Meet the people who will walk with you.
Our Executive Team
Our executive team brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table with their hands-on approach. They focus on developing deep relationships by understanding a client’s unique goals and objectives and tailoring strategies accordingly. By staying up-to-date with industry trends and leveraging an extensive global network, Rick and Andrew can identify and pursue new opportunities for growth and expansion. Above all, they are committed to delivering unparalleled service and ensuring clients achieve their desired outcomes.
Andrew Bahlmann
Corporate & Advisory
Andrew is a qualified Chartered Accountant with extensive entrepreneurial, corporate and M&A experience. Having built and sold his own businesses, successfully acquiring businesses, and advising on a multitude of equity transactions, Andrew has experience on both sides of the M&A table to provide solid advice to achieve the optimal deal for DLI's clients.
Rick Grantham
Mid-Market
Rick is a qualified Mechanical Engineer and MBA graduate who provides strategic guidance to mid-market entrepreneurs and business owners on their growth and exit strategies. He has personal experience growing and exiting his own businesses, which gives him a unique perspective. Rick is passionate about guiding his clients toward the right solutions, and his ability to communicate complex ideas has earned him a reputation as a trusted partner.
Deal Team
The pivotal role played by our deal executives in the project life cycle involves aiding the team with financial and valuation analyses, managing interactions with clients and acquirers, preparing market-facing documents and managing deal negotiations from beginning to conclusion.
Janine Wright
Deal Executive
​
Janine holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, a Master's in Finance and Investments, and is a qualified Chartered Global Management Accountant. She has extensive experience in financial services, including banking, development finance, venture capital, structured finance and impact funding. She has held various operational and strategic roles as a non-executive director on several Boards in Botswana and South Africa.
Andrea Reinecke
Deal Executive
​
Andrea holds a MPhil Corporate Strategy (cum laude), a BSc Financial Mathematics, an FRM and is a Certified Director through the Institute of Directors. She has extensive experience in private equity and the financial services sector and has served as a non-executive director on several Boards.
Transaction Executive
As a transaction executive, Rella is responsible for providing support to senior deal team members in executing M&A transactions. She assists with various aspects of the deal process from initial due diligence to finalising the transaction.
​
Rella holds a B. Bus. Sci. with honours in Finance and has passed all three CFA exams with experience as a sector-agnostic equity analyst in the asset management industry.
Rella Suskin
Transaction Executive: Corporate & Advisory
Financial Analytics
As a financial analyst, Taryn is tasked with interpreting technical accounting matters, performing robust financial analyses, and reviewing complex consolidations, valuations and financial models. Her role is to evaluate the financial impact of potential transactions, assist with due diligence, and develop financial models and forecasts to support the deal team’s decision-making.
​
Taryn is a qualified Chartered Accountant and holds a B.Bus.Sci degree with honours in Finance and Accounting. She has more than ten years of auditing and financial reporting experience in South Africa and internationally.
Taryn Henkel
Executive: Finance Analysis
Research and Business Analytics
Our research and business analysts engage in discovering potential buyers by examining different sectors and understanding market trends, aiming to attract suitable parties to participate in a transaction.
Reitumetse Pitso
Research Analyst
​
Reitumetse’s qualifications and experience as a Finance Journalist and her commerce background allow her to approach each transaction to best identify potential acquirers.
Ariella Klitzner
Business Analyst
​
Ariella holds an Honours degree in Finance and Investment. Coming from a private equity background, she has a deep understanding of what buyers are looking for and expect.
Reitumetse Pitso
Research Analyst
​
Reitumetse’s qualifications and experience as a Finance Journalist and her commerce background allow her to approach each transaction to best identify potential acquirers.
Reitumetse Pitso
Research Analyst
​
Reitumetse’s qualifications and experience as a Finance Journalist and her commerce background allow her to approach each transaction to best identify potential acquirers.
Ariella Klitzner
Business Analyst
​
Ariella holds an Honours degree in Finance and Investment. Coming from a private equity background, she has a deep understanding of what buyers are looking for and expect.
Ariella Klitzner
Business Analyst
​
Ariella holds an Honours degree in Finance and Investment. Coming from a private equity background, she has a deep understanding of what buyers are looking for and expect.
Market Engagement
Our market engagement manager develops and executes strategies to reach out to potential acquisition targets or interested parties, such as investors or strategic partners. This involves researching and analysing various industries and markets, assessing market trends, competitive landscapes and potential risks to guide our overall strategy.
​
Rudolph has a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and years of experience in analysing, advising, and buying and selling shares on exchanges across the globe.
Rudolph Vermeulen
Manager: Market Engagement
Operations
As systems and technology manager, Nikolaas is responsible for providing technical support for our computer systems, software applications and other technological infrastructure.
​
Melanie is our operations manager and is responsible for closely monitoring, developing and implementing policies, procedures and governance.
Nikolaas Dreyer
Manager: Systems and Technology
​
Nikolaas holds a Bachelor’s degree in Financial Accounting and an Honours degree in Management Information Systems and has extensive experience working for businesses from start-ups to multinationals.
Melanie Browne
Manager: Operations
​
Melanie holds a BA Honours degree in Human Movement Science, Recreation and a Post-graduate diploma in Marketing Management, with over a decade’s experience in operations and governance in the financial services sector.
New Business Initiatives (NBI)
New Business Initiatives is responsible for identifying and evaluating new business opportunities through research, data analytics and assessment, and engaging with leads and prospective clients.
​
Lorna is a qualified legal secretary, and accredited assessor and moderator. Her extensive corporate career spans banking, logistics, marketing, and adult based education and training.
Lorna Paterson
Manager: New Business Initiatives
Growth Accelerator Team
By leveraging our extensive experience in M&A, we are uniquely positioned to provide expert advice, strategic insights and personalised support under the Value Builder System to help business owners increase the value of their businesses for a successful exit strategy or accelerated growth through our Growth Accelerator program options.
Andries Louw
Executive: Value Builder
​
Andries is an experienced business professional with a degree in Investment Management and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration. As a former deal associate and skilled facilitator, he is well positioned to help business owners improve the value of their businesses by identifying key drivers and creating a long-term strategy for success.
Nina Vila-Pouca
Value Builder & New Business Initiatives Co-ordinator
​
Nina is a qualified executive secretary with a corporate background in sales, merchandising and auditing, and assisting CEOs manage day-to-day activities.  With her outstanding commitment and professionalism, Nina consistently delivers the highest level of service, fostering strong relationships and exceeding client expectations.
Get in Touch. Let's Chat.
