Making a difference
Chief Executive Officer
Joeri van den Bovenkamp – Hofman
Over the past 2 decades, Joeri, a true builder, executive and creative strategist, has made his mark in retail, marketing, publishing, and IT. His expertise includes areas such as digitization, data and privacy, as well as marketing and customer life cycle management, in addition to entrepreneurship and operational management of a scale-up organization.
In his capacity as OPUS’ Managing Director, he is eager to guide the organization through this exciting phase of innovation and growth. Leveraging his background in digitalization, data & privacy, marketing, and strategic management, Joeri aims to lead OPUS Cactus in developing sustainable, profitable solutions that address urgent environmental needs while contributing to economic and social prosperity.
Commercial & Project Development Director Africa
Dr. Edson Charikinya MBA
Dr. Edson Charikinya is an expert in renewable energy and sustainability, with over a decade of leadership experience in the mineral and energy sectors. He has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives in mining energy efficiency, resulting in significant reductions in energy consumption. Dr. Charikinya has successfully developed and executed a diverse array of renewable energy projects, including biogas, waste-to-energy, and biofuels, guiding them from inception to financial close.
Passionate about the potential of cactus-based renewable biogas, Dr. Charikinya advocates for its ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, restore productivity to marginal lands, and provide a sustainable energy source. He holds a Ph.D., a Master’s, and a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, as well as a Master of Business Administration from Stellenbosch University Business School.
Head of Research & Development
Dr. Sotirios Pilafidis
Sotirios is a dedicated agricultural engineer committed to translating research on circular bioeconomy and regenerative agriculture into practical solutions. He holds an MSc in Sustainable Agriculture, Agroecology, and Life Cycle Analysis. Currently in the final year of his PhD, Sotirios focuses on the production of valuable biocompounds through microbial bioconversions of agro-industrial waste. His academic achievements include presentations at 12 international conferences and the publication of six peer-reviewed scientific articles.
As R&D manager at Opus Cactus, Sotirios aims to establish Opuntia cactus as the optimal biomass crop for valorizing and restoring arid and marginal lands. His research explores the diverse applications of Opuntia biomass, encompassing carbon sequestration, food and feed production, bioenergy generation, and the development of novel biomaterials.
Operations Director Africa
JD van der Berg (Dewald)
Dewald brings a unique combination of legal expertise and agricultural experience to his role as Operational Director. With a background in commercial and property law, he has been an admitted practising attorney since 2009, specialising in legal matters within the agricultural sector.
In addition to his legal career, Dewald has over 20 years of hands-on agricultural experience. For the past 14 years, he has successfully operated his own cactus farming enterprise, with a specialised focus on the propagation of plant material. His passion for cactus has led him to gain deep industry knowledge in areas such as biomass production, fresh fruit cultivation, cactus pear oil extraction, and the use of cactus as a sustainable livestock feed.
Dewald has also led a large-scale cactus research project for a listed mining company and has consulted on various agricultural and mining ventures. His comprehensive understanding of both the legal and agricultural landscapes in South Africa, along with an extensive industry network, positions him ideally to drive operational excellence and strategic growth in our organisation.
Meet our people
The team for a sustainable future
We are a tenacious and results-oriented group of people who have come together to create a business focused on sustainable (re)generative agriculture, animal feed and renewable energy.
Our core values are what brought us together as a team and what make us passionate about the work we do. They are the foundation of the business we are building and the problems we are working to solve.
Respect
Respect is the recognition of the intrinsic value of people, nature, and partnerships. It encompasses treating the environment and all stakeholders with dignity, integrity, and fairness.
How this value shapes us:
- Environmental Stewardship:
Given our focus on regenerative agriculture, we respect the earth by prioritizing sustainable practices. We will actively restore and rehabilitate degraded lands, ensuring that our use of resources contributes to the overall health of ecosystems. - Ethical Business Practices:
Internally and externally, we will ensure transparent, fair, and responsible business operations. Respect for our partners, employees, customers, and local communities will drive decisions, ensuring everyone is treated equitably and that long-term, mutually beneficial relationships are fostered. - Cultural Sensitivity:
Working globally across diverse regions like Africa, Europe, and the GCC, respect for local cultures, customs, and traditions will be paramount. We will engage with local communities in an inclusive manner, respecting their knowledge, skills, and aspirations. - Employee Well-being:
Respect also means fostering a work environment where all employees feel valued, heard, and motivated. We will emphasize diversity, inclusion, work-life balance, and professional growth opportunities.
Forward Thinking
Forward Thinking is about anticipating future challenges and opportunities while driving continuous innovation. It’s a mindset of proactive adaptation, research, and development to stay ahead of industry trends and global needs.
How this value shapes us:
- Innovation in Agriculture and Energy:
We will focus on pioneering solutions in regenerative agriculture, sustainable biomass, and low-carbon energy. Forward Thinking will drive us to develop cutting-edge technologies in biogas production, carbon sequestration, and bio-refineries, ensuring we remain at the forefront of green innovation. - Long-term Vision:
Forward Thinking means we are not just focused on today’s market but on the future needs of a changing planet. We will expand our R&D pipeline to explore new uses for Opuntia Cacti, such as advanced bioplastics, pharmaceutical research, and even consumer products like cactus leather. Our investments today will bear fruit for the next generation of sustainable industries. - Climate Resilience:
By focusing on solutions that thrive in semi-arid, marginal lands, we are anticipating future environmental challenges. Our commitment to forward-thinking agriculture will enable us to combat desertification and climate change while ensuring food security and green energy for the future. - Adaptability:
Forward Thinking means OPUS Cactus will be agile in responding to market shifts, technological advances, and evolving regulations. We will continuously refine our business models, adopting new technologies and methodologies to maintain our competitive edge and relevance.
Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship reflects a spirit of initiative, risk-taking, and creativity in business. It means seizing opportunities, building new ventures, and cultivating a culture where innovation thrives.
How this value shapes us:
- Opportunity Creation:
Entrepreneurship drives us to identify and capitalize on untapped markets. We will actively explore new regions for Opuntia cultivation and new industries for its by-products, pushing into areas like sustainable fashion (cactus leather), bio-pharmaceuticals, and eco-friendly packaging. - Risk-taking and Experimentation:
To achieve breakthroughs, we will foster a culture where experimentation is encouraged. Our R&D teams will be empowered to push boundaries, whether it’s developing new strains of cacti for higher yield or advancing biorefinery processes for more efficient energy generation. Calculated risk-taking is essential for achieving disruptive innovation. - Empowering Employees:
Entrepreneurship isn’t limited to senior management; it’s a mindset we will encourage at all levels of the company. Employees will be given autonomy and resources to drive their initiatives, fostering a dynamic work environment where creativity and proactive problem-solving are rewarded. - Sustainable Growth:
Entrepreneurship involves strategic growth, and OPUS Cactus will adopt an entrepreneurial approach in scaling our global operations. We will create a network of partnerships with governments, NGOs, and industry leaders to amplify our impact, helping us bring our products and solutions to market faster and more efficiently. - Community Development:
In the regions where we operate, entrepreneurship will extend to local communities. By offering training, resources, and support, we will empower local farmers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses to adopt and benefit from our agricultural and energy solutions. This will foster a virtuous cycle of economic and environmental sustainability.