COMMERCIS - Key Persons


Alan Afrasiab - Chairman

Job Titles:
  • Chairman
  • CEO and President of the Talia Group
Alan is the CEO and President of the Talia Group. The Talia Group has grown from a satellite network operator to become a total solutions provider running a global satellite network as well as a significant terrestrial network with offices across the world. His keen understanding of the communications sector has led to the extensive growth of the group.

Brand Strategy

Job Titles:
  • SVP Brand Strategy

Elliot Banks

Elliot is responsible for brand strategy for the Commercis group of companies. Elliot has worked in design and marketing for over 20 years and draws from his wealth of experience to help shape the brand's strategic growth. Elliot has worked with Talia since its inception and has worked on a number of their investment projects over the years.

Enno Wattenberg

Job Titles:
  • SVP Technology Innovation
As Senior VP of Technology and Special Projects at Data Grid Network (DGN) a Commercis Company, Enno has over 20 years of experience in networking, IT and telecommunications and has been the lead engineer in network product development and their global network infrastructure. Prior to DGN, Enno held senior positions at numerous global carriers and telcos. Enno heads up Technology Innovation across the group of companies.

Falak Yussouf

Falak has over 30 years' experience in the financial sector. He started his career in accountancy and after qualifying founded his own firm where he is still the managing partner. This enabled him to gain multi-industry experience and extensive corporate and managerial knowledge. Prior to joining Commercis, Falak was CFO of a hospitality group with assets in excess of $9bn.

Jon Aldwinckle - Chief Strategy Officer

Job Titles:
  • Chief Strategy Officer
After Oxford University, where he gained a Double First-Class Master of Engineering degree, Jon spent 20 years working in the London corporate finance markets where he advised and helped investors and management teams to develop and grow businesses. Jon then moved out of the advisory side, becoming the CFO of a Scandinavian life sciences company, prior to joining Commercis. Jon enjoys working with international teams, building businesses and ideas, as well as sailing in the sunshine.

Ruud Van Koesveld

Job Titles:
  • Finance Director at Baird Europe
After an early career in Auditing at Ernst & Young, Ruud became Finance Director at Baird Europe, a US manufacturing company's European subsidiary. In 1999, Ruud joined SES, a global satellite operator, where he was part of a successful team that grew the business. He moved up through the organisation, leaving as Vice President of Finance after over 20 successful years at the company.