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.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

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.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

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.

Andries Louw

Deal Executive

Andries holds a degree in Investment Management and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (PDBA). He has extensive experience as a financial analyst, focusing on asset finance, credit insurance, financial modelling and valuations.

John Powell

Transaction Executive

John, a Chartered Accountant CA(SA) and Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), holds an Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Applied Accounting Sciences, an Advanced Diploma in Accounting Sciences, a Post-Graduate Certificate in Advanced Taxation, and a Bachelor of Commerce in Law.

With over a decade of experience, John has excelled in various financial roles, including audit, management, financial and tax consulting, venture capital, private equity and CFO consulting.

Nitish Mudgal

Transaction Executive

Nitish is a Chartered Accountant (SA) and Chartered Financial Analyst® charterholder, holds a Master’s of Commerce, a postgraduate Diploma, and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting Sciences. He brings a wealth of expertise to the team with his extensive experience in auditing, financial services, private equity and operational finance, and his acumen in financial analysis, valuations, investment evaluation and corporate research.

Financial Analytics

The financial analytics team play a crucial role in facilitating the seamless execution of M&A transactions by providing essential support to senior deal team members. They are tasked with interpreting technical accounting matters, performing robust financial analyses, and reviewing complex consolidations, valuations and financial models. They are responsible for evaluating 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 Henkel

Executive: Finance Analysis

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.

Cameron Maingard

Corporate Transaction Analyst

Cameron is a Chartered Accountant (SA) and holds a Bachelor of Accounting (Honours) degree. He has successfully passed his CFA Level 1 Exam and is a Certified Financial Modelling and Valuation Analyst (FMVA) through the Corporate Finance Institute. He is not only skilled in financial analyses, but also passionate about understanding 'the big picture' and key valuation drivers in business. Cameron heads up the social committee at DLI.

Research and Business Analytics

Our research and business analyst engages 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.

Terry Stratis

Head of Market Intelligence & Strategy

Terry holds a BCom in Economics and Econometrics and a BCom Honours in Economics. With over 15 years of experience in financial and capital markets, including as Head of a Global Market Trading Desk, he brings deep expertise in market dynamics, risk assessment, and macroeconomic trends, applying data-driven insights to optimise business valuations and identify strategic buyers.

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

Melanie is our operations manager and is responsible for closely monitoring, developing and implementing policies, procedures and governance.

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.

Melanie Browne

Manager: Operations

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 Paterson

NBI Manager

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.

Nina Vila-Pouca

NBI 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.  

Matt van Westenbrugge

NBI Analyst

Matt holds a Bachelor’s degree in Politics and Governance, a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and Accounting, and is currently pursuing an honours degree. His expertise lies in applying political and macroeconomic frameworks to diverse business environments, supported by strong financial knowledge and data analytics skills.

Thought Leadership From Our Team

Our team's knowledge, experience and perspectives contribute to the valuable insights we share. Click on the titles below to read some of the articles they have written or contributed to.

Janine Wright, Deal Executive