Chris Low assumed the role of Non-Executive Chairman of ASA International Group plc on 1 April 2025 having served as Executive Chairman from 1 November 2024 to 1 April 2025 to support the leadership transition alongside Rob Keijsers. He originally joined as an Independent Non-Executive Director (INED) of ASA International Group plc in February 2023. Further he sits as an INED on the Boards of United Bank for Africa (UK) Limited, EdPartners Africa Holdings Ltd, a provider of finance to affordable schools in Kenya, and the Scottish African Business Association. In addition, he advises the Zephyr Acorn Fund, an investor in early-stage impact companies in East Africa, the Mobility Credit Fund that has been established to capture opportunities in the Africa electric mobility sector and several FinTech businesses operating on the continent. Prior to these appointments he was I&M Group Plc's Regional Director for its East Africa businesses. With over 30 years in international financial services, risk management and digital transformation, Chris has specialised in emerging markets, working across Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
Mr Brouwer co-founded ASA International in 2007 and served as its Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer until June 2023. As of 15 June 2023, Mr Brouwer has assumed a new role as (i) Deputy Chairman of the Board of ASA International and (ii) Special Advisor to the CEO, the Executive Committee and the wider management team. He has over 20 years' experience in investment banking and 15 years' experience in microfinance. He is Managing Director of Catalyst Microfinance Investors ('CMI'), which he co-founded in 2006, and Non-Executive Chairman of CarbonX, an advanced materials venture.
Rob Keijsers was appointed as Group Chief Executive Officer of ASA International, effective 1 April 2025. Rob Keijsers took on the role of Interim Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of ASA International Group plc on 1 November 2024 having been Chief Digital and Information Officer since July 2023. He originally joined as Chief Information Officer in May 2022. Other than leading the IT department, he was responsible for the overall digital transformation journey. Rob joined from ABN Amro Bank and over the past 15 years has gained experience in the cross section of business operations and IT in a multinational banking environment, specifically in large scale digital transformations, post-merger and agile integrations, and setting up green field operations.
Mr Dawson became a Non-Executive Director of ASA International Holding in 2013 and became a Director of ASA International Group plc on 28 June 2018. He became Chairman of the Board on 1 January 2021 and served in this role until 31 October 2024. As of 1 November 2024, Mr Dawson remains an Independent Non-Executive Director of ASA International Group plc. He continues to chair the Nomination Committee and the Independent Directors’ Committee. He is also currently a Non-Executive Director of Egerton Capital and Citywire Holdings.
Ms Kemna has been a Non-Executive Director since 2018 and was appointed as Senior Independent Director on 1 January 2021. She is the Chair of the board of Directors for Dutch pension provider and asset manager MN. Ms Kemna is also the Chair of the Audit Committee at insurer Vivat – Athora NL, at healthcare insurer Menzis and at the National ICT Institute for Healthcare in the Netherlands. Since 2020, she has served as a deputy member of the Board of the Dutch Court of Auditors. Ms Kemna has a broad experience in working with international financial and government institutions.
Dr Ahmed has been a Non-Executive Director since December 2020. He is currently a Professor at the Graduate School of Management at BRAC University and an Independent Director of Grameenphone Ltd. He is also on the advisory bodies of several governmental and non-governmental agencies in Bangladesh and a member of the Board of Trustees of three universities and a postgraduate institute. He has worked as a Consultant for many international agencies and has authored over 90 publications.
Sheila M'Mbijjewe joined the Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director on 18 December 2024. Sheila is a UK and Kenyan qualified Accountant. She retired in June 2023 as the first female Deputy Governor of The Central Bank of Kenya, following the completion of her second and final four-year term. As well as being a core part of the central bank leadership team overseeing the Kenyan financial system, Sheila was actively engaged in promoting pan-African financial stability and developed a wide knowledge and range of contacts across the continent. Prior to joining The Central Bank of Kenya, she worked for Standard Chartered Bank and rose to become Executive Director and Head of Consumer Banking, East Africa.
John Khabbaz joined the Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director on 24 April 2025. Upon appointment, John became a member of the Nomination Committee, the Remuneration Committee, the Audit and Risk Committee and the Independent Directors Committee of the Board.
He is the Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Phoenician Capital, a global value investment firm based in New York City, USA. At Phoenician, he employs a private equity approach to public markets, supporting high-quality companies with growth potential. He holds an M.B.A. from Columbia Business School and a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University. He has served on multiple boards and is currently an Independent Director at Goodfood Market Corp. (TSX: FOOD).
John brings to ASA International extensive experience in global investing, including the emerging markets, corporate leadership, and a strong background in supporting growth-oriented companies. In addition, as a longstanding and committed shareholder, he already has developed a deep understanding of ASA International’s microfinance business.