Kutama Ramano

Commercial and operations leader working at the intersection of clean energy deployment and emerging hydrogen development in South Africa. Experienced in startup environments, driving the execution and structuring of energy deployments, including oversight of operational and financial processes supporting a business with a total budget exceeding USD 20 million. Currently oversee budgets, financial governance, and procurement processes, including invoice verification, supplier contracting, and cross-functional coordination with legal teams.

Lead the development of investor and client proposals, supporting capital raising and strategic growth initiatives. Proven ability to operate across complex stakeholder landscapes. Engaging investors, corporate partners, and local government, to deliver projects aligned with both commercial outcomes and development objectives.

Brings a unique combination of operational discipline and strategic insight to advancing the energy transition, with a focus on scalable, inclusive solutions in the hydrogen and broader clean energy sectors.

Chief Operations Officer at Mitochondria Energy Company (2026-01 – Present)

Commercial, Financial & Governance Oversight

• Oversee project and operational budgets, ensuring alignment with clean energy deployment objectives
• Lead financial governance processes, including approval of expenditures, employee claims, and cost controls
• Manage end-to-end procurement, from vendor sourcing to commercial evaluation and onboarding
• Conduct invoice verification and financial due diligence to ensure accuracy, compliance, and cost efficiency
• Support investor engagement and fundraising processes through development of strategic and financial presentation decks

Communications & Marketing Lead at Mitochondria Energy Company (2020-04 – 2025-12)

• Contributed to bankable feasibility processes, leading market validation initiatives through targeted events and structured surveys, engaging 1,200+ stakeholders to assess demand and inform commercial viability
• Delivered a large-scale, two-day conference (700+ participants per day) in partnership with government and industry stakeholders in Lesotho
• Coordinated stakeholder consultations and public engagement initiatives in conjunction with local government aligned with project development requirements
• Developed and executed multi-channel communication campaigns across digital and traditional media
• Produced marketing and technical materials to support project positioning and customer engagement
• Represented the organisation at international conferences, expos, and industry events

Co-Founder & Operations Lead at Vhuhali Resources (2020 – 2021)

• Co-founded a sustainability-focused resource business, leading operations, community development initiatives and stakeholder engagement
• Oversee financial planning, compliance, and supplier partnerships, ensuring operational resilience and cost control
• Implemented digital reporting and resource tracking systems, improving decision-making and operational efficiency

Operations Manager at No66 Sandton Lodge (2019 – 2021)

• Managed full operations of a 13 room hospitality business, including staffing, procurement, and financial controls
• Reduced operating costs by 12% through supplier renegotiation and process efficiencies
• Implemented customer experience frameworks that improved client satisfaction and repeat bookings
• Developed and executed micro events

Youth Pastor | Executive Assistant | Site Coordinator at International Experience (2015 – 2017)

• Coordinated multi-stakeholder community and operational projects across culturally diverse environments
• Provided executive-level operational support, including calendar management, budget tracking, and internal process improvements
• Developed strong foundations in stakeholder engagement, programme delivery, and organisational coordination

Masters in Sports Business – New York University

Postgraduate Diploma in Sport Management – University of Cape Town

Bachelor of Science in Physiology & Zoology – University of Cape Town