Renaissance Capital, an emerging and frontier markets investment bank, has appointed Risana Zitha as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Renaissance Capital (South Africa) and Head of Investment Banking, Africa.
In the capacity of Chairman of the Board of Directors of Renaissance Capital (South Africa), Zitha will coordinate the work of the Board and supervise relations with key stakeholders, and will report to Renaissance Capital Co-CEOs Ruslan Babaev and Anna Vyshlova. As Head of Investment Banking, Africa, he will be in charge of client coverage as well as deal origination and execution, and will report to Acting Global Head of Investment Banking Dmitry Gladkov.
Zitha, who will be based in London, says: “I am delighted to become part of Renaissance Capital’s team. The Firm stands out for its long-term successful commitment to Africa and its track record of executing landmark transactions, driving capital markets and paving the way for investments across the continent. I will be happy to contribute to its future achievements.”
Ruslan Babaev, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Renaissance Capital, says: “Renaissance Capital has always been the first-mover in Africa, unlocking its potential and opening new frontiers to investors. With the hire of Risana Zitha, one of the most renowned investment bankers in the region, we are looking to strengthen our foothold and execute new landmark transactions. We are delighted to have Risana Zitha now with the Firm and believe he will make a perfect addition.”
Anna Vyshlova, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Renaissance Capital, adds: “On behalf of the Firm, we would like to welcome Risana to our team. Risana is a well-known and highly respected professional. He brings a wealth of high-profile international experience that will be instrumental in further enhancing our position in the continent. We believe that Risana will help us bring our investment banking operations in South Africa and beyond to a completely new level.”
Zitha, a former Managing Director in the Investment Banking division of Morgan Stanley, brings over 18 years of experience to Renaissance Capital. In his most recent role, Risana was Head of Sub-Saharan Investment Banking (excluding South Africa). Prior to that he was Head of Investment Banking coverage for Morgan Stanley in South Africa, with relationships across a number of sectors. Risana has executed mergers & acquisitions and capital markets transactions across multiple sectors, including transportation, energy, utilities and natural resources. In addition to being a Sloan Fellow pursuing a Master’s degree in Leadership and Strategy at London Business School, Zitha has a BA in Economics from Dartmouth College in Hanover.
