Our People

Mikael Karlsson was appointed as CEO in April 2009 and has extensive senior management experience in global development, acquisition, financing and equity investments of energy and infrastructure assets.

His 19 years in the industry began in 1990 at ABB Equity Ventures, which developed and invested in independent power projects throughout the world. Over the next 12 years he held various senior management positions within the company including global head of development and new investments.

Mikael’s association with Globeleq started in 2002 while advising on acquisition opportunities in Africa and Asia. In 2003 he co-founded InfraInvest, which advised on energy and infrastructure investments and led to the inception of Arox Infrastructure and Arox Capital, focusing on the management of infrastructure funds.

Paul York is responsible for managing the growth of Globeleq in the Americas.

Since joining Globeleq in 2005, Paul has been integral to the growth and evolution of the company, managing the acquisition and divestiture of assets in the Americas and Asia, and representing Globeleq in Panama as the CFO of the Fortuna hydroelectric company.

Paul has 25 years of experience prior to joining Globeleq as a commercial banker, as a senior financial manager and CFO in the energy and financial industries, and as a partner in a specialised consulting and investment firm to the energy industry.

Chris Ford is responsible for managing all aspects of Songas' operations in Tanzania, including developing and implementing the company's commercial strategy in the region.

With more than 10 years of experience in the energy sector, Chris joined Globeleq in 2006 as Songas' Commercial Manager and was appointed as Managing Director in August 2007.   Prior to his role with Songas, he was an Engineer at National Grid Company PLC and a Senior Energy Trader and General Manager of Enfield Energy, a merchant IPP trading in the UK gas and power markets.

Paul Kunert is responsible for coordinating all business development activities in Africa and Asia. As a member of the Executive Committee, Paul is fully involved in the strategy and planning of Globeleq's growth and development.

With 14 years experience in developing, financing and managing power and other infrastructure projects he has been with Globeleq since its inception. From 2003-2007, he was Vice President for East Africa and the Managing Director of Globeleq's Songas project, managing its construction, operations and two expansions. Prior to this Paul successfully led the company's power acquisitions for both Tanzania and South Africa and the acquisition and development of the electricity distribution business in Uganda.

Paul was with CDC Group, from 1999-2002 where he developed, financed and managed power projects in India and sub-Saharan Africa.  Prior to 1999, he held positions in project and corporate finance, advising investors and off-takers in UK and European PPP schemes.

Jake McConnell oversees all operational, engineering and technical development aspects for Globeleq's existing power assets and new projects.  He has over 28 years in the power industry, managing development, construction and commissioning of power plants in the emerging markets and USA and has been with Globeleq since 2003.

Jake brings an impressive history of successful project implementation with diverse fuel technologies ranging from natural gas, hydroelectric, solid fuel, liquid fuel, wind, and nuclear technologies.  He has brought to Globeleq a thorough and hands-on approach developed through his experience with El Paso Energy/Coastal Power, the Tennessee Valley Authority, Bechtel Corporation, Mississippi Power and Light and as an engineer in the US Navy.

Susan Wilkins oversees and manages responsibility for all financial, legal, and information technology aspects of the company and as a member of the Executive Committee, is fully involved in the strategy and planning of Globeleq's growth and development.

With nearly 20 years of wide-ranging international experience in finance and accounting within the mining, power and energy industries, she joined Globeleq in 2006 as Group Controller with responsibility for group reporting, cash management and internal controls. Prior to Globeleq, Susan held a variety of senior financial and general management leadership roles with Duke Energy's power generation and natural gas asset and trading businesses in Asia Pacific and Europe.

Karen Axten has been with Globeleq since 2003 and manages all functions required for the needs and activities of the company's people, helping to establish the organisational culture and providing various programs and opportunities for employee development and involvement in the company.

With over 10 years HR experience, she has managed HR at internet media company Scoot, worked as an international HR partner with Sony and held various roles, including Head of HR, within the UK utilities industry.