Instrumental in leading the company, defining and implementing strategic goals and operational processes
Milestones with responsAbility include the launch of the world’s first retail microfinance fund in 2003, the first listing of an investment certificate promoting press freedom, and winning the G-20 SME Finance Challenge
Responsible for all investor- and media-related activities (Relationship Management and Marketing&Communications departments) as well as Legal&Compliance and Corporate Center
Professional Background
Gained over 25 years’ professional experience in the finance sector, among others with Credit Suisse
Worked for SAM Sustainable Asset Management; was involved in building up the company, executing the first IPO of an investment company focusing on SRI, and launching the first sustainability index with Dow Jones Indexes
Founded a consulting company specializing in environmental issues
Developed an extensive awareness of the lives of underprivileged people during a two-year cycling trip from Zurich to Cape Town
Earned a degree in Business Administration from the Zurich University of Applied Sciences, and a postgraduate degree in Ecology
Fluent in German, English, and French
Klaus Tischhauser Co-Founder & CEO
Christian Speckhardt, Member of the Management Board
Role at responsAbility
Leading the Debt Investment, Credit Risk Management, and Fund Management departments
Responsible for debt investments, risk management, fund management, and operations
Leading the local office team in Latin America, as well as managing PlaNIS responsAbility SAS, Paris, with its local offices in Hong Kong, Melbourne, and Beirut
Professional Background
Gained over 15 years’ experience in the international finance industry
Started in corporate and investment banking, followed by a credit risk manager role at Credit Suisse
Led capital market transactions for the group treasury department of Zurich Financial Services, an international insurance group and headed the investor relations department at a listed private equity company
Was group treasurer of a Swiss cable and telecommunications company
Earned an MBA in Economics from the University of Zurich
Fluent in German, English, Spanish, and French
Christian Speckhardt Member of the Management Board
Rochus Mommartz, Member of the Management Board
Role at responsAbility
Leading the Equity Investments team
Responsible for the Research department and the local offices in Mumbai and Nairobi
Professional Background
Gained more than 20 years’ experience in finance sector development and microfinance
Played a key supporting role in the expansion of ProCredit Holding in Latin America
His consulting topics included financial-sector-specific issues in more than 40 countries, designing legal and regulatory framework and supervisory practices for microfinance in 8 countries
Active as a board member for various microfinance banks during the last ten years
Studied Economics and Mathematics in Frankfurt and Berlin
Fluent in German, English, and Spanish; competent in French
Rochus Mommartz Member of the Management Board
Markus Beeler, Head Product Management
Role at responsAbility
Product Manager in the Relationship Management Team
Responsible for product management and development of all responsAbility products as well as product documentation, reporting and sales support.
Gateway function between Relationship Management and Research, Fund Management, Legal & Compliance and Marketing.
Professional Background
Business school and further qualifications in banking and finance
Many years experience in the financial industry, especially in private banking and institutional asset management, fund management and trading.
Before joining responsAbility: 6 years with HSBC Private Bank (Suisse) SA as head asset management and member of the General Management.
Previously: Member of the executive committee at Julius Baer Asset Management AG, managing institutional fixed income mandates and mutual funds.
Markus Beeler Head Product Management
Anand Chandani, Regional Director South & South East Asia
Role at responsAbility
Leading the local office team in India
Responsible for setting up the strategy, the organization and the team for responsAbility’s activities in this region
Focusing on social investments in sectors such as financial inclusion, technology, sustainable agriculture, energy, education, and healthcare
Professional Background
Has over 15 years’ operational and financial experience in fields such as product management, business development, and project finance
Acted as CEO of Otto Hofstetter India Pvt. Ltd., a worldwide leader in the manufacture of injection molds, and as director of Soplar India Pvt. Ltd., a leading blow-molding-machine manufacturer
Served on the board of Head Start Educational Trust and on the investment committee at AlphaMundi Group, a social impact fund
Earned a master’s degree in Business Administration from the Kellogg School of Management and a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Carnegie Mellon University
Fluent in English and Hindi; basic French
Anand Chandani Regional Director South & South East Asia
Sébastien Duquet, Managing Director PlaNIS responsAbility SAS
Role at responsAbility
In charge of supervising responsAbility portfolios in the Middle East and North Africa, Caucasus, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia
In charge of managing PlaNIS responsAbility SAS, Paris, with its local offices in Hong Kong, Melbourne, and Beirut
Participating in the development of new products and projects at responsAbility level
Defining and supporting the development of responsAbility offers in French-speaking markets
Professional Background
Gained ten years’ experience in corporate finance in the banking sector, working as an auditor (Arthur Andersen LLP) and in a bank (HSBC)
Has eight years’ experience in the area of microfinance as Managing Director of PlaNet Finance, PlaNet Finance Morocco, and PlaNIS, and founder of PlaNet Guarantee and FinanCités
Graduated from EDHEC Business School with a major in Finance
Holds a DESCF diploma (Chartered Accountant – equivalent CPA)
Fluent in French and English; competent in German
Sébastien Duquet Managing Director PlaNIS responsAbility SAS
Mirjam Farnum, Head Relationship Management
Role at responsAbility
Heads the Relationship Management team
Responsible for investor relations
In charge of overseas product management
Professional Background
Gained over ten years’ experience in the finance sector, for example in marketing and sales of structured derivatives and risk management projects for Swiss banks
Worked for Credit Suisse Asset Management, where she was a relationship manager for Swiss pension funds and insurances
Holds a master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Geneva
Fluent in German, English, and French
Mirjam Farnum Head Relationship Management
Michael Fiebig, Head Financial Institutions Equity
Role at responsAbility
Covers all aspects of responsAbility’s microfinance equity investments
In charge of sourcing, conducting due diligences, executing transactions, and monitoring the portfolio in the area of microfinance
Professional Background
Holds a master’s degree in Business and Administration
Has nearly 15 years’ experience in the microfinance and banking industry
Worked for a private equity boutique, as a banking & microfinance consultant and trainer, as well as Business Developer for a bank in South Eastern Europe
Direct
Fluent in English, German and Spanish
Michael Fiebig Head Financial Institutions Equity
Dr. Pius Fischer, Head Credit Risk Management
Role at responsAbility
Leading the Credit Risk Management team, which is responsible for the credit risk assessment and monitoring of investments concerning microfinance, SME financing, and fair trade
Member of key committees (Investment Committees, Risk Committee, Valuation Committee) and FastTrack CRM
In charge of developing methodologies, tools, and procedures for the debt and subordinated debt investment process
Professional Background
More than 15 years’ experience in the areas of developing economies and development cooperation
Worked for ten years as a researcher and lecturer at NADEL, ETH Zurich
Main research topic: Rent-Seeking, Institutions and Reforms in Africa (published by Springer)
Performed consultancy services for the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation
and the World Bank
Studied Economics and Business Administration in Bern (lic. rer. pol.), earned postgraduate qualifications in international finance and international finance management, Constance (lic. oec. int.), earned a PhD in Economics in Constance and Zurich
Fluent in German, English, and French; proficient in Spanish; basic Russian
Dr. Pius Fischer Head Credit Risk Management
Henry González, Head Research
Role at responsAbility
Leading the Research team
Responsible for the development and execution of the research strategy and agenda in relation to investments with impact including microfinance, SME, fair trade, and ventures
Providing insights into new business developments by analyzing sustainable business models in emerging and frontier markets
Professional Background
Earned a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Oxford, a master’s degree in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School , and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Costa Rica
Has more than 17 years’ professional experience across the sectors of emerging-markets finance (Morgan Stanley), international development (World Bank and UNDP), and public policy (Government of Costa Rica)
Gained substantial investment and research experience in the field of sustainable finance as a founding member of the Microfinance Institutions Group at Morgan Stanley, and a senior consultant to CGAP’s Donors and Investors team
Visiting fellow at the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship at Oxford University’s Saïd Business School and tutor at Sciences Po at the Paris School of International Affairs
Fluent in Spanish and English; basic French and Portuguese
Henry González Head Research
Martin Heimes, Head Debt Investments
Role at responsAbility
In charge of the areas of microfinance and fair trade debt investment origination as well as due diligence
Responsible for process and tool development
Coordinating microfinance and fair trade activities among responsAbility's local offices
Professional Background
Worked two years in responsAbility's Equity Investments department
Has extensive experience in microfinance fund management, gained from his work at EFSE (Eastern Europe) and Jaida (Morocco)
Draws on operational experience from his work as a consultant in microfinance and small business lending
Earned a diploma in Economics and MSc in Social Anthropology
Fluent in English, German, and French
Martin Heimes Head Debt Investments
Patrik Huber, Regional Manager Africa
Role at responsAbility
Responsible for setting up the organization and managing the team for responsAbility’s activities in Africa
Focusing on social investments in sectors such as microfinance, sustainable agriculture, and private equity
Professional Background
Nearly ten years’ experience in sustainable financing
Worked for a large Swiss bank in project management for Internet projects and management support
Joined responsAbility right after its inception, set up systems and processes, then developed investment funds
Was a member of the management board before starting responsAbility Africa Ltd.
Graduated from the University of St. Gallen (HSG) as lic. oec. (MBA), specializing in environmental management and economics
Fluent in German and English; competent in French, Spanish, and Italian
Patrik Huber Regional Manager Africa
Cécile Koller, Regional Manager Latin America
Role at responsAbility
Regional representative for Latin America
Leading the local office team in Peru
Responsible for responsAbility’s regional strategy and its implementation in the region
Focusing on social investments in sectors such as microfinance, technology, sustainable agriculture, energy, education, and healthcare
Professional Background
Has more than 7 years working experience in microfinance and social investments
Worked as strategy consultant and program manager for international sustainability conference and BHP Brugger and Partner Ltd.
Worked in an NGO that offered training programs for micro entrepreneurs in Argentina.
Held positions as Investment Analyst and later as Head Research at responsAbility
Earned a master’s degree in History and Economics from the University of Zurich
Fluent in German, English, Spanish and French
Cécile Koller Regional Manager Latin America
Renate Meier, Head Marketing & Communications
Role at responsAbility
Leading the Marketing & Communications team
Responsible for the development and execution of the global marketing and communications strategy
In charge of branding and media relations
Professional Background
Gained more than 15 years’ experience in marketing and communications in the finance and tourism industries
Has a track record in a broad spectrum of disciplines on an international level, including branding, media relations, internal communications, events, publications and online communications, as well as sales and project management
Holds Swiss federal diplomas in Marketing and Public Relations
Fluent in German and English; good command of French
Renate Meier Head Marketing & Communications
Stefan Petter, Head Corporate Center
Role at responsAbility
Managing the Corporate Center
Responsible for HR, Finance, ICT and Infrastructure
Coordinating the project portfolio and consulting on managing projects
Professional Background
Worked in various functions for Credit Suisse, Bank Leu and Winterthur Insurance
Earned an MSc in Economics from the University of Zurich and is a Certified Project Manager IPMA
Fluent in German, English, and French
Stefan Petter Head Corporate Center
Tobias Rietmann, Head Legal & Compliance
Role at responsAbility
Leading the Legal & Compliance team
Assuming overall responsibility for all legal and regulatory matters concerning the company and all its products
Professional Background
Has over ten years’ experience in legal aspects related to the financial industry
Worked for several years in the legal departments of HSBC Private Bank (Suisse) SA and Swiss Life AG
Started his career at the Swiss Federal Banking Commission (now FINMA) in the authorization/investment department
Studied Law at the University of Berne and gained admission to the Bar
Fluent in German and English; basic French and Spanish
Tobias Rietmann Head Legal & Compliance
Maud Savary-Mornet, Deputy Head PlaNIS responsAbility SAS
Role at responsAbility
Deputy Head of PlaNIS responsAbility SAS
Regional Manager for Asia
Responsible for coverage of South and Southeast Asia and Mongolia in the microfinance industry
Member of the responsAbility investment committee
Professional Background
More than ten years’ international experience at the European Commission in Brussels and at the French Ministry of Finance in Hong Kong, covering the Southeast Asia market and country risk
Worked 15 years for the French central bank in various positions, for example as a senior analyst in charge of a portfolio of non-financial companies and as an expert in banking regulations at the banking commission
Graduated from L’Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po Paris) with a major in Economics and Finance
Fluent in French, English, and German
Maud Savary-Mornet Deputy Head PlaNIS responsAbility SAS
Rik Vyverman, Head Ventures Equity
Role at responsAbility
Heading the Ventures Equity department
Responsible for all venture capital/private equity
investments in sectors such as health care, energy, education, sustainable agriculture, etc.
Professional Background
Earned a Master of Science degree in Applied Economics from the Free University of Brussels
Gained more than twelve years’ experience in venture capital/private equity
in emerging markets (Africa, Asia, and Latin America)
Founded and managed a private equity fund in Vietnam
Started his professional life as an entrepreneur, created and successfully sold two companies
Fluent in English, Dutch, and French
Rik Vyverman Head Ventures Equity
Kevin Werner, Head Fund Management
Role at responsAbility
Leading the Fund Management Team
Responsible for portfolio management, fund operations, and fund reporting
In charge of the development and implementation of the portfolio allocation process and tools
Responsible for selected projects in the area of fund management
Professional Background
Has over 15 years’ experience in the financial industry, of which five years were spent in the microfinance industry
Held manifold positions at UBS
Worked most recently as a currency options trader, which took him to places such as Singapore and London
Graduated from the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) with a degree in Business with a major in Banking and Finance
Fluent in German and English; proficient in French
Kevin Werner Head Fund Management
Team
Rachel Abel, Senior Credit Risk Manager
Role at responsAbility
Responsible for credit risk assessments of fair trade, agricultural production, and trade organization investments
Monitoring of investments and controlling of critical situations, in coordination with the Investment Officers
Professional Background
Earned a BA in Modern Languages and Business Management from Newcastle University, UK
Has over three years’ work experience in the fair trade sector
Gained experience as a fair trade account manager for Latin America, focusing on commodity and harvest finance
Worked in fair trade wholesale in the UK
Completed a four-month work experience program as an investment consultant in Costa Rica
Fluent in English and Spanish; good command of German
Rachel Abel Senior Credit Risk Manager
Marco Althaus, Senior Project Manager
Role at responsAbility
Senior Project Manager in the Corporate Center
Responsible for the Investment Cockpit project
Implementing project management and business analysis tasks to support the rollout and enhancement of the Investment Cockpit
Professional Background
Earned an MA in Management and Economics from the University of Zurich
Held several front-office and consulting positions within the financial services industry in Switzerland and abroad
Speaks German, English, Spanish, and French
Marco Althaus Senior Project Manager
Ana Maria Asensio, Office Manager
Role at responsAbility
Responsible for the reception of internal and external clients, handling the telephone switchboard, general correspondence, and administration
Managing stakeholder data
Organizing events and business trips
Professional Background
Gained over 13 years’ work experience in different industries, such as textile manufacturing, cosmetics, healthcare, and construction
Earned a commercial diploma at the KV Business School in Lenzburg
Proficient in German, Spanish, and Italian; fluent in English and French
Ana Maria Asensio Office Manager
Martin Barragan, Senior Investment Officer
Role at responsAbility
In charge of originating and analyzing microfinance, fair trade, and venture capital investments and transactions in Latin America
Serving an active role in workouts and restructuring cases
Professional Background
Earned a master’s degree in Economics and Finance from the University of Strathclyde, Scotland
Has over ten years’ experience in the financial industry, of which over nine years were spent in the microfinance industries of South and Central America
Was part of the team that created the investment analysis methodology and pipeline of the funds for AlphaMundi Group, a private Swiss fund manager, and Locfund L.P., the first multicurrency microfinance fund
Worked as a senior investment officer at Locfund L.P.
Other engagements include public policy advisory as a market risk analyst for the Bolivian Superintendency of Banks and Financial Entities, microfinance consulting including the transformation of a microfinance NGO into a regulated financial entity,
Fluent in English and Spanish
Martin Barragan Senior Investment Officer
Kaspar Baumann, Investment Officer
Role at responsAbility
Investment Officer Equity
In charge of sourcing, conducting due diligences, executing transactions, and monitoring the portfolio in the area of microfinance
Professional Background
Earned an MSc in Biology from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich
Worked in the Legal & Compliance department of Credit Suisse Private Advisors
Fluent in English, German, and French; basic Spanish
Kaspar Baumann Investment Officer
Mauricio M. Benitez, Senior Credit Risk Manager
Role at responsAbility
Responsible for credit risk assessment of investments in microfinance and fair trade
Monitoring of investments and controlling of critical situations, supporting the Investment Officers in workouts and restructuring cases
Professional Background
Studied in Spain, South Africa, and Germany, holds an MSc in Development Economics and an MA in Development Management
Has more than ten years' experience in development finance
Started his career working for a second-tier APEX institution in Bolivia, analyzing debt investments in non-regulated microfinance institutions
Worked for several years as international consultant in Spain and the UK, supporting microfinance institutions in improving credit processes in different countries in Latin America and Eastern Europe
Mauricio M. Benitez Senior Credit Risk Manager
Gaëlle Bonnieux, Senior Investment Officer
Role at responsAbility
Senior Investment Officer in the Fair Trade team
Establishing business relations with producer organizations in developing countries and supporting the development and implementation of the Fair Trade origination strategy
Analyzing the credit risks of such organizations, their markets, and the traded commodities, including due diligence, scoring exercises, and development of the fair trade analysis tools
Interacting with credit risk management, the investment committee, and transaction management within responsAbility to implement transactions
Monitoring portfolio investments as well as the markets in which they operate
Professional Background
Holds a master’s degree in Business and Administration from ESSCA and an executive master’s degree in Finance from ESSEC Business School in France
Gained expertise in financial analysis, project and risk management in fair trade, and microfinance
Almost five years’ experience in the microfinance industry as a consultant for a microfinance holding company in Mexico, Senegal, and Argentina, and as an investment officer in charge of debt and equity microfinance investments in Africa
Has significant experience in the area of producer organizations’ financing in emerging countries (fair-trade-certified)
Fluent in English, Spanish, and French
Gaëlle Bonnieux Senior Investment Officer
Elly Brenner, Office Manager
Role at responsAbility
Is active as an all-rounder in the Office Management and Marketing departments
Responsible for the inventory and ordering process of the office furniture and the setting up of new workstations
Coordinating all kinds of maintenance activities
Professional Background
Earned a nurse’s diploma (Pflegefachfrau HF)
Worked as a member of the care team at the University Hospital in Zurich in the areas of cardiovascular and abdominal surgery
Fluent in German and Italian; basic English
Elly Brenner Office Manager
Franziska Büchi, Head HR
Role at responsAbility
Leading the HR & Office Management team
Responsible for state-of-the-art human resources management
Providing general internal services (administration, telephones, reception, etc.)
Professional Background
Earned a Swiss federal diploma in Human Resources
Has over 15 years’ experience in HR, including personnel planning, recruiting, support, development, and marketing
Worked for various employers such as financial companies and service providers, industrial enterprises, public agencies, and authorities
Franziska Büchi Head HR
Viktoriya Bychenok, Junior Investment Officer
Role at responsAbility
Junior Investment Officer for Central Asia
Responsible for originating and analyzing microfinance investments and transactions in that region
Conducting due diligences
Professional Background
Earned an MSc in Economics and Law from Sorbonne University (France)
Holds a BSc in Economics from Moscow State University (Russia)
Has worked in the microfinance industry since 2011
Gained professional experience while participating in a rating mission under the JASMINE initiative for microfinance institutions in Europe
Fluent in English, French, and Russian
Viktoriya Bychenok Junior Investment Officer
Andrea Canepa, HR Manager
Role at responsAbility
Occupying a central role in HR
In charge of HR issues related to local offices
Contributing to the policy-making process
Managing learning & development
Professional Background
Currently pursuing a program in Human Resource Management at the Zurich Business School with completion in 2012
Studied Law at the University of Zurich
Fluent in German and English; competent in French; basic Hindi
Andrea Canepa HR Manager
Eliseo Carrión, Junior Investment Officer
Role at responsAbility
Responsible for economic and financial analyses of microfinance portfolios
in Latin America
Generating investment proposals in microfinance institutions
Professional Background
Graduated in Engineering Economics
Completed a six-month internship as a social-investment trainee
Worked as a general manager’s assistant for 18 months; at a local government for three months and at a private enterprise for 15 months
Worked as a consulting assistant in strategic projects for two years
Worked as a planning and controlling assistant in a microfinance institution for ten months
Fluent in Spanish; intermediate English
Eliseo Carrión Junior Investment Officer
Michael Cheah, Fund Operations
Role at responsAbility
Responsible for fund operations in the Fund Management team
In charge of the coordination and execution of incoming and outgoing payments
Responsible for the hedging and monitoring of FX positions
Professional Background
Completed a three-year apprenticeship at Citibank (Switzerland) in Zurich, followed by a three-year stint in the Client Services department
Worked for almost four years as a custody-account manager at Credit Suisse in Zurich
Fluent in English and German; competent in French; learning Spanish
Michael Cheah Fund Operations
Michèle Chevin, Head Office Management
Role at responsAbility
Project Manager in the Corporate Center department
Managing the project portfolio of responsAbility, including planning, process supporting and implementation of new projects
Professional Background
Certified as Marketing Specialist with federal diploma
Has more than ten years' experience in marketing in the financial industry
Managed the responsAbility Marketing & Communications department from August 2006 to January 2010
Worked as marketing manager at J.P. Morgan Asset Management and Carlson Wagonlit Travel, a leading business travel organization, and as sales representative for Singapore Airlines
Fluent in German and English; moderate French
Michèle Chevin Head Office Management
Boris Civieta, Senior Credit Risk Manager
Role at responsAbility
Responsible for credit risk assessment of investments in microfinance and SME banks
Monitoring of investments and controlling of critical situations, in coordination with the Investment Officers
Professional Background
Holds an MSc in Economics from the Freie Universität Berlin
Has in-depth knowledge of microfinance products and processes
Has almost ten years’ experience in management of microfinance institutions
Worked for three renowned international microfinance networks in Latin America and Africa
Fluent in German, English, and Spanish; proficient in Portuguese and French
Boris Civieta Senior Credit Risk Manager
Briera Dale, Credit Risk Manager
Role at responsAbility
Credit Risk Manager in the Credit Risk Management team
Analyzing proposals for microfinance and fair trade debt investments
Responsible for risk assessment and control of investments from a country-specific, market, and operational perspective
Professional Background
Earned an MBA from INSEAD and an MA in International Development and Social Change from Clark University
Spent four years at USAID in the fields of agriculture and value-chain development in Latin America and Africa
Worked in the field of social investments for an IFI, as well as for a private investment firm
Fluent in English and German; business-fluent Spanish; basic French
Briera Dale Credit Risk Manager
Kerstin de Carvalho , Marketing & Communications Manager
Role at responsAbility
Responsible for media monitoring, external communications and public relations
Delegating and editing various corporate publications
Professional Background
Earned a degree in International Business Administration
Worked and studied in Finland, Germany, France, Ecuador, and Australia
Developed tourism projects for a regional development agency and worked for an environmental training and consulting company
Fluent in German, English, French, and Spanish
Kerstin de Carvalho Marketing & Communications Manager
Jessica Diaz, Investment Officer
Role at responsAbility
Investment Officer for Latin America
Supporting Senior Investment Officers in various tasks related to investments in Latin America
Professional Background
Earned degrees in Business Administration and Finance
Attended the 2011 Boulder Microfinance Training Program and 2010 Microfinance Training at the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management
Worked as a financial assistant for BlueOrchard Finance S.A.
Worked as a treasury analyst for Financiera Edyficar S.A. (one of the biggest MFIs in Peru)
Fluent in Spanish and English
Jessica Diaz Investment Officer
Annina Dinkel, Marketing & Communications Manager
Role at responsAbility
Responsible for internal communications, Web publishing, corporate design and publications
Leading communications projects, administering the corporate website and writing publications
Professional Background
Earned a BA in Business Administration with a major in Public and Non-profit Management, has a federal certificate as PR professional
Worked as communications consultant for SV Schweiz and as member of the Marketing & Public Relations team for the Association of Swiss Cantonal Banks
Fluent in German, English, and French; basic Spanish
Annina Dinkel Marketing & Communications Manager
Romana Doser, Senior Relationship Manager
Role at responsAbility
In charge of client relationship management and product sales
Responsible for distributors in Switzerland
Professional Background
Earned a degree in Business Administration, focusing on Banking and Finance, from the Bern University of Applied Sciences
Completed a graduate trainee program in wealth management at UBS
Gained further experience as a corporate client advisor at UBS Leasing AG in Zurich
Fluent in German and English; good command of French
Romana Doser Senior Relationship Manager
Akshay Dua, Senior Investment Officer
Role at responsAbility
Senior Investment Officer in the Ventures I team
In charge of deal sourcing, analyzing, structuring, and executing equity investments, along with monitoring and exit planning for portfolio companies
Specializing in agriculture, education, healthcare, and ICT across South and Southeast Asia
Professional Background
Earned an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow and a bachelor’s degree in Engineering from University of Pune
Worked for three years at a mid-market, sector-agnostic private equity fund, executed four growth equity investments at IFCI Venture Capital Funds Ltd
Has three years’ experience in investment banking (equity capital markets), completed ten public market transactions while working for leading domestic investment banks, including Kotak Mahindra Bank
Fluent in English and Hindi
Akshay Dua Senior Investment Officer
Sina Eggimann, Fund Reporting
Role at responsAbility
Fund Reporting in the Fund Management Team
Collaboration in fund reporting for internal and external stakeholders
Processing of data in preparation for decision-making committees
Professional Background
Earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW)
Completed a commercial apprenticeship with a professional baccalaureate certificate and worked as assistant to the Investment Counseling team at Glarner Kantonalbank
Fluent in German and English; basic French
Sina Eggimann Fund Reporting
Christian Etzensperger, Senior Research Analyst
Role at responsAbility
Research Analyst in the Research Department/Team
responsible for economic analysis, investment research, and country risk monitoring Latin America
writes comments and analyses for a broad range of publications
Professional Background
Earned an MA in Economics and an MSc in Economic Development
Completed a seven-month-internship with the human rights NGO Peace Brigades International
Worked as macroeconomist and industry analyst for Credit Suisse and as market risk analyst for a private bank
Fluent in English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese
Christian Etzensperger Senior Research Analyst
Michael Carlo Fabbroni, Investment Officer
Role at responsAbility
Investment Officer for investments in sub-Saharan Africa
Responsible for business development, client appraisal and relationship management, credit and market analysis, and the monitoring of investments
Contributing to country/regional strategy for microfinance and financial inclusion markets, transaction structuring, and negotiations
Professional Background
Earned a master’s degree in Economics from the University of Florence, and a master’s degree in International Development and Cooperation from the IUSS, Pavia, and is currently a candidate for the master’s degree program in International Management
Worked first as a financial analyst and then regional manager for a specialized rating agency, and conducted assessments of over 40 microfinance institutions in Africa, Europe, and Asia
Worked for a fiduciary services company in fund administration and held a six-month research post at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa
Native Italian and English; competent in French and Swahili
Michael Carlo Fabbroni Investment Officer
Sabine Fellmann, Product Manager
Role at responsAbility
Product Manager
in the Relationship Management team
Responsible for product management and development of responsAbility products as well as product documentation, reporting, presentation material, and sales support
Professional Background
Earned a degree (HF) in Business Administration
Worked in client services with Credit Suisse’s hedge fund division in Zurich and in the trading department of Horizon Asset Management in New York
Completed an 18-month internship with the Bank of New York
Fluent in German and English
Sabine Fellmann Product Manager
Marco Fischer, Senior Research Analyst
Role at responsAbility
Senior Research Analyst in the Research team
Responsible for country and market research
In charge of research projects in the areas of microfinance and fair trade
Professional Background
Studied Economics and International Relations in Zurich and Lausanne
Completed the master’s degree program in Development and Cooperation (NADEL) at ETH Zurich and earned a diploma in Development Policy from the London School of Economics (LSE)
Worked in Hong Kong and Indonesia for the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA/EDA)
Worked for the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) in the department for trade cooperation with developing countries
Fluent in German, English, and French; basic Indonesian and Spanish
Marco Fischer Senior Research Analyst
Magdalena Gampp, Product Manager
Role at responsAbility
Product Manager in the Relationship Management team
Responsible for product management and development of responsAbility products as well as product documentation, reporting, and sales support
Professional Background
Holds a master’s degree in Sustainable Development, Environment, and Risk from L’Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po Paris)
and a master’s degree in International Affairs and Governance from the University of St.Gallen
Worked for a social finance and strategy firm responsible for alternative financing and sustainability research as well as social enterprise due diligence
Held a position as a junior consultant acquiring and implementing private and social sector development projects in developing countries for EuropeAid, the World Bank, and the Department for International Development (DFID)
Has field experience in Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iran, and Pakistan
Fluent in English, German, and French; basic Dutch
Magdalena Gampp Product Manager
Céline Georges-Picot, Senior Investment Officer
Role at responsAbility
Senior Investment Officer for investments in Southeast Asia and the Pacific
Responsible for originating and analyzing investments and transactions in that region
Conducting due diligences
Professional Background
Graduated from the European Business School (EBS)
Graduated as CIIA (Certified International Investment Analyst)
Ten years’ experience in the fields of financial analysis, financial communication, and investment banking
Worked on mergers and acquisitions in emerging markets as a manager in the Transaction Management Group at HSBC France
Developed extensive expertise in financial analysis and valuation, due diligence, and deals’ structuration
Fluent in French and English; basic Italian and Mandarin
Céline Georges-Picot Senior Investment Officer
Erik Geurts, Senior Investment Officer
Role at responsAbility
Senior Investment Officer in the Equity Investments department
Responsible for equity investments mainly in Latin America
Negotiating and monitoring equity deals as a shareholder representative or board member
Professional Background
Earned a master’s degree in Development Studies and a postgraduate degree in Bank Management
Active in microfinance and fair trade since 1997; first as an investment officer at Triodos Bank and, since 2006, as a senior equity investment officer at Triple Jump
Worked as an equity investments manager at Triple Jump (financial institutions in emerging markets)
Fluent in Dutch, English, German, and Spanish; reading literacy in French and Portuguese
Erik Geurts Senior Investment Officer
Teresia Gichuki, Office Manager
Role at responsAbility
Office Manager at the Africa local office based in Nairobi, Kenya
Maintaining a consistent approach to office administration, finance, and human resource management across responsAbility’s Africa operations
Supporting the Africa team in their daily business and in strengthening the working relationship with responsAbility worldwide
Professional Background
Diploma in Business Management, Public Relations, and Secretarial Studies
Over ten years’ experience in executive administration and logistics in both the private and public sector
Fluent in English and Kiswahili
Teresia Gichuki Office Manager
Joséphine Gonzalez, Senior Investment Officer
Role at responsAbility
Senior Investment Officer for Morocco
Deputy Regional Investment Officer for Mongolia and Cambodia
Responsible for originating and analyzing microfinance investments and transactions in those regions
Conducting due diligences with MFIs
Professional Background
Graduated from ESSEC Business School in France, with a specialization in finance and entrepreneurship
Attended the first training program on “strategic leadership for microfinance” in 2006, organized by ACCION International and Harvard Business School
Has nearly ten years’ experience in the microfinance industry, mainly in Brazil and Mexico
Acted as CFO for ProWomen’s Mexican subsidiary, Asociación Pro Mujer de México A.C. for three years
Was responsible for the implementation of an institutional strengthening project for six MFIs financed by the Inter-American Development Bank in Brazil and teaches strategic planning methodologies and financial projections to professionals at the M
Fluent in French, English, Spanish, and Portuguese
In charge of carrying out research and analyses for the Fair Trade and Ventures I teams
Focusing on commodity research within the fair trade sphere
Responsible for country risk research in Central Asia, Caucasia, and Russia
Professional Background
Studied French and Italian at Pembroke College, University of Cambridge
Earned an MBA from HEC Paris, specializing in Finance and Social Business
Prior to his MBA, spent four years trading and broking derivatives in London
Completed a one-year internship with the European Parliament
Fluent in English and French; basic Italian
Paul Hailey Senior Research Analyst
Mirza Halilovic, Senior Investment Officer
Role at responsAbility
Investment Officer in the Debt Investment team
Originating and analyzing of microfinance investments and transactions in Eastern Europe
Taking an active role in workouts and restructuring cases
Professional Background
Earned a Master of Arts HSG in Finance and Capital Markets and a Master of Arts HSG in Law
Was employed in the Corporate and Investment Banking department of Credit Suisse Zurich between 2005 and 2009; actively structured mergers and acquisitions in various industries in Switzerland and participated in a number of capital market transact
Fluent in English, German and Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian
Mirza Halilovic Senior Investment Officer
Eliane Herber, Head Fund Operations
Role at responsAbility
Responsible for fund operations in the Fund Management team
In charge of the coordination and execution of equity and debt transactions
Responsible for the investment pipeline, FX hedging, support of cash management, and fee supervision
Professional Background
Graduated from the University of St. Gallen (HSG) as lic. oec. (MBA)
Is a Certified International Investment Analyst (CIIA)
Has several years’ experience in the investment fund industry
Fluent in German and English; basic Spanish, French, and Italian
Eliane Herber Head Fund Operations
Pauline Raude Hérisson, Chief Financial Officer PlaNIS responsAbility SAS
Role at responsAbility
Regional Finance and Corporate Manager in the Corporate Center team
Responsible for finance, HR, legal, and IT at PlaNIS responsAbility SAS
Coordinating Corporate Center issues in Paris
Professional Background
Earned an MSc in Management at Audencia Nantes School of Management and a bachelor’s degree in Economics at the University of Paris
Worked as an external auditor for PwC in Paris, specialized in financial institutions
Worked as a credit analyst for BNP Paribas in the Netherlands, for corporate clients in the energy sector
Fluent in English, Spanish, and French
Pauline Raude Hérisson Chief Financial Officer PlaNIS responsAbility SAS
Carola Hug, Junior Research Analyst/ Equity Administration
Role at responsAbility
Junior Research Analyst/ Equity Administration in the Research and Microfinance Equity
teams
In charge of topic-related research for publications or internal use within the Research team
Responsible for fund administration and reporting, as well as investee performance monitoring within the Microfinance Equity team
Professional Background
Earned a master’s degree in Management and Economics from the University of Zurich
Gained experience in the microfinance sector during a part-time job in the responsAbility Relationship Management and Marketing & Communications teams
Fluent in German and English; basic French
Carola Hug Junior Research Analyst/ Equity Administration
Simon Hummel, Portfolio Management
Role at responsAbility
Portfolio Management in the Fund Management Team
Responsible for the management of the investment pipeline and the risk management of responsAbility's microfinance and fair trade investments
Execution and hedging of microfinance, fair trade, and private equity deals
Professional Background
Earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree with special focus on Controlling from the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland FHNW, spent a semester abroad at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
Completed a commercial apprenticeship with a professional baccalaureate certificate at Aargauische Kantonalbank, followed by a one-year position as client advisor for the bank
Gained further experience while working for Fraud Investigation & Dispute Services at Ernst & Young
Fluent in German and English; competent in French; basic Italian and Spanish
Simon Hummel Portfolio Management
Camille Huret, Senior Investment Officer
Role at responsAbility
Senior Investment Officer for investments in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan
Responsible for originating and analyzing microfinance investments and transactions in that region
Conducting due diligences with MFIs
Professional Background
Holds a master’s degree in Management Sciences from EMLYON Business School in France, with a specialization in finance and entrepreneurship
Has over three years’ experience in the microfinance industry
Has some auditing experience
Worked over three years for BNP Paribas in various positions where she gained experience in the energy and commodities sectors
Fluent in French, English, Spanish, and Portuguese
Camille Huret Senior Investment Officer
Stefan Issler, Senior Investment Officer
Role at responsAbility
Investment Officer in the Debt Investment team
In charge of originating and analyzing microfinance investments and transactions in sub-Saharan Africa
Specialist on microinsurance topics
Professional Background
Completed the master’s degree program in Development and Cooperation (NADEL) at ETH Zurich; studies included designing and heading a microinsurance project in Bolivia
Earned a master’s degree in Economics, majoring in Empiric Economic Research and Econometrics, from the University of Zurich
Gained useful experience and know-how as a risk analyst at Swiss Re
Fluent in German, English, Spanish, and Portuguese; competent in French
Responsible for fund operations in the Fund Management team
In charge of the coordination and execution of incoming and outgoing payments
Responsible for the microfinance investment pipeline for Central Asia, as well as FX hedging
Professional Background
Earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance and Credit from Plekhanov Russian University of Economics
Studied one semester abroad at Gothenburg School of Economics and Commercial Law
Pursued advanced studies of Economics at the Dresden University of Technology
Gained professional experience in the banking sector while working at Raiffeisenbank Moscow and Citibank Moscow
Fluent in German, English, and Russian; basic Italian and French
Julia Karrasch Fund Operations
Vassilios Ketsentzis, Senior Legal Counsel
Role at responsAbility
Legal Counsel in the Legal & Compliance department
Providing legal advice to the various internal departments of responsAbility, especially regarding Luxembourg or other European law, with a particular focus on the management of new and ongoing investments
Professional Background
Completed his legal education in Munich, Amsterdam, and Brussels
Has worked in the asset management sector in Luxembourg and Zurich since 2008
Fluent in English, German, French, Spanish, Dutch, and Greek; basic Italian
Vassilios Ketsentzis Senior Legal Counsel
Jürg Kohler, Senior Relationship Manager
Role at responsAbility
In charge of client relationship management and product sales
Responsible for investors in Germany and Austria as well as for special relationships in Switzerland
Professional Background
Served an apprenticeship in banking at UBS
Earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from a private business school
Held various leading positions at banks in foreign exchange, loans, and private banking departments
Is a cofounder and partner of a Swiss advisory firm
Fluent in German and English
Jürg Kohler Senior Relationship Manager
Vivian Kotun, Senior Investment Officer
Role at responsAbility
Senior Investment Officer for the Microfinance Debt and Ventures team
In charge of sourcing, conducting due diligences, executing transactions, and monitoring the portfolio in the area of microfinance as well as in other fields of social investment, such as healthcare and education
Professional Background
Holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from the Wharton School and a master’s degree in International Business from ESC Grenoble, France, as well as an undergraduate degree in Industrial Engineering from INTEC in the Dominican Republic
Worked for several years with Deutsche Bank’s global social investment funds, focusing on microfinance; has also been involved in projects in other fields of social investment, such as healthcare
Fluent in Spanish, English, and French
Vivian Kotun Senior Investment Officer
Maria Dolores Lamas, Senior Relationship Manager
Role at responsAbility
Senior Relationship Manager
Heading the Distributors and Private Clients team
Professional Background
Gained over 25 years’ experience in the financial industry, in investment banking, asset management, and private banking
Worked as a managing director at Credit Suisse, as Head of Financial Products and Investment Advisory,and was responsible for the selection, sourcing, structuring, and distribution of investment products to the global private banking client community
Previously worked as Global Head of Product Sales at Credit Suisse
Certified equity trader at SIX Swiss Exchange
Studied Sociology and Political Science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, attended the Zurich Interpreters’ School
Fluent in Spanish, English, German, Italian, and French; basic Portuguese
Maria Dolores Lamas Senior Relationship Manager
Raffaela Lombard, Relationship Manager
Role at responsAbility
In charge of client relationship management and product sales
Responsible for institutional clients in the French-speaking part of Switzerland and Europe
Professional Background
Studied International Relations at the University of Geneva (IUHEID), followed by postgraduate studies in Economics at the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium
As an economist, she co-authored a study that highlighted the push and pull factors of international capital flows between developing and industrialized economies
Has several years’ experience in the wealth management industry, mainly at Credit Suisse, where she worked as a relationship manager for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, and prior to that as a consultant in a family office
Fluent in French, English, and German; good command of Spanish
Raffaela Lombard Relationship Manager
André Lottersberger, Senior Legal Counsel
Role at responsAbility
Senior Legal Counsel in the Legal & Compliance department
Primarily responsible for legal aspects of private equity investments in SMEs and microfinance institutions in developing countries and emerging markets
In charge of covering legal aspects of debt investments in the microfinance and fair trade sector
Professional Background
Studied law at the University of Zurich (lic. iur.) and the University of Cape Town in South Africa (LL. M.), and was admitted to the bar in Switzerland as an attorney-at-law
Worked several years as a lawyer in commercial law firms
Gained seven years’ experience as a legal counsel in the International Wealth Management division of UBS in Zurich and Singapore
Completed LGT Venture Philanthropy’s iCats Fellowship Program and gained field experience while working as a legal/strategy consultant at a social enterprise in South Africa for one year
Fluent in English and German; good command of French; basic Spanish
Setting up business relations with cooperatives and agricultural value-chain organizations in Latin America
Carrying out due diligence, financial analyses, as well as scoring and credit-risk evaluations of clients
Responsible for investment memorandum elaboration and participating in the investment committee
In charge of transaction management as well as structuring and monitoring of credits
Professional Background
Earned a degree in Industrial Engineering and a diploma in Corporate Finance
Completed a two-year internship at different companies: industry, development, bank, and insurance sector
Gained experience in the microfinance sector as a business-banking functionary working with small enterprises
Fluent in English, Spanish, and French
Katherine Montalvo Investment Officer
Oliver Müller, Head Fund Reporting
Role at responsAbility
Fund Reporting in the Fund Management Team
Responsible for various reporting tasks for external and internal stakeholders
Provision and conversion of data for decision-making committees
Professional Background
Earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland FHNW, spent a semester abroad in Madrid, Spain, as an Erasmus student
Worked for five years in several departments of Aargauische Kantonalbank
Gained relevant experience while working in the Reporting & Controlling department of a major Swiss travel agency
Fluent in English and German; intermediate in Spanish and French
Oliver Müller Head Fund Reporting
Thomas Müller, Head Portfolio Management
Role at responsAbility
Portfolio Management in the Fund Management Team
Responsible for the management of the investment pipeline and the risk management of responsAbility's microfinance and fair trade investments
Execution and hedging of microfinance, fair trade, and private equity deals
Professional Background
Is a Certified International Investment Analyst (CIIA)
Has eleven years' experience in equity finance and co-headed the Equity Securities Lending & Financing team at UBS AG
Fluent in German, English, and Spanish
Thomas Müller Head Portfolio Management
Daniel Ndegwa, Senior Investment Officer
Role at responsAbility
Investment Officer in the Fair Trade and Sustainable Agribusiness team
Responsible for business and industry due diligence, transaction origination, and monitoring of portfolio investments in Sub-Saharan Africa
Preparing of documentation for internal processes
Professional Background
Earned an MBA in Finance and a BSc in Economics, and is currently pursuing Level 3 of the CFA program
Gained over seven years’ experience in corporate and project finance in the emerging African markets
Recently worked for several years at the International Finance Corporation (IFC)
Was responsible for the coordination of transaction teams in the origination, structuring, credit analysis, negotiation, disbursement, and monitoring within the agribusiness, manufacturing, and services sectors in Sub-Saharan Africa
Fluent in English and Swahili
Daniel Ndegwa Senior Investment Officer
Heidi Nigg, Office Manager
Role at responsAbility
Responsible for the reception of internal and external clients, handling the telephone switchboard, general correspondence and administration
Managing stakeholder data
Organizing events and business trips
Professional background
Completed the High School Graduates Program
at Credit Suisse Group, certified by the Swiss Bankers Association, and earned the trader licenses at SIX Swiss Exchange and Eurex Germany
Gained over twelve years’ professional experience in different areas of finance, such as asset management, investment banking and private wealth management, among others with Deutsche Bank (Schweiz) AG
Fluent in German and English; basic French
Heidi Nigg Office Manager
Mariangela Pensa, Senior Investment Officer
Role at responsAbility
Senior Investment Officer for investments in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)
Responsible for originating and analyzing investments and transactions in that region
Professional Background
Earned an MSc in Development Economics from the School of Oriental and African Studies SOAS, University of London, and a degree in Economics and Russian from Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London
Gained over six years’ experience in the microfinance industry
Worked as a microfinance officer at Oikocredit, in charge of portfolio management in Caucasia
Worked as a project manager and a consultant for different consulting companies in Spain in the field of microfinance and development cooperation
Fluent in Italian, English, Spanish, and French
Mariangela Pensa Senior Investment Officer
Béatrice Pradel, Senior Investment Officer
Role at responsAbility
Senior Investment Officer for investments in Mongolia, China, the Philippines and Cambodia
Responsible for originating and analyzing microfinance investments and transactions in that region
Conducting due diligences with MFIs
Professional Background
Earned an MA in Management and Economics from the School of Business and Management (ESCEM) in France, and Osnabrück University, Germany
Specialized in the areas of Central and Eastern Europe
Held various positions in investment banking in London as an investment and credit analyst
Has over three years’ experience in microfinance
Fluent in French and English; competent in German
Béatrice Pradel Senior Investment Officer
Antoine Prédour, Investment Officer
Role at responsAbility
Investment Officer for microfinance and fair trade debt investments in Caucasus region
Responsible for originating and analysing transactions in that region
Conducting due diligences with MFIs and fair trade organisations
Professional Background
Earned an MSc in Business Engineering and a European Master in Microfinance (EMP Solvay Business School, Brussels)
Graduated as CIIA (Certified International Investment Analyst)
Completed a four-month internship with Red Financiera Rural in Quito
Eight years' experience in listed equity investment at BNP Paribas Asset Management Paris and ING Equity Markets Brussels
Fluent in French, and English; good command of Spanish and Dutch
Antoine Prédour Investment Officer
Ines Radnic, Fund Operations
Role at responsAbility
Fund Operations in the Fund Management Team
In charge of the coordination and execution of incoming and outgoing payments
Responsible for the fair trade investment pipeline, FX hedging, cash management, fund accounting, and the monitoring of investment guidelines
Support of the trainee recruitment process at responsAbility
Professional Background
Currently studying Business Administration at the FFHS University of Applied Sciences
Completed a commercial apprenticeship at responsAbility
Completed a three-year program at a school of professional education (Fachmittelschule), specializing in Communications and Media
Fluent in English and German; competent in French and Croatian; learning Spanish
Ines Radnic Fund Operations
Juan Ramos, Controlling and Reporting Manager
Role at responsAbility
Controlling and Reporting Manager in the Credit Risk Management department
In charge of the MFIs’ financial monthly reporting process
Checking the comprehensiveness and consistency of financial information provided by the MFIs
Responsible for the database management (uploading and updating of data) in the rA Investment Cockpit (ICP) software
Developing, supporting, and implementing the use of ICP in the company
Professional Background
Qualified as a marine biologist and holds a master’s degree in Economics, Sustainable Development, and Environment (Charles de Gaulle University – Lille III, France)
Gained several years’ experience in the field of business management (private industry and agribusiness)
Worked as a researcher at EAFIT University in the Marine Science department
Fluent in Spanish, French, and English
Juan Ramos Controlling and Reporting Manager
Scott Richards, Senior Credit Risk Manager
Role at responsAbility
Credit Risk Manager in the Credit Risk Management team
Responsible for comprehensive credit analysis of debt transactions with microfinance institutions in Eastern Europe, Russia, the Caucasus, and Central Asia
Monitoring of economic and market conditions in the above-mentioned regions to assess emerging risks, in cooperation with Investment Officers and Research
Professional Background
Gained an MSc in Financial Economics from the University of Oxford
Has more than five years’ experience in investment banking and capital markets, with a focus on emerging markets
Has more than five years’ experience in development and microfinance
Native English; fluent in Spanish, Russian, and Polish; working knowledge of Italian and Quechua (Bolivian)
Scott Richards Senior Credit Risk Manager
Daniel Ringler, Senior Relationship Manager
Role at responsAbility
In charge of client relationship management and product sales
Responsible for investors in the French-speaking part of Switzerland and Luxembourg
Professional Background
Earned a degree in Business Administration from the Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro
Cofounded a non-profit social program in disadvantaged communities of Rio de Janeiro and was certified as a social entrepreneur by the Shell International Entrepreneurship program in 2002
Worked in the financial industry in Brazil and in the international wealth management sector with Banco Santander and Lloyds Bank in Switzerland
Fluent in French, English, Portuguese, and Spanish
Daniel Ringler Senior Relationship Manager
Marco Rosini, Head Sustainable Agri-Business
Role at responsAbility
Coordinating the overall approach on topics related to fair trade, sustainable agri-business, and their short- and long-term financing, at a worldwide level
Establishing business relations with agricultural producers and trade organizations as part of the origination strategy throughout the entire value chain
Interacting with the credit risk management, investment committee, and transaction management within responsAbility to implement transactions
Monitoring global and regional market trends for different commodities in which responsAbility has active and potential investments
Professional Background
Earned a degree in Finance and Business Administration from the University of Venice, Italy, and took part in an exchange program of the ESCP business school in France
Gained nearly 20 years’ professional experience in the banking industry
Worked for six years at Le Crédit Lyonnais (LCL)
Acted as director for the commodity finance department of Société Générale, where he was in charge of structured transactions of soft commodities, such as cotton, cocoa, coffee, sugar, and fertilizers, in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia
Took part in a credit-rating project for fair-trade-producer organizations sponsored by Max Havelaar France and the Fairtrade Labelling Organization (FLO) during a sabbatical
Fluent in Italian, English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese
Marco Rosini Head Sustainable Agri-Business
Antonia Schaeli, Senior Investment Officer
Role at responsAbility
In charge of sourcing, conducting due diligences, executing transactions, and monitoring the portfolio for the responsAbility Ventures I fund
Specializing in social investments in renewable energy, ICT, and the agricultural value chain
Professional Background
Earned an MSc in Economics at the University of Bern (also spending a year as an undergraduate at the London School of Economics and Political Science), and completed her postgraduate studies in International Relations at the Johns Hopkins University
Has been a CFA charter holder since 2009
Worked for six years in the field of private sector development with the Economic Cooperation and Development Division of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)
Promoted global dialogue between corporations at the World Economic Forum
Fluent in German, English, French, and Italian
Antonia Schaeli Senior Investment Officer
Claudia Schönbächler, Office Manager
Role at responsAbility
Responsible for administrative and organizational tasks, such as assisting the Management Board
Providing administrative assistance to the Accounting department
Professional Background
Completed an apprenticeship program in Business and obtained her professional maturity; formerly worked as a painter
Gained experience for her current tasks as a long-term assistant at Dow Europe GmbH in Horgen
Fluent in German and English; competent in French
Claudia Schönbächler Office Manager
Suhasini Singh, Senior Investment Officer
Role at responsAbility
Senior Investment Officer in the Microfinance Debt and Fair Trade teams
In charge of sourcing, conducting due diligences, executing transactions, and monitoring the portfolio in the areas of microfinance and fair trade/sustainable agriculture in South Asia
Professional Background
Holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from T A Pai Management Institute, Manipal, India
Has over five years’ experience in the microfinance industry, with a focus on raising debt capital for Indian microfinance institutions and providing debt and philanthropic capital to institutions in South and Southeast Asia
Gained over five years’ experience in investment banking, focused on cross-border mergers and acquisitions as well as private equity syndication for clients in the IT services, energy, manufacturing, and financial services sectors
Fluent in English and Hindi
Suhasini Singh Senior Investment Officer
Nancy Sommer, Senior Credit Risk Manager
Role at responsAbility
Credit risk assessment of investments in microfinance and fair trade
Monitoring of investments and controlling of critical situations, in coordination with the Investment Officers
Responsible for the social performance management of investments - rADER implementation and monitoring
responsAbility representative in the Management Board of the Rating Initiative
Professional Background
Studied in Germany and Australia, holds a diploma in Business Administration and International Management
Has over seven years' experience in microfinance in Latin America, Africa, and South-Eastern Europe, with two years' hands-on experience in branch network expansion and branch management in Africa
Fluent in German, English, and Portuguese; good command of Spanish; basic French
Nancy Sommer Senior Credit Risk Manager
Susan Stucki, Senior Management Support/Projects
Role at responsAbility
Senior management support (C-level executives)
Managing and planning various projects
Professional Background
Has over 9 years’ experience in institutional marketing and sales for various financial products including alternative investments (private equity, hedge funds)
Served institutional clients in the USA, Canada, and Europe
Worked as Director of Marketing & Research at Stable Capital Advisors (private equity placement agency, Canada) and as a marketing manager at Lombard Odier in Zurich; started her career at UBS in Zurich
Earned a business diploma and is a qualified marketing specialist, successfully completed a management course at the University of Stanford (California, USA) and the UBS-certified two-year traineeship program for college graduates (Zurich, CH)
Studied economics at the University of Zurich
Fluent in German and English; competent in French; basic Mandarin
Susan Stucki Senior Management Support/Projects
Philippe Sudan, Senior Relationship Manager
Role at responsAbility
In charge of client relationship management and product sales
Responsible for institutional investors in Switzerland and the Netherlands
Professional Background
Graduated from the University of St. Gallen (HSG) and holds a degree in Business Administration (lic. oec. HSG)
Earned the designation of a CFA Charterholder in 2007
Worked for over six years as an equity derivatives salesperson at Nomura and Lehman Brothers
Fluent in German, English, French, and Spanish
Philippe Sudan Senior Relationship Manager
Zinaida Vasilenko, Investment Officer
Role at responsAbility
Investment Officer for investments in Central Asia and Russia
Responsible for originating and analyzing microfinance investments and transactions in that region
Conducting due diligences and portfolio monitoring with MFIs
Professional Background
Graduated from L’Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris (Science Po Paris) and Moscow State Institute of International Relations, holds a master’s degree in Finance and International Business, and Political Economy
Has nearly five years’ experience in the microfinance industry
Gained further professional experience in country risk analysis, macroeconomic analysis, and research in the field of international economic relations
Fluent in Russian, French, English, and Ukrainian
Zinaida Vasilenko Investment Officer
Pierre-Olivier Wasem, Head IT
Role at responsAbility
Head IT in the Corporate Center department
Responsible for IT and telephony infrastructure in all responsAbility locations
Ensuring operational IT stability and security, defining and enforcing IT strategy and IT project management
Professional Background
Earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a major in Accounting and Controlling
ITIL-V3-certified
Has been working as an IT systems engineer in the finance and insurance sectors since 1984
Gained professional experience in various IT areas such as software development, database design, IBM mainframe system programming, project management, ITIL, etc.
Fluent in English, German, and French
Pierre-Olivier Wasem Head IT
Vivian Wegelin, Fund Operations
Role at responsAbility
Fund Operations in the Fund Management Team
Responsible for the coordination and execution of incoming and outgoing payments
Hedging and monitoring of FX positions
Professional Background
Earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), spent a semester abroad in England as an Erasmus student
Completed a three-year apprenticeship at the Swiss National Bank in Zurich, followed by a one-year position as a junior clerk
Gained further experience in the financial sector while working at a Swiss private bank as assistant to two investment managers
Fluent in English and German; competent in French and Spanish
Vivian Wegelin Fund Operations
Fred Werneck, Head Ventures I
Role at responsAbility
Fund manager of responsAbility Ventures I
In charge of sourcing, conducting due diligences, executing transactions, and monitoring the portfolio for the responsAbility Ventures I fund
Responsible for equity and quasi-equity deals in microfinance and SME financing
Professional Background
Earned a degree in Economics from the Ibmec Business School in Brazil and an MBA from the London Business School
Gained six years’ experience in investment banking (mergers and acquisitions) in Latin America in various industries, working for Dresdner Kleinwort and Rio Bravo Investimentos
Spent one and a half years leading carbon-credit-related investments for Climate Change Capital in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and the USA
Native Portuguese; fluent in English, Spanish, and French; learning German
Fred Werneck Head Ventures I
Julia Wicklein, Relationship Manager
Role at responsAbility
In charge of client relationship management and product sales
Responsible for institutional investors in Germany and partially Switzerland
Professional Background
Holds a master’s degree in European Business and a bachelor’s degree in International Relations
Worked as a product manager for Partners Group AG, Zug
Completed a three-month internship with the United Nations Development Programme in Belgrade, Serbia
Fluent in English, German, and Spanish
Julia Wicklein Relationship Manager
Mirjam Wild, Product Manager
Role at responsAbility
Product Manager in the Relationship Management team
Responsible for various product and client related projects
Professional Background
Has more than ten years professional experience in marketing and communications in the financial industry, for the most part in the field of sustainable investments at SAM Sustainable Asset Management
Established the marketing department of a Swiss asset management company and has expert knowledge in the areas of corporate and product publications, investor relations, and corporate events
Earned a degree in Business Administration (Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences Switzerland) with a major in Marketing
Fluent in German, English, French, and Italian
Mirjam Wild Product Manager
Huiwen Wu, Credit Risk Manager
Role at responsAbility
Responsible for credit risk assessment of debt transactions with microfinance institutions
Monitoring of investments and controlling of critical situations, in coordination with the Investment Officers
Professional Background
Started working in microfinance in 2008
Gained field experience as an investment officer in charge of microfinance
debt investments in emerging countries
Gained specific knowledge about the Chinese microfinance market by participating in the China Microfinance Fund project in the scope of the Microfinance Initiative for Asia, and by assisting several rating missions in mainland China during 2011
Completed a six-month internship in private equity
Holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from ESSEC Business School in France and Tongji University in China
Fluent in Mandarin, English, and French
Huiwen Wu Credit Risk Manager
Lehrlinge
Janosch Bertoli, Apprentice
Role at responsAbility
Serving his apprenticeship at responsAbility
Specializing in Services & Administration
Gaining experience through working in various departments, such as Relationship Management and Marketing & Communications
Professional Background
Attended the secondary school in Oberentfelden
Completed the tenth school year in 2010
Fluent in German; competent in French and English
Janosch Bertoli Apprentice
Daniel Schmid, Apprentice
Role at responsAbility
Serving his apprenticeship at responsAbility
Specializing in Services & Administration
Gaining experience through working in various departments, such as Corporate Services, Relationship Management, Marketing & Communications, and Fund Management
Professional Background
Attended the secondary school, profile A, in Nänikon-Greifensee
Intends to obtain his Swiss certificate of qualification in the spring of 2013
Fluent in German and English; competent in French; basic Twi (a dialect of Akan, Ghana)
Daniel Schmid Apprentice
Joisy Silva de Oliveira, Apprentice
Role at responsAbility
Serving her apprenticeship at responsAbility, specializing in services and administration
Gaining experience through working in various departments, such as Corporate Services, Relationship Management, Marketing & Communications, Legal & Compliance, Credit Risk, and Fund Management
Professional Background
Attended secondary school, profile A, in Zurich
Completed the tenth school year in 2009
Graduated from a vocational integration program (gap year) in 2010
Fluent in German and Portuguese; competent in English and French; good knowledge of Spanish
Joisy Silva de Oliveira Apprentice
Alexander Tsasakos, Apprentice
Role at responsAbility
Serving his apprenticeship at responsAbility, specializing in services and administration
Gaining experience through working in various departments, such as Corporate Services, Relationship Management, Marketing & Communications, Legal & Compliance, Credit Risk, and Fund Management
Professional Background
Attended secondary school, profile A, in Zurich, which he completed in 2012
Fluent in German and Greek; competent in English and French