Leadership Teams

Hein assumed the position of General Manager in 2016. He has direct responsibility for projects in development, construction and operations including taking the lead on Mainstream’s Africa initiatives late in 2016.

Since Hein joined Mainstream, his roles have included project and business development through to construction. Having worked in renewable energy since 2008, Hein has vast knowledge and experience in the industry.

Hein trained as a mechanical engineer and built a successful career in delivering complex projects and new business initiatives leading multi-disciplinary teams of professionals. His experience covers rewarding enterprises in the automotive, rail, marine and energy industries. He has been one of the pioneers of the South African renewable energy industry and a board member of the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) from 2014 to 2018.

Matthew joined Mainstream in 2021 as Head of Commercial, Africa. In this role, Matthew led the commercial function to secure PPA’s for wind and solar PV projects, involving tendering, structuring, negotiation, due diligence and ultimately close. In 2023, Matt was promoted to Head of Growth, Africa, continuing to lead the Commercial team into the next phase of Mainstream’s strategy of growing our presence in the private market, and energy trading.

Before Mainstream, Matthew worked at Eaglestone Capital Advisory, a project finance advisory boutique. During this period, Matthew advised several power and infrastructure clients on several corporate and project finance transactions across Africa. Previously, he was employed by Macquarie Capital Johannesburg, as part of the infrastructure sector team specialising in financial modelling, transaction and debt and equity procurement advisory.

Matthew is a Chartered Accountant, and a member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants; having completed his articles at KPMG Johannesburg in the financial services sector, bank audit.

Birgitte joined Mainstream as General Counsel in October 2022, where she had responsibility for the legal and compliance functions across the Group.

She joined Mainstream from the position of General Counsel at Aker Offshore Wind following the company’s combination with Mainstream in August 2022.

She has worked in private practice within the energy sector for most of her career and since 2013 as a partner in the law firm Wikborg Rein.

Birgitte graduated with a law degree from the University of Bergen in 2002.

Eugéne heads up the development function for Africa. He manages the project portfolio and is responsible for the complete project development lifecycle from pre-feasibility to start of construction.

Eugéne joined Mainstream in 2011 and has worked in project development roles during that times. He has extensive experience with roles relating to planning, environmental and project management in the private and public sector since 1995, including ten years with Mayo County Council in Ireland as Executive Planner.

Eugene has a B.Art et Scien. Degree in Town and Regional Planning.