Meet the Team
RALPH A. DEHRMANN
Chief Executive Officer
The Dehrmann BioEnergy Group
Specializing in Sugar, Ethanol and Co-Generation Facilities
ABOUT ME
Project and Operations Management Executive specialising in ethanol, sugar, cogeneration and related product streams, with 35 years demonstrated experience, and extensive domestic and international experience in project management, operations, maintenance, construction, general management and the preparation of detailed and bankable business plans.
QUALIFICATIONS
Higher National Diploma (HND), Mechanical Engineering, from the Durban University of Technology, South Africa
(now known as a BTech. Mech. Eng., a 4-year degree).
Share Holders
RALPH A. DEHRMANN
Chief Executive Officer
ABOUT ME
Ralph is a seasoned Project, Maintenance and Operations Management Executive specialising in sugar, ethanol, cogeneration and related products, with demonstrated Domestic and International experience in various roles within the broader sugarcane industry.
QUALIFICATIONS
He holds a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Mechanical Engineering from the Durban University of Technology, South Africa
RICK WELGEMOED
Chief Operation Officer
ABOUT ME
Rick brings considerable experience to our group, derived from over thirty years of participation within the sectors of agricultural infrastructure, power distribution and land preparation as designer/constructor of turnkey projects for both large and small clients within the agricultural and industrial sectors.
QUALIFICATIONS
Rick holds a Higher National Diploma in Electrical Engineering (Heavy current) from the Durban University of Technology, South Africa.
Brian Keats
Business strategy consultant
ABOUT ME
Brian is an accomplished Chartered Accountant, IT Programme manager and business strategy consultant and has worked with many blue-chip companies in a variety of roles. Brian has spent 20 of the past 25 years working in London and Europe for blue-chip companies including Deloittes, Citi, Salomon Smith Barney, Colt, ITEXACT and CarPhone warehouse. Roles have included line management and project and programme management roles within the finance and IT arenas.
After successfully exiting his family-owned US start-up (Ordertalk Inc) in 2018, Brian returned from the UK to South Africa and has focused on compiling business plans and strategies and raising finance for businesses as well as submitting applications for government grants and performing remote advisory work with the UK and US.
QUALIFICATIONS
Brian holds a Bachelor of Commerce and is a registered Chartered Accountant, with various IT project and programme management certifications
Management Team
ANTHONY ALEXANDER
Agricultural Business Development Manager
ABOUT ME
Anthony is a seasoned Agricultural Operations and Management Executive, specialising in sugarcane, cassava and a variety of other crops, and has extensive Domestic and International experience in various roles within the broader sugarcane industry.
QUALIFICATIONS
He holds a Bachelor of Agronomy (Honours) from the University of Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa, and a Diploma in Business Science from MANCOSA, South Africa.
MICHAEL BRETT
Agriculural Economics Consultant
ABOUT ME
Michael holds an honours degree in Agricultural Economics and a Master’s degree in Business Leadership, coupled with over 2 decades of experience in the agricultural, financial, marketing, banking and business sectors.
QUALIFICATIONS
UNISA – Masters Degree in Business Administration
University of Natal – Masters Degree in Business Leadership
University of Natal – BSC Agricultural Economics (Honours)
NAMONDE MASOKA
Business Development Manager
ABOUT ME
Namonde is an experienced professional with strong leadership and relationship-building skills. She is Client-focused, with meticulous project planning skills.
QUALIFICATIONS
She holds a Diploma in Public Relations and a Post Graduate Diploma in Leadership and Management.
Strategic Partner
FRANSCESCO SCHIPIONI
Chief Executive Officer – Uni-Systems, Incorporated
ABOUT ME
Franco is a veteran in the International ethanol, sugar, cogeneration and related industries, coupled with over 4 decades of experience.
QUALIFICATIONS
He holds a Bachelor’s degree and a Doctorate in Chemical Engineering from Rome University, Italy.