companies connect with strategic international investment opportunities worldwide, with a specific emphasis on the Scandinavian countries and the Middle East.
Originally from Syria, Nabila brings a wealth of experience to Kylla Corporate Transactions. This includes 13 years in banking and financial management and an MSc in Economics and Business Administration from the University of Southern Denmark, obtained in 2021. This robust academic foundation, combined with her entrepreneurial experience, adds a unique and invaluable dimension to Kylla's approach to corporate transactions. Fluent in Arabic, proficient in English and conversational in Danish, Nabila has lived in Denmark since 2016.
Oleksii holds a BSc in Radio Physics and Electronics from Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute, and an MSc in International Economics from Karazin Kharkiv National University. His first job was as a consultant in Kharkiv, Ukraine, providing services to find the best loan proposals from Ukrainian banks. That was in 2006. His next move was to BNP Paribas, selling mortgage products, and since 2010 he has worked in sales and marketing in Ukraine, Russia, Croatia and Hungary, improving distribution management and brand development by building highly effective teams.
Oleksii's motto is "Ordinary people make extraordinary results", and he is keen on psychology, coaching and personal development. He also loves emotional intelligence and design thinking concepts. Outside work, he gets energy from being in the mountains and enjoys travelling, reading books and being with his family and young daughter.
"Business Beyond Borders is our reality nowadays: new technology, new lifestyle, new business mindset, new sustainability compass. I like that Kylla is pushing the limits of impactful investment that could and should change our future, connecting investors with cutting-edge projects. Together, we can design and shape our future as we want, beyond the borders."
Ricky Cao is a dynamic Investment Analyst at Kylla Corporate Transactions. His background in Economics and Business Economics from Radboud University, Netherlands, has equipped him with a deep understanding of financial markets, which he skillfully applies in his role at Kylla.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Ricky has demonstrated leadership at a young age as a board member of AIESEC, the largest youth-led organisation worldwide. This experience has enhanced his global perspective, a valuable asset in his current role.
Away from work, Ricky is a world traveler and culinary enthusiast, often preparing meals for friends and family. He also enjoys engaging in various sports, reflecting his competitive spirit. His rich blend of academic and personal experiences makes Ricky bring fresh energy to Kylla's team.
"I have always been eager to learn more about foreign places and to get out of my comfort zone. By going abroad and getting to know new countries and cultures, we get to understand and appreciate each other more and more. For me, this is the way to create a bright future together. To me, Business Beyond Borders means going out of our comfort zone to work together, to learn from each other, and to fully appreciate every one!""
Stergios Stogios joined Kylla in 2010 and has a proven record of being client focused and for adding value at every moment. Even in a period in which Greek entrepreneurs face major challenges, he has delivered clear results and value to our clients. Stergios, who has over 25 years of international experience in accounting, finance, structuring and business development, is dynamic, reliable, motivated and hard-working. He holds a first class ‘A' accountant license from the Greek Chamber of Economy, a BSc in Business Administration (UoM), a BSc in Accounting and he has an MBA from the Business School of Nottingham Trent University.
Away from work, Stergios tries to coach his basketball-loving son to reach a level he never managed to achieve, and supports his daughter with water polo. He also likes to read ancient Greek philosophy and he is a passionate music collector and explorer, trying to convince himself that in DJing, experience counts, not age.
"I think that Business Beyond Borders is a philosophy. It is a solid, long and strongly underpinned bridge. A bridge that unites virtual and real borders and where everything starts with a smile and a warm handshake. The bridge brings the client to the resources that will deliver the solution. It's the actions that cover the gap between the effort and the goal, and another way of thinking about doing business."
Teun is an ambitious individual with a strong foundation in business administration. Having a degree in Secondary Vocational Education, Entrepreneur Retail Management, and a bachelor's in Business Administration from Avans University of Applied Sciences, Teun is currently pursuing a pre-master in Business Administration, demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning and academic excellence.
With a keen insight into business improvement strategies and a curious mind for finance, Teun brings valuable skills to the table. The academic journey has equipped them with the tools to navigate the complex landscape of business dynamics and contribute meaningfully to the field.
Teun's greatest passion is playing football, and he is a true team player. Additionally, Teun is a sporty individual who loves challenges.
In 2021, Teun completed an internship at Kylla, and after two years, he returned, bringing with him enriched experiences and a deeper understanding of the industry.
Wayne is our representative in Canada and is keenly interested in green-oriented, investment grade opportunities for our investors there and elsewhere. He has more than 40 years of industry experience in Canada, the USA, Asia and Europe, working with some of the largest multinational companies as well as state owned companies in Malaysia and Qatar. He has also founded and run privately held petroleum companies in Canada.
Wayne's engineering background means he can really understand investment opportunities and their technical feasibility. His qualifications include a master's degree in engineering from the University of Calgary and a bachelor's degree in engineering from the University of Saskatchewan. He is a registered Professional Engineer in the Province of Alberta, Canada.
Outside work, Wayne is keenly interested in his family's and country's heritage and history.
"Doing Business Beyond Borders to me means realizing the potential of green technologies and resource development that are becoming increasingly feasible, profitable, and necessary for the sound ecological management of the Earth for our children and grandchildren. It is about understanding the practical and realizable means to accomplish this objective and crossing this bridge to an environmentally sustainable future."