Appian Capital Advisory LLP (“Appian” or the “Company”), the investment advisor to long-term value-focused private equity funds that invest solely in mining and mining-related companies, today announces the appointment of Khathutshelo (“K2”) Mapasa as Head of Africa.
Highlights
- Appointment of K2 Mapasa will drive Appian’s renewed focus on Africa and its robust opportunities for energy transition metals
- K2 has deep understanding of the region and its key stakeholders, having worked in the sector for over 24 years
- Brings extensive executive and engineering expertise in African mining to optimise Appian’s portfolio and source new opportunities
Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, K2 will lead the development of Appian’s business across the African continent. K2 will lead on due diligence, promote Appian’s value proposition with key partners, manage government relations, and originate investment opportunities including clean energy investments. He will also oversee portfolio companies in the region, with a focus on managing and optimising assets to generate value.
K2 is an engineer and executive with over 24 years’ experience in mining, engineering, and construction in Africa. He has direct experience in enhancing mine performance, business turnarounds, and leading engagement with key stakeholders, as well as a high level of familiarity with Appian’s existing portfolio, including recent acquisitions in Africa.
Prior to joining Appian, K2 was the CEO of Basil Read Group, a South Africa based construction, mining, and engineering services conglomerate for 6 years. He spent 3 years as the Executive Director: Mining, with responsibilities for subsidiaries providing contract mining and processing plants EPC. Prior to that K2 was with the De Beers Group of Companies for 14 years. He is a member of the Institute of Directors Southern Africa and the South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, and serves as a non-executive Director for several companies. K2 holds a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cape Town and has studied at Harvard Business School.
This newly created Head of Africa role reflects Appian’s strong and growing presence in Africa, with over 1,000 employees across the continent. Appian is building on its historical and now exited investments in Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire and Tanzania as well as its existing operating project in Namibia. Key target jurisdictions will be Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, and selective jurisdictions in East and West Africa.
Michael W. Scherb, Founder and CEO of Appian, commented: “We are very excited to announce K2’s appointment, which reflects our renewed focus on Africa with its robust opportunities for energy transition metals. He brings deep experience in Africa, familiarity with our assets, and a proven track record of delivering results and driving growth. Africa remains a key region with tremendous potential if you have the required expertise and understanding of the markets involved.”
K2 Mapasa, Head of Africa at Appian, said: “Having worked in the region for over 24 years, joining Appian is an exciting opportunity. As the leading private investor in metals and mining, with a focus on energy transition metals, I was drawn to Appian’s value-add model and ability to support portfolio companies with financial and technical expertise. Appian’s track record and the potential in the region, combined with my extensive experience across Africa, is a very exciting combination. Appian’s focus on adjacencies, such as renewable energy supply to existing mine portfolios, creates further growth opportunities. I look forward to expanding our business across the continent.”
For further information:
FGS Global +44 (0)20 7251 3801 / [email protected]
Charles O’Brien, Richard Crowley, Michael Stock
Appian Capital Advisory +44 (0)20 7004 0951 / [email protected]
Michael W. Scherb
About Appian Capital Advisory LLP
Appian Capital Advisory LLP is the investment advisor to long-term value-focused private capital funds that invest solely in mining and mining-related companies.
Appian is a leading investment advisor in the metals and mining industry, with global experience across South America, North America, Australia and Africa and a successful track record of supporting companies to achieve their development targets, with a global operating portfolio overseeing nearly 6,300 employees.
Appian has a global team of 75 experienced professionals with presences in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Lima, Belo Horizonte, Montreal, Dubai, Johannesburg and Perth
For more information please visit www.appiancapitaladvisory.com, or find us on LinkedIn, Instagram or Twitter.
You can download a PDF version of the Appian press release here.