Shikalepo appointed as new Head of RMB’s Investment Banking division

RMB in Namibia recently announced the promotion of Jason Shikalepo to Head of Investment Banking Division (IBD)replacing Borg Sauber.

Shikalepo is a longserving member of the RMB management team with a wealth of investment banking, finance and finance related experience. This spans across various sectors, including financial services, Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), mining, infrastructure, energy and transport logistics - where he originated, structured, and executed a host of landmark transactions.

“I have assumed this leadership role to help deliver RMB’s vision of developing Namibia’s capital markets, which is part of the FirstRand Group’s purpose to create a globally competitive Namibia. My role entails developing and executing strategy, resourcing the division, and ensuring that we have globally competitive talent that is liberated to deliver world-leading solutions for our clients. I will also continue to partner with clients in our quest to proactively exceed their expectations,” Shikalepo explains.

He further revealed that success in the investment banking space is centred around collaborations that produce innovative solutions. “Looking back, originating, structuring, and executing some of our new-to-market solutions in the resources and energy sectors certainly gives me a sense of meaningful impact. RMB has a longstanding track-record in solving some of the most complex, yet impactful commercial cases on the continent. We are able to leverage our FirstRand network across our presence markets, as well as crowdin global players to find solutions for our Namibian clients, wherever they operate. Our talent depth is how we achieve client and community success,” Shikalepo said.

I have assumed this leadership role to help deliver RMB’s vision of developing Namibia’s capital markets, which is part of the FirstRand Group’s purpose to create a globally competitive Namibia.

Shikalepo is passionate about capital and social value creation and has over the years implemented business strategies and solutions to support local economic development.

“We have the responsibility to deepen and broaden the Namibian capital market as part of our vision. I would like to see the IBD scale its current activity portfolios, lead green andtransition finance, broaden debt and equity capital markets, and collaborate effectively with government and the broader society,” he concluded.

Speaking on the promotion, RMB Namibia CEO Philip Chapman noted Shikalepo’ s successes as part of the RMB team adding: “Jason is a seasoned corporate strategist and investment banker. After joining RMB in 2017 to, initially, spearhead the bank’s strategy towards unlocking potential growth opportunities in the trade & working capital space and sponsor new-to-market structured solutions, he has executed a host of landmark transactions and contributed to the bank’s strategic initiatives. I wish him much success in his new role.”