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.

Martin Tedham brings a comprehensive range of business experience to this role. He started his career in the textile industry in the Scottish Borders but moved south to Gloucestershire to enter the pharmaceutical sector, rising through the ranks, and gaining valuable experience in all aspects of the business. This put him in a powerful position to successfully launch his own business which Martin expanded and sold to a multi-national company. Required not to work in the industry for one year, Martin found that retirement was not his bag and bought his former employer’s business (Wasdell) as soon as he was able to re-enter the fray. He turned that business around, increasing turnover from under £ 2 million to over £ 65 million within ten years. Subsequent acquisitions have been turned around into profit. Martin brings an understanding of all aspects of business life and sees opportunities which others have failed to grasp.