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Meet The Team

RIIS continues to attract and house a dynamic and diverse team of young, highly qualified and talented individuals who are passionate about serving the world in the various roles they occupy. Our multidisciplinary approach to solution-seeking is further enhanced by the team’s diverse knowledge areas which include (but are not limited to) management, public health, behavioural science, engineering, microbiology, economics, physics and chemistry.

Davis Cook

DAVIS COOK

Chief Executive Officer

With a passion for the role that innovation plays in both business and social progress, Davis keeps looking for ways to build a better world. He has a diverse background across consulting, corporate, government and start-ups, and has been based in both South Africa and the UK.
Imraan Saloojee

IMRAAN SALOOJEE

Executive

Imraan’s career in the space sector spans more than two decades. Over this time he has gained national and international experience which has enabled him to develop crucial networks in earth observations, science policy, business development and mining.

Thiru Swettenham

THIRU SWETTENHAM

Independent Advisory

Thiru has extensive experience in programme and project management. This includes the  implementation of regional (SADC) and national innovation programmes, multi-partner stakeholder management, entrepreneurship, innovation support, social entrepreneurship, training, capacity-building and monitoring and evaluation.

Alexandra Lugagne

ALEXANDRA LUGAGNE

Engagement Manager

Alex has a broad academic and professional background in communications, research and public health. Her expertise includes mining innovation research, workshop facilitation and strategy framework development. Alex has worked in both in the United Kingdom and South Africa, in small business development, and within international organisations such as the UN.

MARC DUNNINK

Engagement Manager

Marc has an innate curiosity for finding new and better ways of doing things that ultimately enable markets, ecosystems and economies to better serve inclusive societies. A consultant since 2013, Marc’s work has supported governments, private sector actors, NGOs, funds and development agencies in the refinement of strategic direction setting and programme design.

Lithakazi Nxiweni

LITHAKAZI NXIWENI

Consultant

With a special interest in climate change, development and policy, Litha’s work at RIIS has included leading the development of the Coal Innovation and Technology Roadmap and the running the fourth SA National Space Agency Open Innovation Challenge. Litha’s current focus is on sustainability and modernisation within the mining sector.
Louis Sopp

LOUIS MOUSSI SOPP

Consultant

Louis has an interest in economics, which he resulted in him obtaining several degrees and certifications within this field. His work at RIIS has included, among others, roadmap development and research within the mining sector. Louis currently leads a multi-stakeholder pan-African business development challenge which is aimed at start-ups and entrepreneurs in the space-tech industry.
Vishaylin Mahadeo

VISHAYLIN MAHADEO

Consultant

Vish has a special interest in the integration and intersection of human processes within business structures. This is bolstered by his specialised studies in strategic thinking that utilises behavioural science and neurostrategy. At RIIS, Vish has led programmes across a number of strategic areas including entrepreneurship, energy, maritime and innovation.

LINDOKUHLE SIMELANE

Consultant

Lindo’s work at RIIS has seen her immersion in human-centred design methodology within mining innovation projects, as well as working on programmes concerned with social development and innovation. Lindo has also led a multi-partner programme pertaining to entrepreneur development within the African space sector.
Nandi Mtethwa

NANDI MTETHWA

Consultant

With an academic background in mechanical engineering, Nandi currently leads the Geographic Information Systems team at RIIS. Her involvement includes the conceptualisation, development and deployment of critical information mapping systems used to identify Covid-19 hotspots and industrial action events.

REUBEN REDDY

Consultant

Reuben has experience in technology consulting across the financial services sector including retail banking, capital markets and insurance. A mechanical engineer by qualification, he is curious about all things related to energy and climate change, particularly how the transition to cleaner, renewable energy sources impact planet, people and profit.
Thandeka Mhlanga

THANDEKA MHLANGA

Consultant

As well as working at RIIS, Thandeka is the co-founder of an NPO focused on entrenching science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics and innovation principles into youth in under privileged communities. A seasoned and published researcher, Thandeka’s focus at RIIS is on developing strategic research into the innovation landscape.
Yankho Likaku

YANKHO LIKAKU

Consultant

Yankho specializes in strategy, process improvement and policy development. With a strong research and problem-solving background, Yankho has a keen interest in how political and economic developments and trends play into business and the markets, both locally and regionally.
Amy Benn

AMY BENN

Consultant

With a Masters' degree in Development Studies, Amy has strong experience in overseeing innovation programmes, with a keen interest in innovation and entrepreneurship-related activities.
Jonathan Kirkel

JONATHAN KIRKEL

Analyst

Jonathan has a strong interest in science, technology and entrepreneurship, all of which have been amplified after studying chemical engineering. At RIIS, Jonathan has applied his skill to projects such as mapping out a provincial innovation ecosystem, and focusing on the relationship and interdependency of government, industry and academia in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
Paleesha Naidoo

PALEESHA NAIDOO

Analyst

Before joining RIIS, Paleesha worked in the chemicals and energy sector in a variety of departments including operations, business development, supply chain and sustainability. At RIIS she has been involved in developing networks and entrepreneurial sustainability within an industrial development zone, focusing on the marine, logistics and renewable energy sectors.
Mpho Bagatsu

MPHO BOGATSU

Analyst

Mpho’s academic background includes a focus on GIS and remote sensing, with a special interest in earth observation through satellite imagery, and the environment. As a member of the Data 4.0 team, Mpho’s work has included modelling for the mining sector as well as undertaking research design, data collation and analysis so as to produce insight and advice for clients.
Anita Kooij

ANITA KOOIJ

Analyst

An anthropologist by training, Anita’s work has involved theory of change framework development and contributions to strategic roadmap creation with the application of design thinking. Recently, Anita has been involved in the research and development of community engagement and data gathering tools for the people-centred technology application.
Maheen Parbhoo

MAHEEN PARBHOO

Analyst

Maheen has extensive experience in research and analytical problem solving, coupled with an enthusiasm for technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. His main interests are in the African space tech start-up ecosystem and the development of a sustainable Pan-African space economy.
Kimehra Govindsamy

KIMEHRA GOVINDASAMY

Analyst

Prior to joining RIIS, Kimehra was employed at a chartered accounting firm, where she worked with SMMEs around the Johannesburg Metropolitan Area. At RIIS, she is involved in impact-driven projects within the mining and minerals sector. Kimehra has an honours degree in corporate finance and investment, and is currently completing her masters degree.
Shameemah Bull

SHAMEEMAH BULL

Analyst

Shameemah has an Honours degree in social sciences, specialising in environmental and geographical science from University of Cape Town. As an analyst at RIIS, she has provided research, development and collaboration support in developing training and socio-economic needs of community and SMMEs for mining modernisation in South Africa.

TARRYN VINK

Analyst

Tarryn's educational background is in commerce with her Master's degree focusing on the management of automation and robotics in mining. Tarryn is particularly interested in understanding how innovation can be best applied to promote community and socioeconomic development. She has worked on a number of modernisation, sustainability and climate-related projects at RIIS.

ASHLEIGH MULLER

Analyst

With an educational background in engineering and physics, Ashleigh is an enthusiastic learner who is passionate about understanding how the world works, from both a socioeconomic and scientific point of view, and then sharing this knowledge with others. She also has a keen interest in all things clean energy and has worked on several projects related to developing South Africa’s climate change and sustainability strategies around this area.