We are a team of experienced investors with expertise across sectors and geographies.
Our Team
Aoife joined Zouk in 2024 as an Investor Relations analyst and works on Zouk’s active fundraising efforts and communications with investors. Prior to joining the firm, Aoife interned at a leading pan-European VC firm in their IR team and worked part-time as an investment analyst at a first-time VC fund during her final year of university.
Outside of the office, Aoife is a keen runner and previously competed nationally in swimming. She is also passionate about the outdoors and enjoys hiking in the Scottish highlands.
She holds a BSc in Economics and Mathematics from the University of St Andrews, with a particular interest in mathematical finance.
Nida joined the Zouk team in 2023 as an Investment Analyst. Prior to joining the firm, Nida accrued valuable experience as an Investment Analyst in a venture fund, where she actively worked on a multitude of innovative clean energy technology projects.
Nida's dedication to sustainability extends beyond her professional life. She's an enthusiastic participant in outdoor activities and sports, reflecting her commitment to a balanced and active lifestyle.
With an academic background that includes an MSc in Finance from Queen Mary University of London and a PhD in Finance from the University of Aberdeen, her research has revolved around the field of green finance and sustainability. Nida's unique blend of practical experience and academic expertise makes her a strong asset to the Zouk team, aligned with their mission of sustainable investments.
Carina Joined Zouk in June 2019 as Samer Salty’s Executive Assistant and is currently holding the role as Team Assistant to the Climate Tech team.
Prior to Zouk, Carina worked as an Executive Assistant to the Group CEO of South African based IT Company, Aliva Holdings (Pty) LTD. Carina has 12 years’ Experience as Personal/Executive Assistant in a variety of industries.
Carina is in the process of gaining her BSc degree in Consumer Science from the University of South Africa and holds a Diploma in Event Management/Co-ordination
In her spare time, she is an amateur photographer, travel enthusiast, enjoys reading and secretly loves fashion and art. Her family is her most valuable asset in life.
Prior to Zouk, Yasmina spent 4 years investing in early-stage European technology companies and supporting portfolio companies through business development and board activities. Before this, Yasmina co-founded a game development startup and advised FTSE 100 companies while working in technology and management consulting in Australia and Europe.
Yasmina has an MBA from London Business School and law degrees from Australia.
Outside of the office, Yasmina is a travel addict (currently at 60 countries) and will do almost anything for a good story (shark cage diving in South Africa, hiking to Everest Base Camp, skydiving, bungee jumping...feel free to suggest her next adventure!)
Francine joined Zouk in 2022 and is an Investment Manager in the Technology team.
Francine began her career in investment banking in London, initially at UBS and subsequently Lexicon Partners. During this period, she advised on a broad spectrum of domestic and cross-border M&A transactions, as well as debt and equity capital raisings.
Following her time in investment banking, Francine spent several years at a family-owned investment company, where she sourced and executed acquisition opportunities within chemical-and commodity-based industries across Europe.
Francine has a BA in Economics and Political Science from Yale University.
Ruby joined Zouk in 2022 as the Team Assistant to the Infrastructure Team. Ruby enjoys the varied nature of her role and keeping everyone organised.
Prior to joining Zouk, Ruby worked as a Team Secretary at a real estate development company.
In her spare time, Ruby can often be found at London’s various museums and galleries. Ruby is also an avid traveller with a passion for sustainable tourism.
She holds a BA in History from the University of Sussex with a particular interest in social and cultural history.
George joined Zouk in 2019 and is an Associate in the Infrastructure team. His responsibilities include supporting the team with origination, investment analysis, financial modelling, due diligence and transaction execution.
George has over 5 years of experience working in sustainable infrastructure and green transition investments. Prior to joining Zouk, George worked in Marubeni’s European power investment team, focussing on renewable energy assets from offshore wind through to distributed energy and electrical vehicle charging opportunities. George previously worked at Operis where he gained broad experience in project & structured finance and a deep skillset in financial modelling and analysis.
George is passionate about the role that business and technology have in making the world greener, cleaner and more sustainable and is a great advocate for all things renewable.
He completed his MEng in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bristol.
Melissa joined Zouk in 2018 and is an Associate focussing on Sustainability and Marketing Communications. Previously Melissa was the Team Assistant to the Infrastructure Team.
Prior to joining Zouk, Melissa worked as an Office Manager and Team Assistant at a PR and communications agency.
Melissa is passionate about species conservation and outside work she can usually be found outdoors or watching David Attenborough documentaries.
She holds a BSc in Applied Geography from Bournemouth University with particular interests in environmental law and renewable energy.
Madeleine joined Zouk 2018 and is the Investment Associate for the Zouk team. Prior to joining the firm, Madeleine completed her postgraduate studies in Corporate Finance in Montreal Canada. Prior to she worked as a Podiatric doctor at a private clinic in Perth, Western Australia. Madeleine is passionate about the great outdoors and enjoys adventure travel. She holds a BSc degree in Podiatric Medicine from the University of Western Australia and a Graduate Diploma in Corporate Finance from Deakin University Australia.
Lillie joined Zouk in 2019 and is the Operations Associate. Lillie oversees the daily running of the office and enjoys supporting with company compliance. Prior to joining the firm, Lillie completed her undergraduate degree in English with Creative Writing at the University of Birmingham. Before joining the company, Lillie worked in a variety of admin roles at the University and an independent recruitment agency in Birmingham.
In her spare time Lillie enjoys exercising, having previously competed nationally in both Athletics and Gymnastics. She is also passionate about nature and the outdoors and can usually be found at the weekend exploring North London parks.
John has over 30 years’ experience in capital markets and the financial services industry specialising in the energy, natural resources and alternate energy sectors. He has an extensive knowledge of corporate governance practices having been a Board member of both private and public companies in UK, Europe and North America. John is Chairman of Zouk’s Remuneration and Appointments Committee and is a Non-Executive member of the Board which provides leadership and is responsible for the strategic guidance and effective control of the business in terms of risk and financial management.
John was previously Chairman of zSol, Zouk’s successful solar investment company. In addition, he was a Non-Executive Director and Chairman of the Audit and Remuneration Committees of JKX Oil & Gas Plc, a FTSE 250 company. He also held board roles at Gas Turbine Efficiency (GTE), Landkom International PLC and as Executive Chairman of Killingholme Power Group PLC. John spent 20 years at NatWest in a variety of senior executive roles including EVP of NatWest Markets New York and Global Head of Project Finance. John is an Associate of the Institute of Bankers and member of the Institute of Directors.
Andre joined Zouk in 2018 and is an Principal in the Infrastructure team. Andre’s responsibilities include deal origination, investment analysis, financial modelling, due diligence, structuring and deal execution. He has worked on renewable energy investment opportunities across Europe and the UK.
Andre has over 8 years of experience in banking, project finance and renewable energy investments. Prior to joining Zouk, Andre worked in the investment team of the German asset manager Luxcara and in the project advisory department of Investec Bank, where he focussed on transactions in the renewable power generation space.
Andre is a clean energy enthusiast who has worked in the field of renewable energy financing since graduating from university. Andre is a keen runner and he can regularly feel the effects of air pollution in London. He is excited about the idea of playing a small part in leaving a cleaner and greener planet to the next generation.
Andre holds an MSc in Finance from the University of Warwick as well as a BSc in Business from Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich, Germany.
Ed joined Zouk at the start of 2019 and is the Financial Controller. He previously spent 4 years at a London based Accountancy Practice, during which he secured his ACA qualification and served as an Assistant Manager in the Business Services division, overseeing a varied portfolio of both listed and private audit clients.
He is a keen traveler and a staunch advocate of a Saturday morning park run. He also enjoys playing and watching a wide variety of sports including Tennis and Squash.
Ed holds an MA and BA in Classics from Warwick, and spent an eventful year teaching Latin and Ancient History after University.
Gerhard joined Zouk in 2013 and is the Finance Director. He previously spent 6 years at a London-based Hedge Fund where he served as Financial Controller & Compliance Officer.
At Zouk, Gerhard enjoys the varied nature of his role ranging from providing support on the technical and compliance side of a deal or dealing with investor queries.
At Deloitte (UK) Gerhard was part of the technical team where he covered complex financial instruments, providing advice on the recognition and accounting of the instruments under IFRS. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant at Deloitte in South Africa and transferred to the technical team at Deloitte London.
Gerhard has three very busy children and loves spending family time including lots of travel. He is an avid squash player also very actively involved in a local community-based charity, which runs activities for the improvement of the social imbalance in our community.
Gerhard graduated from the University of Pretoria in Accounting and Finance.
Tom is a leading UK entrepreneur and active private investor with family interests spanning retail, technology and renewable energy sectors.
In recent years Tom has increased his business focus on sustainability and renewable energy technology, particularly in areas of solar and biofuels. Family interests recently participated in the set-up of an Asian solar energy company focusing on rural applications in India.
Tom is founder of the New Look chain of stores which floated on the London Stock Exchange in June 1998; he later participated in a $1B transaction to take the company private again in association with Apax Partners and Permira Advisers.
In 2002 Tom founded Bridges Community Ventures along with Sir Ronald Cohen of Apax Partners and 3i.
Samer Salty is the Founder and Managing Partner of Zouk Capital With almost 30 years’ experience in private equity, investment banking and technology, Samer has considerable management expertise and has spent the past 15 years building technology companies with sustainability at their core.
Zouk's distinctive platform, consisting of technology and sustainable infrastructure strategies, was designed and implemented by Samer. His philosophy is to make investments that both create economic value and build on sustainable principles. Samer has a long-held commitment to sustainability, which he has integrated into Zouk’s DNA. He has fostered an environment where ESG is placed at the centre of every investment.
Prior to Zouk, Samer was at JP Morgan where he led many private equity and advisory transactions in the technology and telecom sector. Samer began his career designing and managing the development of air traffic control computer and telecom systems for a number of Fortune 500 clients and government aviation authorities in the US.
An avid fan of technology and the power it has to transform societies for many decades, Samer has also written numerous editorial pieces on the role of technology within the sustainability revolution.
Samer holds a B.S. in Electronic Engineering from California Polytechnic and a M.S. in Management and Finance from MIT. He also sits on the International Council of the Harvard Kennedy School, Belfer Centre, and the Advisory Board of the MIT Sloan School of Management.
George joined Zouk in 2012 and is a Partner in the Infrastructure Team. George has 13 years’ experience in infrastructure investing, renewable energy, PFI and PPP, project finance and private equity structures.
At Zouk, George is responsible for deal origination, structuring and execution, portfolio company development and has played a leading role in Zouk’s wider EV infrastructure investment strategy. George sits on the board of EV charging companies InstaVolt Ltd and char.gy Ltd in which CIIF has invested.
Prior to Zouk, George worked in the private finance team at Carillion PLC until 2012 deploying capital in the company’s PFI and PPP portfolio.
George has two young children and being a very “outdoor-family” he is an ardent believer in the drive towards cleaner air and the general protection of the environment for future generations.
George holds a BSc in Economics from the University of Southampton and qualified with the Association of Corporate Treasurers.
Massimo is a partner at Zouk Capital, a London based private equity firm focussing in renewable energy, clean infrastructure and the energy transition.
At Zouk, Massimo has been involved in transactions in the solar photovoltaic, waste to energy, storage and EV charging infrastructure sectors. In particular Massimo led Zouk investments in ZSOL Italian FIT PV project portfolio; in the JV with Solar Ventures, a developer platform of ground-mounted subsidy-free PV projects; in Green Hedge, a UK developer of utility-scale battery storage projects; in BE Power, the largest independent EV charge point operator in Italy, recently sold to ENI; in Liberty Charge, a joint venture with Liberty Global focussing on residential EV charging infrastructure in the UK and in Zest, a UK charge point operator focussing on destination charging. Massimo also co-lead the investment in InstaVolt, one of the largest charge point operators in the UK, recently sold to EQT.
Previously, Massimo worked at Citi in the Infrastructure and Energy finance team, whereby he advised on the financing of a number of multi-billion infrastructure projects in the oil and gas, power and transportation sectors in EMEA. He also worked at Bain & Company, whereby he advised clients primarily in the utility, automotive, luxury goods and consumer goods sectors. Prior to that Massimo was an officer in the Engineer corps of the Italian Army.
Massimo holds a MS in engineering from Politecnico of Milan and an MBA from Columbia Business School of NY.
Richard is a Partner at Zouk and is the CFO and COO. He joined the firm in 2004 from Ernst and Young where he was the Director in charge of the Zouk account.
Richard previously worked as an investment manager at an Anglo-German private equity house and before that at KPMG in London where he trained as an ACA and worked within the firm’s Treasury and Market Risk Group. Richard has worked on all of Zouk’s seven funds and together with Samer has built the firm to where it is today.
Richard is keen cook, a rusty pianist and is a qualified yoga teacher. He is a Chartered Accountant, member of the Association of Corporate Treasurers and holds a BSc in Economics from the University of Bristol. Richard has also served with Distinction in the Republic of Singapore Airforce.
Uwe became a Venture Partner at Zouk in 2016 having previously been an Investment Manager at the firm between 2014 and 2016. He also currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer for Scandit, a Swiss-based provider of computer vision software solutions that enable AR, barcode scanning, text and object recognition for enterprise applications. During his time as Investment Manager at Zouk, Uwe was involved the execution and monitoring of multiple technology fund portfolio companies and played a key role in the business development / expansion and IPO of va-Q-tec and for the US-based Cyphort.
Uwe began his career with Goldman Sachs’ Investment Banking Division in Frankfurt as an Analyst in 2006, conducting numerous large cap transactions, including the IPOs of industrial diesel engine manufacturer Tognum, as well as Strabag. Between 2008-2014, Uwe worked for ViewPoint Capital Partners as Principal, investing and managing more than €100 million in six growth-stage technology companies with an aggregate portfolio revenue CAGR of more than 25%, and completing two cross-border trade-sale exits. In 2016, Uwe joined Fision Technologies, Swiss-based startup leveraging computer vision & AI to enable the capturing of human body shapes, as its Chief Commercial and Financial Officer; the company was acquired by Zalando in 2020.
Uwe holds a Master of Science in Computer Science & Business Administration from TU Darmstadt.
Norris joined Zouk’s Investor Relations team in 2015 where she leads Zouk’s ongoing fundraising efforts and engagements with investors. She draws on over 12 years of experience in Institutional Sales, Fundraising, and Business Development.
At Zouk, Norris enjoys the daily communication with investors, constant engagement across all the teams within Zouk, and the varied and interactive nature of her role.
Norris previously worked at Height Securities, a research broker-dealer focused on regulatory, macroeconomic, and geopolitical risk research, where she was a Vice President on the Institutional Sales team. Prior to Height Securities, she was a Sales Associate at FBR Capital Markets.
Norris is active across a variety of sporting activities having previously played Lacrosse at Princeton. She is also an avid traveller, in particular enjoying history, art, and adventure oriented travel.
Norris holds a BA from Princeton University where she majored in Political Science.
John joined Zouk in 2013 and is a Partner in the Technology team. He serves on the boards of Zola Electric and Huddle, and has been involved in many of Zouk’s other investments including iZettle, Sigfox, Readly, and Workable.
Prior to Zouk, John spent several years in investment banking at J.P.Morgan and Alantra, working on a wide range of M&A transactions in technology, energy, and industrials. He also served as an advisor to the United Nations Development Programme in New York, promoting the adoption of clean energy technologies in developing countries.
A former Berklee College of Music merit scholar, John is an avid contemporary jazz pianist in his spare time.
John holds masters’ degrees from Columbia University and the University of Cambridge, and an engineering degree from École Centrale in Lyon, France.
Anthony Fox joined Zouk in 2000 and is a Partner. He brings nearly 40 years of senior management experience with growth and established companies in Asia, Europe and the United States and the Middle East.
His expertise in management, operations and technology is invaluable to the execution of Zouk’s Technology investment strategy. He sits on the boards of two of Zouk’s portfolio companies: Trilliant and ip access and is an observer for LSG. Anthony has been involved with innovative technology companies on a global basis since the early eighties and continues to seek companies that can bring change and improvement to established business models.
Before joining Zouk in 2000, Anthony was Chief Executive of global e-commerce for Kingfisher Plc and previously Managing Director of Kingfisher Asia Pacific Limited. Prior to that, he was CFO of Planning Sciences International 'Gentia Software', which he listed on NASDAQ. Anthony was also Group Finance Director and CEO of Cathay International Holdings plc, a company listed on the LSE, and served as CFO of Metier Management Systems (Asia) Ltd.
Anthony is a Chartered Accountant and member of the UK Chartered Institute of Taxation. He is an avid sportsman, particularly all forms of water sport, and has sailed many of the world’s oceans including racing at an international level.
Colin joined Zouk in 2007 as a Partner and founded the Infrastructure team. With over 25 years’ experience in the energy sector, Colin brings to Zouk a strong record in executive management, company turnarounds, building innovative new projects and companies, energy trading, corporate and project finance.
Colin led all the investments and sales in the successful first fund zSol, which was focused on investing in solar opportunities. In Fund II Colin has led on investing in the waste, EV charging, wind and solar sectors. He enjoys bringing together teams to build important new infrastructure to meet today’s climate and clean air issues.
Colin was previously CEO of Killingholme Power where he successfully transformed the 680MW gas-fired power station into a merchant plant and valuable trading operation resulting in more than trebling its value for the lenders. Colin has also worked with many of the UK’s banks to turn around their distressed debts in the energy sector. Prior positions include Vice President of Corporate M&A for TXU Europe where he led transactions in the power and gas sectors and Project Finance Manager for Mitsui Babcock (now Doosan Babcock).
Colin recently built his own new ECO home, has recently bought an EV and is a first team golfer. He is a Chartered Accountant (FCA) and has a BSc in Chemical and Process Engineering.
