Helios' investment professionals are active members of the boards of our portfolio companies. While we believe it is important for managers to maintain operational autonomy, we believe also that a high degree of hands-on operational involvement with portfolio companies is a critical factor to the success of investments in Africa. In light of that, Helios seeks to support portfolio company management teams by playing the following roles, where applicable, in each portfolio company.
- Board functions: Take a proactive role (rather than traditional "review and approve") in: (i) the recruiting and development of management talent, structuring and implementation of incentive compensation schemes and other human resource initiatives; (ii) the development of budgets and long term strategic plans; (iii) development and active monitoring of Key Performance Indicators; and (iv) the development and execution of financing strategies.
- Executive functions: (i) assist in the negotiation of major commercial agreements, including supplier contracts; (ii) play an active role in significant product pricing and other commercial decisions having broad strategic implication.
- Business Development activities: (i) leverage local and foreign business contacts in customer acquisition, formation of alliances, joint ventures and other value-enhancing relationships; and (ii) leverage local public and private sector contacts for regulatory problem-solving.
- Portfolio 'network effects': (i) expose management to best-in-class businesses in the same sector; (ii) create forums for sharing of best practices across portfolio companies.