Our Team

At ARECOR, we embody the spirit of innovation and commitment to excellence, an essential asset for advancing the frontier of renewable energy. Our highly skilled and experienced professionals range from seasoned engineers crafting cutting-edge clean energy technology to dedicated project managers steering small to large-scale renewable energy projects. Together, they drive our mission to enhance sustainable energy solutions. United by a shared vision to positively impact the global energy landscape, ARECOR's team harnesses collective expertise to drive technological advancements and deliver reliable, eco-friendly baseload electrical power.

Peter Tyree

  • Peter Tyree serves as the Chairman of the UNSW-Energy Institute. He is also an adjunct University Professor in Electrical and Telecommunication Engineering.

    As the custodian of the Tyree Group, he is a seasoned entrepreneur and philanthropist, contributing significantly to technological and educational advancements.

Chairperson

Caroline Codsi

Advisory Board Chairperson

  • Caroline Codsi serves as the Chair of the Advisory Board at ARECOR, applying her leadership and diversity expertise to guide strategic initiatives.

    As the founder of Women in Governance, her commitment to inclusive leadership significantly enriches ARECOR’s operations.

Hon. Louisa Arcand

Advisory Board Member

  • Hon Louisa Arcand is a distinguished public servant with extensive expertise in environmental policy and sustainable development. Her career has focused on integrating sustainable practices into public governance, enhancing environmental conservation.

    As an Advisory Board member for ARECOR, Louisa applies her knowledge to guide strategic decisions, ensuring sustainability is central to ARECOR’s renewable energy projects and corporate goals.

Imad Hamad

  • With over three decades of experience, Imad Hamad is a seasoned leader in renewable energy and major infrastructure projects.

    His leadership has steered significant global projects in mass transit and aerospace, contributing to ARECOR's success in advancing clean energy solutions.

CEO & Founder

Michael Ibrahim

CFO & Co-Founder

  • Former youngest KPMG Partner with over 25 years' experience and led executive positions at Citibank and Goodman Fielder.

    Accomplished investor with specific competencies in software and technology development, international FX and treasury.

Bechara Shamieh

CIO & Co-Founder

  • Over 25 years' experience as a senior level executive (with qualifications in Accounting and Law) and advisor to many private, public and foreign companies,

    Bechara has led and advised on AU$30bn+ of corporate transactions including, M&A, corporate finance and IPO’s.

    Various awards and nominations including Energy and Resources lawyer, Transactional team of the year, Most Influential lawyer and most recently winning Deal Maker of The Year 2024.

Dr. Albert Ruprecht

CTO

  • Dr. Albert Ruprecht is distinguished by over 30 years of expertise in fluid mechanics and renewable energy. As a professor at the University of Stuttgart, he specialises in hydrokinetic and conventional hydraulic turbines, along with ocean energy systems.

    His leadership steers our technological strategies in virtual and hydro power plant system analysis, advancing ARECOR's mission towards sustainable energy solutions.

Georges Bakaly

President, Africa

  • Georges Bakaly, with an LLB from London Metropolitan University, has thrived in diverse roles across law, finance, and business development. His career commenced at Novo Holding in Belgium, enhancing his skills in investment management, and he co-founded Wesd Capital, a prominent carbon credit developer in the DRC, underscoring his commitment to sustainability.

    Currently, Georges contributes his expertise to several boards including LOLC DR Congo, and previously served as deputy chief of staff for the DRC's minister of industry. His strategic vision and leadership continue to drive significant economic and developmental initiatives, reflecting his deep engagement in the finance and mining sectors.

Gisèle Yoko

President, DRC

  • Gisèle is a multilingual economist specialising in finance and business administration, deeply committed to sustainable social impact. Her diverse experience spans sectors like HORECA, logistics, real estate, and energy.

    With over five years managing large-scale energy projects, including three in leadership roles, she embodies strong leadership and a clear vision to drive transformative and positive change in communities.

Amir Amin

Finance Director

  • Amir is a Chartered Accountant and Finance Director with over 20 years of experience, extending from KPMG advisory roles to leading finance teams globally in diverse sectors including professional services, manufacturing, and FinTech. His career spans notable cities like Melbourne, London, and Sydney, where he has shaped financial strategies and led change initiatives.

    Known for his compassionate leadership style, Amir excels in problem-solving and passionately contributes to social and environmental outcomes, offering strategic guidance to boards and executive teams.

Jessyka Dionne

Programs Director

  • Jessyka is integral to the evolution of the company’s power generation capabilities. She has adeptly coordinated the logistics and development phases of different generations of the GEN-I, GEN-II, and GEN-III hydrokinetic projects.

    Her role extends beyond technical coordination to managing government relations and securing funding and grants, thus ensuring the projects' compliance with regulatory standards and financial sustainability.

Dr. Helmut Schmidt

Head of Mechanical Engineering

  • Dr. Helmut Schmidt excels in computational fluid dynamics (CFD), finite element analysis (FEA), and mechanical design, focusing on vibration and cavitation in hydraulic turbines. His technical acumen has propelled numerous high-impact projects in the field.

    He has spearheaded significant cavitation detection projects and part-load stabilisation initiatives for turbines, dealing with capacities ranging up to 295 MW, enhancing the efficiency and longevity of hydro systems.

Peter Hellund

Head of Electrical Engineering

  • With over twenty years of experience, Peter Hellund's career spans hands-on field services to strategic management roles. His expertise in power converter systems has earned him accolades, significantly impacting the energy sector.

    He has led the commissioning of various marine projects at ABB, applying innovative solutions to complex electrical challenges and advancing the company’s electrification efforts.

Dr. Claudio Vissa

Head of Civil Engineering

  • Dr. Claudio Vissa is renowned for his expertise in hydroelectric power design, construction, and operations, with significant contributions to projects worldwide. His approach consistently reduces costs and enhances efficiency across various global locations.

    Fluent in multiple languages, Claudio's leadership in complex constructions and strategic expansions has been pivotal in advancing ARECOR’s innovative hydropower solutions.

James Ibrahim

Investment Director

  • James Ibrahim, a recent finance graduate, brings fresh insights and a strong analytical foundation to his role at ARECOR. His internship at Deloitte equipped him with critical skills in financial analysis and strategic planning, enhancing his ability to contribute to financial projects effectively.

    At ARECOR, James applies his knowledge to support the finance team, helping to optimize investment strategies and financial operations. His enthusiasm and fresh perspective are valuable assets as ARECOR advances its initiatives in renewable energy.