Ampersand Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Ampersand has 4 executives leading key functions including operations, technology, legal, and human resources.

Driven by a mission to power commercial transport through reliable electrical energy supply, Ampersand is paving the way for affordable, lower-carbon public transport and creating green jobs across Africa.

Leadership Roles at Ampersand

  • Chief Operating Officer - Matthew Higgins
  • Founder, President & Chief Technology Officer - Alper Tilev
  • Chief Legal Officer - Alice Rwema
  • Chief People Officer - Valerie Okinda
  • Matthew Higgins - Chief Operating Officer

    Matthew Higgins, the Chief Operating Officer at Ampersand, directs the company's extensive operational framework, ensuring the efficient deployment and management of its electric transport energy solutions. Overseeing the battery swapping network and commercial e-motorcycle fleet operations, Higgins guarantees the reliability and performance that define Ampersand's market leadership. This role involves optimizing logistical pathways and scaling infrastructure to meet growing demand across Africa. By focusing on operational excellence, Matthew Higgins drives the company's capacity to deliver affordable, lower-carbon public transport. The Chief Operating Officer's strategic oversight ensures seamless integration of technology with daily service delivery, directly supporting Ampersand's mission to create green jobs and foster sustainable mobility.
    Matthew Higgins

    Alper Tilev - Founder, President & Chief Technology Officer

    Alper Tilev, the Founder, President & Chief Technology Officer at Ampersand, architects the technological vision and innovation strategy for Africa's premier electric transport energy company. Leading product development and performance enhancements, Tilev ensures Ampersand remains best in class since its inception. This executive spearheads the advancement of battery swapping technology and the energy supply network, critical components for powering commercial transport at scale. By driving technological progress, Alper Tilev enables the delivery of reliable, lower-carbon energy solutions, directly contributing to affordable public transport initiatives. The Founder, President & Chief Technology Officer's deep technical expertise fuels the company's growth and its commitment to creating sustainable, green jobs through cutting-edge energy infrastructure.
    Alice Rwema, the Chief Legal Officer at Ampersand, provides critical legal counsel and strategic guidance, ensuring compliance and mitigating risk across the company's operations. Overseeing all legal affairs, Rwema safeguards Ampersand's interests as it expands its electric transport energy services and battery swapping network. This role involves navigating complex regulatory landscapes across various African markets, supporting the company's mission to deliver affordable, lower-carbon public transport. By managing contracts, intellectual property, and corporate governance, Alice Rwema ensures the integrity of Ampersand's business model and its commitment to creating green jobs. The Chief Legal Officer's expertise is vital for sustainable growth and maintaining the company's position as a leader in commercial e-motorcycle fleet solutions.
    Alice Rwema

    Valerie Okinda - Chief People Officer

    Valerie Okinda, the Chief People Officer at Ampersand, cultivates a robust organizational culture and talent strategy to support the company's rapid expansion in electric transport energy. Overseeing human resources functions, Okinda ensures Ampersand attracts, develops, and retains the skilled workforce necessary for its battery swapping network and e-motorcycle fleet operations. This executive drives initiatives focused on employee engagement and professional development, aligning people strategies with the company's goal of providing affordable, lower-carbon public transport. By fostering an environment that champions innovation and sustainability, Valerie Okinda plays a key part in Ampersand's mission to create green jobs across Africa. The Chief People Officer's leadership ensures the company's human capital effectively powers its technological advancements and operational scale.
    Valerie Okinda

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Ampersand Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Ampersand?
    Ampersand is led by Matthew Higgins (Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Alper Tilev (Founder, President & Chief Technology Officer) and Alice Rwema (Chief Legal Officer).
    Who is part of Ampersand’s executive team?
    The executive team of Ampersand includes leaders such as Matthew Higgins (Chief Operating Officer), Alper Tilev (Founder, President & Chief Technology Officer), Alice Rwema (Chief Legal Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Ampersand have?
    Ampersand has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Ampersand’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Ampersand includes roles such as Chief Operating Officer, Founder, President & Chief Technology Officer, Chief Legal Officer, Chief People Officer.