BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MICHAEL COTHILL
CHAIRMAN
Michael is a highly accomplished professional having gained extensive experience in a broad range of industry verticals. Most of Michael’s assignments have been focused on providing advisory services to International private enterprise and Governmental/NGO institutions in best practice deployment of critical infrastructure projects such as telecommunications, broadband wireless deployment, alternative energy, hydro-electric plants and data center configuration amongst several other verticals. Michael has specialized knowledge of assisting emerging markets, most specifically African governments on regulatory governance regarding licensing and compensation strategies that are designed to attract capital investment to their respective countries. Amongst these projects have been the buildout of fiber optic infrastructure in Africa serving private enterprise projects covering countries such as Somalia, Ethiopia, Eretria, Kenya and Sudan in the north east African region to South Africa, Zimbabwe, Congo and Mozambique in the Southern region. Michael brings 35 years of hands on strategic and corporate management, technological innovation and entrepreneurial guidance to emerging market companies, assuming a leading role alongside the company CEO in crafting a winning strategy. Michael has been the Chairman of the Hammer Group since its inception in 2015 and is responsible in guiding the Groups Strategy
VAANII BAKER
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Vaanii O. Baker is a distinguished private sector specialist with a robust background in international development, public-private partnerships, and project management. With over a decade of experience in the global arena, Vaanii has made significant contributions to enhancing economic growth and sustainability in developing countries. Prior to his current role, Vaanii served as a program manager at the World Bank, where he led transformative initiatives aimed at strengthening private sector engagement in various economies. His work focused on creating innovative solutions that promote investment, improve infrastructure, and foster inclusive economic opportunities. During his tenure, Vaanii successfully managed cross-functional teams, collaborated with government agencies, and engaged with stakeholders to drive impactful change. Vaanii holds a Master’s degree in Finance and has participated in numerous international forums, advocating for effective strategies to leverage private sector capabilities for development. Known for his analytical skills and strategic thinking, Vaanii is passionate about mentoring the next generation of leaders and is actively involved in various philanthropic endeavors.
MICHAEL SEVELL
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Michael Sevell has spent his career in all facets of business startups including retail management, custom home design and construction. Michael now spends his time as an early stage investor in companies such as Hammer where he takes a “hands on approach” in entrepreneurial guidance of the executive management team in both the principals of successful business methodology and the appropriate practice of corporate governance procedures. Michael is not only a highly valued member of the Board of Hammer Fiber but has also personally invested the majority of the early stage development capital in the company and is Head of the Hammer Fiber Investment Committee