John Akinnawonu
Climate Finance/Renewable Energy Expert
Ikorodu,Lagos
Summary
Results-driven Renewable Energy and finance professional with a decade of expertise in clean energy financing, project structuring, portfolio management, and corporate strategy. Proven success in identifying and developing high-value renewable energy projects, complemented by a strong ability to build bankable portfolios and secure funding from commercial and concessional sources. Strategic thinker committed to driving growth and advancing sustainable energy solutions through innovative financing approaches. Passionate about leveraging extensive industry knowledge to contribute to impactful renewable energy initiatives.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Banking Officer, Renewable Energy
First City Monument Bank, FCMB
06.2024 - 12.2024
- Identified and onboarded over 25 renewable businesses and projects ready for financing.
- Built and managed portfolios worth an estimated N2.5 billion in bankable clean energy projects.
- Developed sector-focused marketing strategies to attract high-value renewable energy clients.
- Initiated partnerships with renewable energy developers, EPC contractors and investors.
- Conducted financial and technical assessments of solar, mini-grid and hybrid energy projects.
- Developed and reviewed business cases, loan proposals and investment briefs for credit committee approval.
- Liaised with government agencies regulators, DFIs and development partners to secure co-funding opportunities.
- Collaborated with internal credit, risk and legal teams to structure debt & equity financing packages.
Head, Business Growth and Investments
PROTERGIA ENERGY LTD
04.2023 - 05.2024
- Developed organization’s business plan and implemented strategies to increase revenue and achieve organizational targets.
- Lead the sales, marketing and business development efforts for South-West Nigeria.
- Achieved a 30% increase in quarterly revenue targets during first three months.
- Identified new business prospects in renewable energy, focusing on Commercial and Industrial sectors.
- Worked alongside project management, engineering, and operations to enhance market share and profitability.
- Oversaw entire sales process, including lead generation, qualification, contract negotiation, and deal closure.
- Led financial initiatives for advanced stages of a $10 million fund raise.
- Led market entry and expansion projects throughout South-West Nigeria, boosting market share.
- Monitored revenue growth by regularly reviewing sales data to identify areas for improvement.
- Supported and managed team of twelve in driving innovative solutions across functions.
Renewable Energy/Operations Consultant
GREEN KAKII CONSULTANCY
01.2021 - 12.2022
- Designed a comprehensive framework to streamline organizational systems, processes, and templates for improved efficiency in Renewable Energy.
- Achieved a 31% decrease in non-performing assets within three months of consultation.
- Created holistic framework for managing supply chain in Renewable Energy sector.
- Delivered operational support to enhance efficiency through staffing guidance recommendations.
- Identified need for business analytical tools to streamline processes.
- Crafted comprehensive go-to-market strategy for Renewable Energy sector and set operational and financial targets.
- Established methods for evaluating business growth and delivering insights to management.
Squad Lead, AltPower (Renewable Energy)
STERLING BANK PLC
11.2020 - 11.2021
- Designed strategic approach for AltPower initiatives and Renewable Energy team formation.
- Developed innovative Power-As-A-Service model for renewable energy transactions.
- Forged strategic alliances with renewable energy developers, sector stakeholders, and financial partners.
- Developed processes and organizational framework for a Renewable Energy desk in Non-Interest Banking (NIB), Sterling Bank.
- Managed the establishment of a Renewable Energy desk at NIB, Sterling Bank.
- Developed business models, processes and systems to ensure continuous product functionality, success and growth.
- Defined squad operational scope and supervised member roles.
Business Intelligence Analyst, Renewable Energy
STERLING BANK PLC
09.2017 - 11.2020
- Designed the go-to-market strategy and operational framework for Sterling Bank’s Renewable Energy operations in Nigeria.
- Evaluated Renewable Energy transactions across retail, commercial, and industrial sectors totaling $50 million.
- Designed the Partner Selection and Management Framework for Sterling Bank’s Renewable Energy Desk.
- Created business case and secured approval for Sterling Bank Head Office's $3 million Energy Optimization and BIPV installation project.
- Created operational model and pricing strategy for digital product Imperium, leading to onboarding of more than 150 vendors.
- Co-created initiative and played a key role in securing $15M Deutsche Bank on-lending facility for Sterling Bank.
- Played a key role in securing a $3M Solar Fund from Bank of Industry for on-lending to SMEs.
- Collaborated with Development Finance Institutions and agencies including USADF, USAID, World Bank and Bank of Industry to develop and on-lend concessionary funds and grants to renewable energy businesses.
- Successfully on boarded over 200 renewable energy companies and provided advisory support in their financial growth, directly and indirectly leading to economic development through job creation, technology transfers and more.
- Engineered a framework to enhance energy sustainability for Nigerian micro enterprises.
- Identified and analysed market needs in the Renewable Energy sector and determined potential impact on business.
- Collaborated with other business units and maintained strong relationships with key industry players, government and associations across the country.
- Developed strategic partnership with Renewable Energy developers and companies with a bid to provide financing and other support for Renewable Energy projects and initiatives.
- Managed internal energy management and efficiency projects and initiatives for the Bank.
- Developed sector viable products and propositions to address sector needs and challenges.
Market Research Analyst, Strategy and Innovation
STERLING BANK PLC
10.2016 - 08.2017
- Conducted research and developed framework leading to the incubation of the first-of-its-kind, specialised Renewable Energy desk of any Commercial Bank in Nigeria.
- Conducted research and provided recommendations for the adoption of Agile Methodology in Sterling Bank.
- Analysed all regional and zonal performance indicators for business units and provided recommendation for management decision.
- Monitored and forecasted banking and financial trends to aid strategic management decisions.
- Analysed and measured the effectiveness of products, proposition and strategies using business analytics tools.
- Converted complex data and findings into understandable tables, graphs, and written reports.
Education
B.S. - Economics
Caleb University
Imota, Lagos07.2012
WASSCE - undefined
Yaba College of Technology Secondary School
Yaba, Lagos06.2008
Skills
Renewable Energy Project Financing
Financial Modelling & Valuation (Intermediary)
Credit Risk Analysis & Loan Structuring
Investment and Project Evaluation
Market Research & Competitive Analysis
Client Acquisition & Retention
Business Development and Strategic Partnerships
Stakeholder Engagement & Management
Networking & Industry Representation
Cross-functional Team Leadership
References
References available upon request.
Accomplishments
- Successfully built and managed a ₦2.5 billion portfolio of bankable renewable energy projects within six months at FCMB.
- Increased renewable energy lending pipeline by 40%, directly contributing to institutional clean energy financing targets.
- Spearheaded the creation of Sterling Bank’s first Renewable Energy Desk, including strategy design, stakeholder engagement, and process development.
- Secured partnerships with major renewable energy developers to enable co-financing of large-scale clean energy projects.
- Facilitated client access to over $5 million in concessional loans and grants from DFIs and development partners.
- Co-developed Sterling Bank’s Power-as-a-Service (AltPower) model, pioneering innovative renewable energy financing solutions.
- Negotiated and secured access to a $15 million Deutsche Bank on-lending facility for agriculture and renewable energy financing.
- Reduced project approval timelines by 20% through process optimization and improved due diligence frameworks.
- Managed the development and implementation of energy-efficient systems and off-grid BIPV solutions, including the first-of-its-kind installation at Sterling Bank Head Office in West Africa.
- Onboarded over 200 renewable energy companies, providing advisory services that fostered business growth, technology transfer, and job creation.
Timeline
Senior Banking Officer, Renewable Energy
First City Monument Bank, FCMB
06.2024 - 12.2024
Head, Business Growth and Investments
PROTERGIA ENERGY LTD
04.2023 - 05.2024
Renewable Energy/Operations Consultant
GREEN KAKII CONSULTANCY
01.2021 - 12.2022
Squad Lead, AltPower (Renewable Energy)
STERLING BANK PLC
11.2020 - 11.2021
Business Intelligence Analyst, Renewable Energy
STERLING BANK PLC
09.2017 - 11.2020
Market Research Analyst, Strategy and Innovation
STERLING BANK PLC
10.2016 - 08.2017
B.S. - Economics
Caleb University
WASSCE - undefined
Yaba College of Technology Secondary School