Charles Barlow
About Charles Barlow
Charles Barlow serves as the Head of Strategy Execution at Investec and has held various leadership roles in corporate finance and strategy across Africa and Europe. With nearly three decades of experience in M&A and strategic advisory, he has a comprehensive understanding of the financial services industry.
Work at Investec
Charles Barlow has been with Investec since 2017, where he currently holds the position of Head of Cross Border Corporate Finance. In this role, he has led the Cross Border Corporate Finance division, leveraging his extensive experience in the financial services industry. In addition to this position, he also serves as Head of Strategy Execution at Investec since 2022. His responsibilities include overseeing the execution of strategic initiatives within the organization.
Current Positions and Board Memberships
In addition to his role at Investec, Charles Barlow serves as a Non-Executive Chairman at the Electrical Reticulation Company since 2022. He is also a Board Member at Capitalmind, a position he has held since 2021. His involvement in these organizations reflects his commitment to strategic leadership and governance in the financial sector.
Professional Background
Charles Barlow has a diverse professional background, having worked in various roles across the financial industry. He began his career at Deutsche Bank as a Corporate Finance Executive from 1996 to 1998. He then joined Greenhill & Co., where he held multiple positions, including Vice President, Principal, and Partner and Managing Director, from 2001 to 2010. He also served as Head of M&A for New Markets and Managing Director at Renaissance Capital from 2010 to 2017, focusing on emerging markets in Africa.
Education and Expertise
Charles Barlow studied at the University of Cape Town, where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in Information Systems from 1989 to 1992 and a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting in 1992. His educational background provides a strong foundation for his nearly three decades of experience in mergers and acquisitions and strategic advisory roles, particularly in cross-border corporate finance.
Military Service
Before embarking on his financial career, Charles Barlow served as a Second Lieutenant in the South African National Defence Force from 1987 to 1989. This experience contributed to his leadership skills and discipline, which have been beneficial throughout his professional journey.