Meet the Team
Bo Giersing
Bo Giersing is a highly experienced expert in transport and logistics, with a particular emphasis on the development of regional corridors. His professional career, which spans over five decades, includes prominent positions such as Director at Giersing Rose A/S and independent consultant for Portfutures Africa. Giersing's areas of expertise encompass strategic transport planning and logistics for significant projects throughout Africa, notably the Beira Corridor Project and the Nacala Corridor railway systems. He has provided consultancy services to esteemed organisations, including the World Bank, USAID, and Nathan Associates, thereby contributing to critical infrastructure and transport studies. Giersing earned a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of London and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Cape Town. His contributions have been pivotal in improving transport efficiency and fostering economic development in Southern Africa. Additionally, Giersing is a member of the Danish Engineering Association and is proficient in both Danish and English
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Robert Eric Kottler
Robert Eric Kottler is a distinguished Civil Engineer with over four decades of experience in the international construction sector. He is a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Birmingham University. Throughout his career, Kottler has held significant positions at prominent firms, including Dawnus Construction, Biwater International, Corus Construction, and Christiani & Nielsen. As the International Managing Director at Dawnus Construction from 2011 to 2016, he concentrated on West African markets and project financing. During his tenure as Operations Director at Biwater International from 2006 to 2013, he managed projects across 21 countries. Kottler also established Elmhurst Management International Ltd, which operated from 1999 to 2005, offering extensive management services to the construction industry. His role as International Director at Christiani & Nielsen from 1994 to 2001 involved securing contracts exceeding £150 million. Kottler's competencies encompass project acquisition, strategic planning, and operational management in various international contexts. He is fluent in Spanish and possesses working proficiency in German and French, demonstrating his ability to integrate projects, clients, partners and financing in global markets, which is a defining feature of his professional journey.
Mike Roper
Mike Roper is a prominent figure in the fields of logistics, public transport, and port management, recognised for his contributions to significant projects and policy development. His expertise encompasses strategic management and project financing, through which he has effectively disseminated knowledge regarding project implementation to developing nations. Notable milestones in his career include co-founding the Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal, overseeing the establishment of the United Kingdom's inaugural inland port, and playing a pivotal role in shaping transport policies within the United Kingdom and the European Union. As the Chairman of the Portfutures Group, he directed feasibility studies for the Maputo Corridor Logistics Initiative and the Southern Africa Rail and Ports Masterplan. Roper has also collaborated with esteemed organisations such as USAID and the World Bank. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Land Economics from the University of London. In addition to his professional accomplishments, he serves as a patron for various charitable organisations and possesses a keen interest in overland travel across Africa, music, and rugby.
Oliver Roper
Oliver Roper is an expert in strategic land promotion and development, possessing extensive experience in the management of large-scale projects. As a Spanish-speaking MBA graduate, he has served as a Director at UK Strategic Land Ltd since 2002, where he has overseen significant initiatives, including the development of the UK's largest inland port and the Northampton Rapid Transit System. His consultancy work with Portfutures has involved collaboration with the South African Department of Public Enterprises, USAID, and the World Bank. Notable achievements in Roper's career include the acquisition of over 3,000 acres of land and the establishment of partnerships with prominent companies such as ProLogis and Taylor Wimpey. His military background as an Infantry Officer has further refined his skills in operations management and crisis response. Roper is an alumnus of the University of Bradford and also holds a TESOL certificate. He is recognised for his negotiation skills, leadership capabilities and proficiency in managing complex projects. Additionally, his personal interests encompass motorcycles, military history, and Spanish culture.
R. G. A. Sankey
R.G.A. Sankey is an accomplished expert in property and logistics, possessing extensive experience in the United Kingdom, Europe and South Africa. He has held executive positions on various boards, with a focus on mergers, acquisitions and urban regeneration. Notable achievements in his career include directing significant projects such as the Kings Cross regeneration initiative and the Stockton City Challenge, as well as overseeing logistics developments, including the Swan Valley hub in Northampton. Sankey holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Estate Management and is a Fellow of several esteemed institutions. He is multilingual, fluent in English, French, and Dutch, and has a robust background in property, logistics, construction, and pension fund management. His personal interests encompass rugby, cycling, and the arts.
