Our Leadership

A MESSAGE FROM LEADERSHIP

As a uniquely boutique African economic advisory firm, UBU Investment Holdings is deeply committed to driving investment and economic development through high-impact projects in South Africa and across the continent, working closely with governments and business leaders.

We are proud of the impact we have helped create across Africa, from building strong Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to supporting communities through investment in cooperatives and local initiatives that make a real difference in people's lives.

Our team of highly skilled and experienced development economists, policy experts, and sector specialists works closely with clients to co-design solutions that directly support clients' goals. UBU, and its associates, have deep networks in strategic and technical fields and have directed organisations and high-impact programmes in infrastructure, project management, engineering, finance, tax, regulation and community development.

We have forged strong relationships with major South African industry associations and manufacturers, as well as leading global companies in the energy, transport, and automotive sectors, and prominent industry and global institutions.
Our associates are experts in the automotive, energy, rail, ICT, project finance, legal and regulatory, capacity building, and spatial planning sectors, drawing on extensive experience with leading African and global companies.

 

Portia Derby

Portia Derby

Executive Chairperson / Co-Founder

With a distinguished career marked by senior roles within the South African government during pivotal periods of economic reform, Portia brings a wealth of expertise to her current leadership position.

Amanda Gcabashe

Amanda Gcabashe

Managing Director

An accomplished executive with a proven track record of senior leadership in both the public and private sectors, demonstrating excellence in international standards development and conformity assessment.

Shireen Crosson

Shireen Crosson

Director

A seasoned executive with a rich background spanning various sectors, including IT, finance, chemical, and transport industries.

Alec Erwin

Alec Erwin

Director / Co-Founder

Alec Erwin has held senior leadership roles shaping labour, industrial, trade and economic policy, nationally and across Africa.