Brooklyn, New York
•Speaks English, French, Hungarian
An expert in micro-financing for US and African markets
Tom has over 25 years' of proven management, business development and strategic experience in various forms of financial services. He is an expert on various forms of financial services and business development in the US and Sub-Saharan Africa ranging from retail banking, SME relationship management, sales and micro-finance. He is also proficiency in leading large micro-finance operations, strategy development and M&A transactions.
Tom has has traveled to over 60 countries with work experience in United States, Canada, DR Congo, Tanzania, Nigeria, Botswana, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Mozambique and Namibia. He is currently the Group Head of Microfinance Banking and East Africa for Letshego Holdings Limited (2014 - 2019). In this role he is responsible for developing and leading the Group's multi-geographic diversification strategy across 11 African countries into the MSE segments through organic growth and acquisitions. Prior to this, Tom was the CEO FINCA Microfinance Bank for FINCA International in Tanzania (2011 - 2014). He lead the licensing process with Bank of Tanzania to become the first transformed regulated microfinance bank in the country.
Tom holds a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Rochester (1993 - 1994). He also holds an Engineering degree from the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (1988 - 1992).
Tom has has traveled to over 60 countries with work experience in United States, Canada, DR Congo, Tanzania, Nigeria, Botswana, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Mozambique and Namibia. He is currently the Group Head of Microfinance Banking and East Africa for Letshego Holdings Limited (2014 - 2019). In this role he is responsible for developing and leading the Group's multi-geographic diversification strategy across 11 African countries into the MSE segments through organic growth and acquisitions. Prior to this, Tom was the CEO FINCA Microfinance Bank for FINCA International in Tanzania (2011 - 2014). He lead the licensing process with Bank of Tanzania to become the first transformed regulated microfinance bank in the country.
Tom holds a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Rochester (1993 - 1994). He also holds an Engineering degree from the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (1988 - 1992).
Keywords
Other
Experience
Letshego Holdings Limited • Botswana and Kenya
Group Head of Microfinance Banking and East Africa
2014 - 2019 (4 years, 12 months)
- Develop and lead the Group's multi-geographic diversification strategy across 11 African countries into the MSE segments through organic growth and acquisitions. - Regional head for East Africa and Nigeria responsible for providing strategic and leadership support with P&L responsibility - M&A experience including leading negotiations and due diligence, obtaining regulatory and Group Investment Committee approvals and overseeing post-acquisition integration of financial institutions. Divestment experience in South Sudan and Tanzania. - Identify and lead expansion strategy into target MSE sub-sectors: education, health, agriculture and low cost housing - Represent shareholder on subsidiary boards (Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana, Rwanda) - Participated in the Group's commercial fundraising efforts as subject matter expert on SME diversification strategy. Member of: - Group Executive Committee - Group Business Growth Committee (Chair) … see more
FINCA International • Tanzania
CEO - FINCA Microfinance Bank - Tanzania
2011 - 2014 (2 years, 8 months)
- Regulatory transformation experience: leading through the licensing process with Bank of Tanzania to become the first transformed regulated microfinance bank in the country - Providing strategic leadership to a dynamic microfinance bank with more than 700 employees - Organization structure development: introduce Banking Services Department to support delivery channel development and improve back office operations. Scale up branchless/cashless banking strategy: move 30% of overall repayment transactions to mobile money within 6 months after pilot. - Maintain extensive network and connections with Central Bank with both governmental agencies and NGO's. Point person for USAID, USDA and IFC projects. … see more
FINCA International • DR Congo
CEO - FINCA DR Congo
2008 - 2011 (2 years, 10 months)
- Positioned the institution to become the largest MFI in the country. - Provided strategic leadership, governance and oversight in a deposit taking MFI with 550 staff - Launched deposit mobilization program from research and product design to delivery - Preparation for delivery channel expansion; designed the fist agency network in DRC
Chase • New York City
Business Banker - Vice President
2007 - 2008 (1 year, 3 months)
Business Banker responsible for retaining, growing and expanding portfolio of SME business clients with annual revenues up to $10MM a year. Completed credit training. Relationship Management - primary contact for portfolio clients (400+)
Chase • New York City
Branch Manager - Vice President
2003 - 2007 (4 years, 4 months)
- Managed new build branch from construction phase and initial business development. After launch, responsible for overall operation and growth to achieve predetermined targets. - Team building and performance management.
M&T Bank
Branch Manager
1997 - 2003 (5 years, 8 months)
Education
The Institute of Directors
2017 - 2017
BS, Chemical Engineering
University of Rochester
1993 - 1994
Engineering
Budapest University of Technology and Economics
1988 - 1992