NextEnergy Capital Group has appointed Lorena Ciciriello as Head of Debt Financing. The Argentinian-born former Head of Renewable Energy EMEA in the project finance division of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), will join on 9 April 2018.
Ciciriello brings with her an extensive background in financing renewable infrastructure assets in multiple jurisdictions across both established and emerging markets, during development as well as operations.
She will be responsible for the structuring and execution of the debt financing transactions across all geographies and investment funds managed by NextEnergy Capital, including the listed NextEnergy Solar Fund and the NextPower series private equity funds.
“We are thrilled to have someone of Lorena’s calibre come on board,” says Aldo Beolchini, Managing Partner and CFO of NextEnergy Capital. “In our mission to lead the transition to sustainable energy sources Lorena will be a perfect fit, as we are rapidly growing our international reach. NextEnergy is already accredited for having pioneered innovative debt financing structures and Lorena’s expertise will allow us to develop our competitive edge even further.”
Ciciriello started her 20 year career in project financing in the PPP/PFI and Water industries and then for eight years led the SMBC renewables division in Europe, Middle-East and Africa, originating and executing debt financing for USD15 billion and over 4,000MW of Wind and Solar projects worldwide. She then moved on to set up her private advisory business Ankhal Energy to arrange debt and equity financing for renewable projects in regions such as Argentina, Cuba, Panama, Canada, Mauritius, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Madagascar and Niger.
She is also a keen philanthropist and founder of Skills for Life Trust, a UK registered charity operating in Zimbabwe. She will also join the board of trustees of the NextEnergy Foundation and will contribute to the development of its activities worldwide.
Ciciriello earned a Master of Science at the London School of Economics and also served as Economist for the Argentinean Embassy in Rome, Italy and for the United Nations, Economic Commission for Europe in Geneva.
