MICHAEL TRACY FORSTER
Transition Finance Executive
Durbanville
Summary
I have a strong background in Banking, Finance, Law and Renewable Energy. I would like to use my skills in the Transition Finance space.
Overview
52
52
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
2
2
Languages
Work History
Founder & CEO
MedEnergy (Pty)Ltd
2018.11 - Current
- Established MedEnergy as a National company consulting, designing and installing Renewable Energy systems throughout South Africa. We are accredited to sell, install and support most of the major brands in South Africa, namely, Tesla, SolarEdge, Goodwe, Sunsynk, Deye, Enphase, Victron and Solis.
- We are in the process of completing our first Carbon Credit issue to be registered for trading early 2026.
- MedEnergy specialises in Medical, Commercial and Residential solar installations. We have also consulted on large scale Government State Owned Enterprise products in Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Founder & CEO
Sports-Insider
2000.01 - 2018.06
- Developed platform to register, process and send Sports scores and results to subscribers to the service. Signed joint venture with Vodacom in 2003 to develop, launch and manage a Vodacom Sports service called MySport. Launched a similar service for MTN in 2004.
- Our service attracted 146,000 paying and active subscribers (excluding MTN’s own internal Sports service subscribers).
- Vodacom withdrew from the JV in 2007 to concentrate on TV to mobile in partnership with SuperSport. We took over 100% of MySport and continue offering this service to subscribers today.
- MTN outsourced their Content services including their Sports service to an Indian based company in 2008. However, we still continue providing our sports service to our MTN subscribers.
- Our service is also available to Cell C and Telkom 8Ta clients.
CEO
Paradigm Capital Holdings Limited
1995.01 - 2000.01
- I, together with 2 partners, started GFR Capital, a specialist Rental Finance business which acquired Technology assets that were suited to being rented (cost in use) rather than being purchased. This business was listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange as Paradigm Interactive Media in September 1997. I was initially Managing Director of the Holding Company and was later appointed CEO.
- I sat on all of the Board sub Committees:
- - Renumeration
- - Audit
- - Legal
- Also was on the Boards of the Subsidiary companies:
- Aerial Empire (Pty) Ltd
- D Sat (Pty) Ltd
- Paradigm Capital (Pty) Ltd
Founder
The Tie Company
1994.01 - 1995.01
- To have a break from Banking and Finance, I started a chain of Retail Tie Outlets in South African Airports and Railway Stations, based on the UK company, The Tie Rack. I sold this business to a rival, Tie Stop.
- Outlets at:
- - Johannesburg Airport
- - Durban Airport
- - Cape Town Airport
- - Cape Town Railway Station
General Manager
Mercantile Bank Limited
1990.01 - 1994.01
- During 1989 Mercantile Bank acquired 100% of Prescience with effect from 1/1/1990 and I signed a 5 year employment contract with Mercantile Bank. I was initially appointed Regional Manager of Mercantile Bank running their various businesses in the Cape, Mercantile Share Registrars, Consumer Finance branch, Treasury and Supplier Finance. During 1993 I was transferred to Johannesburg and appointed General Manager, Instalment Finance and joined the Bank’s Executive Committee responsible for managing the Bank’s operations. During 1994 I decided not to stay at Mercantile Bank beyond the period remaining of my contract and by agreement with the Bank, I left Mercantile Bank in November 1994.
Founder
Prescience Project Finance (Pty) Ltd
1988.01 - 1990.01
- I left Allied Bank and with a partner launched a Project Finance business specialising in Property, Corporate Tax Structuring and Corporate Finance.
Regional Manager
Western Cape Allied Bank
1987.01 - 1988.01
- I was head hunted from FNB Corporate to head up Allied Building Society’s move into Banking and was appointed Regional Manager of the Western Cape.
- I established the Western Cape region as a profitable entity within the first 12 months of operating. I left Allied Bank to pursue my life long desire to establish my own business.
Assistant Corporate Manager
First National Bank
1979.01 - 1987.01
- I joined Barclays Bank as a Bank Clerk in 1979. I quickly rose up through the ranks and was appointed to the Bank’s Management programme and studied part time for a B Com degree through Unisa which I completed in 1986. During this time I held various Management positions the last three being:
- Assistant Corporate Manager FNB Corporate Branch Cape Town 1986-1987
- Assistant Branch Manager Market Branch 1985-1986
- Advance Analyst Cape Town Head Office (Auditing of Branch Lending) 1984-1985
- As Assistant Corporate Manager I was allocated responsibility for the Oil Industry and the Fishing Industry. I also participated in daily Treasury dealing with my allocated Client list which involved marketing the various deposit /loan facilities and negotiating rates. I also marketed Tax structured products.
National Service
South African Police
1977.01 - 1979.01
- Completed 2 years National Service in the South African Police.
Audit Clerk
KMPG Durban
1974.01 - 1976.01
- Employed by Aiken & Peat (now KMPG) as an audit clerk during school vacations and University. Completed 1 year of B Com at University of Durban. Due to uncertainty with career direction decided to complete National Service.
- Handled audits of:
- - Defy
- - Natal Building Society
- - Durban Rugby Union
Education
Bachelor of Commerce - Accounting, Economics, Developmental Economics
UNISA
01.1986
Higher Diploma - Advanced Banking (risk management and compliance) Honours Programme
University of Johannesburg (formally RAU)
01.1994
Skills
Client relationship management
I seek to combine my financial expertise with projects in the renewable energy field
I have also had experience managing start-up businesses and securing finance for these entities I have many years of experience examining Financial Statements and have been involved in many legal matters that have given me a firm understanding of South African Law
Team leadership
Strategic planning
Project management
Marketing
Business development
Entrepreneurial and innovative
Consulting
Client engagement
Partnership building
Customer focus
Certification
Project Modelling Masterclass given by Kenny Whitelaw-Jones from Gridlines 2020
Section name
Age: 67 years old
Golf, fitness
I love Golf and have played to a low handicap (6) for many years. I exercise daily to maintain my fitness levels.
Timeline
Founder & CEO
MedEnergy (Pty)Ltd
2018.11 - Current
Founder & CEO
Sports-Insider
2000.01 - 2018.06
CEO
Paradigm Capital Holdings Limited
1995.01 - 2000.01
Founder
The Tie Company
1994.01 - 1995.01
General Manager
Mercantile Bank Limited
1990.01 - 1994.01
Founder
Prescience Project Finance (Pty) Ltd
1988.01 - 1990.01
Regional Manager
Western Cape Allied Bank
1987.01 - 1988.01
Assistant Corporate Manager
First National Bank
1979.01 - 1987.01
National Service
South African Police
1977.01 - 1979.01
Audit Clerk
KMPG Durban
1974.01 - 1976.01
Higher Diploma - Advanced Banking (risk management and compliance) Honours Programme
University of Johannesburg (formally RAU)
Bachelor of Commerce - Accounting, Economics, Developmental Economics
UNISA