About Aperio

Simon Jennings — Head of Africa and ESG Services

Simon joined Aperio Intelligence in February 2020. He has worked on numerous human source and bespoke due diligence projects across sub-Saharan Africa whilst also developing Aperio’s new ESG service line.

Prior to joining Aperio, Simon worked for an AIM-listed mining company with assets in Tanzania, Kenya, Burkina Faso and Mali.  Simon previously worked for an Africa-focused business risk consultancy, where he led due diligence, corporate investigations and market-entry services for clients across sub-Saharan Africa.

Sir Mark Rowley — Senior Advisor

Sir Mark has had a distinguished career with the UK police force.  From 2014 to 2018, he was Assistant Commissioner, New Scotland Yard, and National Police Lead for Counter Terrorism. Sir Mark previously led the Metropolitan Police Service’s specialist crime and operations group (2011 to 2014) and served as Chief Constable of Surrey Police (2008 to 2011), having first joined the police in 1987.  Amongst other roles, Sir Mark is a Distinguished Fellow of the Royal United Services Institute and a member of the Independent Expert Group to the Commission for Countering Extremism.

Sir Mark is a regular commentator about security and counter terrorism matters.

Sir Mark joined Aperio’s advisory board in January 2020.

Veronika Konečná — Head of Russia, CEE & Central Asia Practice

Veronika is the head of Aperio’s Russia, CIS and CEE team. She leads complex due diligence projects with a focus on politically exposed individuals, high-net-worth individuals, and sanctions. She has worked on numerous investigations and due diligence projects covering state-owned entities and individuals close to local political elites.

Prior to joining Aperio in March 2017, Veronika worked for an NGO in Slovakia, focusing on democratisation and development in Eastern Europe, and previously for a multinational financial services corporation. She has on-the-ground experience in Russia, where she worked as a consultant for a global development institution.

She holds a master’s degree in Russian Studies from University College London and a bachelor’s degree in Russian and East European studies from Comenius University. She is fluent in Russian, Czech, and Slovak. Veronika is a member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.

Larissa Normanton — Head of Middle East & North Africa Practice

Larissa Normanton leads Aperio’s Middle East and North Africa (MENA) practice, having joined the company in May 2019 as a Senior Associate. Larissa manages and conducts a wide range of primarily MENA-focused but multi-jurisdictional investigations, strategic intelligence projects and due diligence assignments for corporates and financial institutions.

Larissa has spent a considerable amount of time living and working in the Middle East, including in Amman, Muscat, Dubai and Jerusalem, and speaks Arabic. Prior to joining Aperio, Larissa acted as a geo-political, security and intelligence consultant supporting both UK entities operating in the Middle East and Middle Eastern entities operating in the UK – including the UAE Embassy in London with a geopolitical consultancy, and the British Embassy in Jordan with a security and risk management firm. Larissa started her career on the Middle East desk of a private bank. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Cambridge. Larissa is a member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.

Sophie Cameron — Editor

Sophie is the editor of Aperio Intelligence’s monthly Financial Crime Digest.

Prior to joining Aperio in July 2018, Sophie spent seven years managing and developing a suite of specialist legal publications for a London publisher.

She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Royal Holloway, University of London.

Vivien Li — Associate

Vivien leads Aperio’s Asia Pacific (APAC) practice, having joined the company in April 2020.

Prior to joining Aperio, Vivien worked for a prominent corporate intelligence firm in support of investigations for private equity and hedge funds. She had also worked as a member of the business intelligence team of a development finance institution, where she had advised the investment team on projects in South Asia and Africa. She started her career in foreign direct investment consulting before joining a global corporate intelligence firm. Vivien speaks fluent Mandarin, Cantonese, Hakka and some Japanese and Spanish.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management from South China Normal University, and a master’s degree in Marketing from the University of Manchester.

Maor (Mario) Levin — Associate

Mario is the Head of Aperio’s Latin America and Iberia practice and supports the company’s Europe and MENA practices. He is an expert in analysis of corruption and organised crime in Latin America and some of his recent work at Aperio included a multi-jurisdictional investigation that revealed a link between a Central American drug cartel and the local subsidiary of a multinational commodity trading group.

Prior to joining Aperio in June 2018, Mario was a team leader in an international business intelligence company, specialising in asset tracing, contract compliance, and enhanced due diligence. Mario has extensive experience in corporate finance, having worked as an economist at the Unilever Future Leaders Programme (UFLP), and he also has experience in military intelligence research, having served for three years in the Israeli Intelligence Corps.

Mario holds a BA in Economics from the Ben-Gurion University in Israel and University Carlos III de Madrid (graduated with honours), and a MSc in International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Having previously lived in Mexico, Spain and Israel, Mario speaks fluent Spanish and Hebrew. He also has knowledge of French and Portuguese.

Simeon Birkett — Associate

Simeon joined Aperio in July 2019 as an associate member of the due diligence team.

Prior to joining Aperio, Simeon spent three years in the Philippines as an independent consultant, providing research and analysis to corporate research firms on subjects across Europe, Asia Pacific, and Africa. He previously worked for five years as an analyst and senior analyst at a boutique corporate investigations firm in London, where he worked on a broad range of research projects, including pre-IPO due diligence, asset tracing, and country risk investigations.

Simeon holds a bachelor’s degree in Ancient History from The University of Birmingham.

Alexander Kottke — Associate

Alex leads Aperio’s Western Europe practice, having joined the company in 2018. His sub-regional specialism is the German-speaking DACH countries and he has worked on various enhanced due diligence projects in support of transactional activity for DAX 30-listed companies. Among other notable experience, Alex has worked on a complex multi-jurisdictional litigation support case with investigative research across Northern and Southern Europe. He is fluent in German, with intermediate knowledge of Dutch and Spanish.

Prior to joining the company, Alex spent several years working as an analyst focussing on the consumer goods and services industries. He holds a first-class BA in German & History from the University of Sheffield as well as an MSc in International Relations & History, awarded with distinction from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Valentin Munteanu — Associate

Valentin supports Aperio’s work in the Central and Eastern Europe region, as well as Russia/CIS.

Valentin holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Bucharest and has BA/MA degrees in History and International Relations. He has published papers on international relations, particularly concerning EU-Russia relations. He is also a researcher and member of a number of think tanks in Romania. Valentin speaks English, Romanian and some Russian.

James Tytler — Senior Analyst

James is a senior analyst with several years’ experience handling complex and cross-border enhanced due diligence investigations, asset-traces, and bespoke investigative work with a focus on the Middle East and North Africa region. Recent projects he has been involved in include an asset trace and strategic research to support a dispute with a gulf-based entity, an examination of the beneficial ownership structure of an Iranian company which identified hidden sanctions exposure, and a country-risk report analysing the financial crime risks and the banking sector in a North African country.

Prior to joining Aperio in June 2018, James worked for various NGOs in Morocco focused on enhancing cross-cultural understanding and institutional development. He graduated cum-laude with a master’s degree in International Security from Sciences Po Paris, and holds a first-class bachelor’s degree in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Cambridge. James is fluent in Arabic, French, and Spanish, with intermediate knowledge of Persian.

Zsuzsánna Deák — Senior Analyst

Zsuzsánna supports Aperio’s work in the Central and Eastern European and Southern Europe regions.

Prior to joining Aperio in November 2016, Zsuzsánna worked for a number of NGOs and was a teaching assistant at the Department of Hungarian Literary and Linguistic Studies at Babeș-Bolyai University (UBB).

She holds two bachelor’s degrees and a master’s degree in Hungarian literature and linguistics from UBB, where she is also currently reading for a doctorate in the same subject.

Denisa Andreica — Senior Analyst

Denisa is a senior analyst within Aperio’s APAC practice. With a strong interest in regional political and business affairs, Denisa conducts integrity due diligence reviews as part of clients’ pre-transaction process and third-party compliance programmes. She is experienced in managing complex open source and human source-led due diligence investigation. In addition, Denisa is a member of the corporate governance committee at the American Chamber of Commerce in Romania, where she provides advice on corporate governance, risk and compliance.

Denisa holds a bachelor’s degree in Chinese and English language and a master’s degree in Security Management in Contemporary Society from the International Studies and Contemporary History Department of Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj. She has also lived, worked and studied in China for three years, having studied at Liaoning University in Shenyang. Denisa speaks fluent Mandarin, Romanian and some Spanish.

Dmitri Gorelov — Analyst

As an ACAMS-certified anti-money laundering specialist, Dmitri supports Aperio’s due diligence projects in Russia, Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia. His recent work at Aperio includes a due diligence investigation into alleged money laundering within the Baltic banking sector.

Prior to joining Aperio in April 2019, Dmitri worked for an international risk consulting company focusing on business intelligence research. Before that he was a member of the Russian investigative team at a London-based human rights NGO. On a freelance basis, he has provided consulting services to British media outlets on Russian affairs.

Dmitri graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Media and Communications from the University of Sussex and also holds a master’s degree in Political Analysis from University College London. He speaks Russian, Estonian and Ukrainian.

Claire Burchett — Analyst

Claire is an analyst with Aperio’s Russia, CIS and CEE practice. She conducts integrity due diligence reviews of high-net-worth individuals and companies across Russia, CIS, and Europe, as well as maintaining a strong interest in regional developments.

Prior to joining Aperio, Claire worked at a London-based data intelligence firm alongside completing her master’s degree in European Affairs from King’s College London. Claire also holds a bachelor’s degree in Russian and German from the University of Cambridge, which included studying and working in Yaroslavl, St. Petersburg and Leipzig. She speaks Russian, German, and French.

Zsuzsánna Balázsi — Analyst

Zsuzsánna is an analyst within Aperio’s due diligence team. Since joining Aperio in January 2019, Zsuzsánna has conducted a number of complex public record and human source due diligence projects involving companies, financial institutions and individuals across various jurisdictions. Her recent work at Aperio has also included assisting with an internal investigation of a financial institution in connection with employee misconduct.

Prior to joining Aperio, Zsuzsánna worked as a project coordinator at a Romanian company specialised in investment management and grant management. Prior to that she spent several years working for one of the largest youth organisations in Romania.

Zsuzsánna holds two bachelor’s degrees: one in Law and one in International Relations and European Studies from Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj. She speaks Hungarian and Romanian and has a working knowledge of German and Swedish.

Radu Ciurba — Analyst

Radu joined Aperio in 2018 as a member of the due diligence team. He supports the company’s work in multiple jurisdictions. His responsibilities include developing the internal apparatus associated with the research processes and optimising the tools utilised in day-to-day business.

Prior to joining Aperio, Radu worked at a US multinational BPO provider. Before that, he worked on various research projects related to energy policies, civic education, and democratisation with Cluj-based think-thank Center for the Study of Democracy. He also studied electoral behaviour as part of a sociological research start-up.

Radu holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the from Babes-Bolyai University in Cluj. He speaks Romanian and has intermediate knowledge in French.

Kärt Botos — Analyst

Kärt performs enhanced due diligence reviews of high-net-worth individuals and companies mainly across Russia, CIS, and Europe. She has a strong regional interest in the Baltics and the Western Balkans. Her work at Aperio has included assisting with an internal investigation of a multinational financial institution in connection with its operations in the Baltics as well as human source-led due diligence in Serbia.

Prior to joining Aperio in April 2019, Kärt worked as chief specialist at the Estonian Land Board and as an editor for a Romanian company.

Kärt holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Economics from the University of Tartu, Estonia. She speaks Estonian, Romanian, and Russian.

Mahdi Zaidan — Analyst

Mahdi joined Aperio Intelligence in January 2021 as an Analyst supporting Aperio’s work across the Middle East and North Africa.

Before Aperio, Mahdi worked in the non-profit sector. He worked as a consultant researcher for PopDev, a London based NGO that provided evaluation for WASH projects worldwide. From 2016-2020 Mahdi served as a researcher on several projects exploring the Syrian conflict and its impact on the rest of the Levant.

Mahdi holds an MPhil in Anthropology from Cambridge University and an MA in Arab Studies from Georgetown University.

Luis Losada Simón-Ricart — Analyst

Luis is an Analyst within Aperio’s Latin America and Iberia practice. Prior to joining Aperio in September 2020, he worked for a political international business risk and intelligence company. Luis has also worked for the UN in East Africa and Central America in anti-corruption and anti-human trafficking projects.

Luis holds a bachelor’s degree in Law and Political Science from University Complutense of Madrid and a master’s degree in International Conflict Studies from King’s College London.

Luis is fluent in Spanish, with working knowledge of Portuguese.

Alina Badea — Analyst

Alina supports Aperio’s work in the Africa region.

Prior to joining Aperio in January 2020, Alina worked as a content review specialist and researcher for an international regulatory and financial crime, risk and compliance company, conducting multi-lingual international public records research for a wide range of corporate and financial clients.

Alina graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Literature from the Transilvania University of Brasov and also holds a master’s degree in Thematic Journalism from the University of Bucharest, Faculty of Journalism and Communication Sciences.

She speaks Romanian, French, Spanish and Portuguese.

Vidu Gunnooa — Office Supervisor/PA

Vidu is in charge of the day-to-day running of the London office, providing first hand support to the team and client assistance. With over 12 years’ experience in various industries, Vidu previously worked at a London corporate law firm and at the French Embassy in the UK.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Sunderland.

Adrian Ford — CEO

Adrian is the CEO and founder of Aperio Intelligence.

Prior to establishing Aperio in August 2014, Adrian spent over 20 years at KPMG LLP, including over 15 years’ experience with KPMG’s Forensic team in the UK. At KPMG, Adrian pioneered the creation of technology-supported, global due diligence services.

Adrian has significant experience in conducting corporate intelligence and forensic investigations. This includes some of the largest ever asset tracing investigations, contentious disputes work, forensic and fraud investigations, and advising on a large range of complex regulatory matters. He has worked for high net worth individuals, leading global corporations and governments.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Leeds and is a fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

Christopher Peters — COO

Christopher joined Aperio in March 2018 as a director and Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Christopher has substantial experience in the corporate intelligence field, having previously worked for Veracity Worldwide, G3 and The Risk Advisory Group. Christopher also has particular expertise in the real estate market, having worked for CBRE and Cushman & Wakefield. He spent 7 years in Moscow (2005 – 2012) and is a fluent Russian speaker.

Prior to joining Aperio, he was a partner at Citrica LLP, where he was involved in undertaking integrity due diligence in relation to the real estate and local authority sectors. Christopher holds an MA Hons in Russian with International Relations from the University of St. Andrews, and a postgraduate Masters in Transition Economics from the School of Slavonic and East European Studies, UCL. His early career was in investment banking. Christopher also has an interest in sub-Saharan Africa, having lived for ten years in Sierra Leone and Zaire (DRC) as a child.

Oliver Brind — Head of Business Development

Oliver joined Aperio in April 2018 as Head of Business Development.

Oliver was previously at GPW, where he was responsible for business development and case management. Oliver began his career at Cazenove, where he first worked in the institutional sales and research department, before being appointed Managing Director of Cazenove Australia. On his return to London, he was responsible for Cazenove’s relationships with the private equity industry. Oliver worked for The Prince of Wales as Director of Development for The Prince’s Charities Foundation (2004 – 2010), with particular responsibility for its international programme. In 2010, Oliver joined Credit Suisse’s private bank in the UK, where he was responsible for managing private clients’ assets and leading a team of relationship managers, and then moved to Walker Crips, an independent investment manager in 2012.

Oliver has an MA in History from the University of Cambridge. He has a working knowledge of French and Italian. He knows Africa well, having lived in Uganda, Mauritius, Somalia and Malawi.

Yan Li — Head of People Development and Innovation

Yan is Head of People Development and Innovation at Aperio Intelligence, having joined the team in September 2017.

She has over 15 years’ experience in the business intelligence industry. Prior to joining Aperio, Yan was based in Hong Kong for 10 years where she headed due diligence and research teams for Hong Kong’s largest non-for-profit organisation and for Asia’s largest enhanced due diligence company. She has also worked in London for a Forensics team of a leading advisory firm and a business intelligence and investigations firm where she conducted and managed various global corporate intelligence, litigation support, asset tracing and integrity assignments.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Chinese and economics from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.

George Voloshin — Head of Branch (France)

George is the head of Aperio’s Paris branch, having joined the firm in December 2016.

Prior to joining Aperio, George headed the Russia/CIS coverage at a leading French corporate intelligence firm and previously collaborated with a number of UK-based advisory and analytical organisations as well as government clients. He is the author of two books on the geopolitics of Central Asia and over a hundred articles on international affairs, with a focus on Russia and the former Soviet Union which are the primary areas of his specialisation.

George holds a master’s degree in public administration from École nationale d’administration (ENA). He also holds a second master’s degree in European politics from Sciences Po Strasbourg.

Pompiliu Tamas — Operations Director (Romania)

Pompiliu serves as Operations Director for the Cluj-Napoca office. Prior to joining Aperio in September 2017, he worked for ten years as a Senior Political Officer at the British Embassy in Bucharest. He has gained significant experience in economic and political analysis with a particular focus on financial services and EU affairs.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Politics and Economics from the University of York and a master’s degree in international studies from the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna.

Tom Ready — Head of Strategic Intelligence

Tom leads Aperio’s Strategic Intelligence and Political Risk practice. Tom provides intelligence and analysis to help clients enter new markets, navigate complex commercial situations, and respond to political crises.

Prior to joining Aperio in January 2017, Tom worked for ten years as a diplomat in the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office, specialising in the Middle East region. He is a fluent Arabic speaker who covered the Arab Spring while posted to the British Embassies in Jordan and Riyadh. He has experience of dealing with some of the most challenging areas of UK foreign policy and counter-terrorism. He is half-Italian and also has advanced French and Spanish.

Tom holds a bachelor’s degree in Arabic from the University of Cambridge and a master’s degree in International Conflict Studies from King’s College London.

Paul Doran — Director of Investigations

Paul Doran is the Director of Investigations at Aperio Intelligence. He is responsible for delivering high-quality investigative solutions to clients across asset tracing, litigation support, regulatory breaches and complex internal investigations into employee misconduct.

Prior to joining Aperio, Paul was global head of investigations for one of Scandinavia’s largest multinational companies and has also held senior regional investigations roles in Europe, Asia and Latin America. In these roles Paul conducted complex cross-border investigations typically focusing on corruption and bribery, high-level fraud and embezzlement, industrial espionage and IP theft, and competition law breaches. Paul also worked for the UK government in the field of security and intelligence with a specialisation in South Asian affairs.

Paul is a member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, the International Security Management Institute and the Royal Institution for International Affairs (Chatham House). Paul holds a Bachelor’s degree in modern languages from the University of Liverpool and a Master’s degree in intelligence and international relations from the University of Salford. Aside from his native English, Paul speaks fluent French, Portuguese and Spanish and operable Italian and Norwegian.

Gunita Thethy — Associate Director and Head of Due Diligence

Gunita joined Aperio in August 2020 as a Associate Director and Head of Due Diligence.

Prior to joining Aperio, Gunita was based in New Delhi for three years where she led the business intelligence team for a global risk management firm. Gunita was responsible for delivering on a range of complex assignments across due diligence and litigation support in South Asia. She also worked in Tokyo and Singapore for five years with a US-based business advisory supporting clients on reputational and integrity concerns. Gunita has also worked in journalism and market intelligence with a focus on the Asian markets.

Gunita holds a Master’s degree in Asian Pacific Studies from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, and a Bachelor’s degree in Chinese and Japanese Studies from the University of Leeds.

Kim Gozzett — Senior Advisor

Kim currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the Pension Insurance Corporation Plc, where she is responsible for the operations of the company. Kim joined Aperio’s advisory board in May 2018.

She has substantial industry experience, having previously served as Managing Director of SG Hambros Trust Company for 17 years, where she was responsible for the Corporate Private and Charitable Trusts, including their accounting, tax and investment management. She also established SG Hambros Financial Services Limited and was a Board Director of many of the Bank’s subsidiaries and client companies. She latterly ran the Bank’s London Human Resources. Kim has held a wide range of non-executive director roles across multiple sectors, and has led negotiations on M&A transactions to successful conclusion.

José Ugaz — Senior Advisor

José Ugaz is a lawyer by training and the former chair of Transparency International (2014-2017). He is a founding partner of Benites & Ugaz, a first-class white-collar and criminal law practice in Peru. José has served as a legal adviser to a series of Peruvian governments and led various special anti-corruption commissions as an ad-hoc state attorney. Notably, he served as the special prosecutor in a string of successful high-profile cases for corruption and human rights abuses against the former Peruvian president Alberto Fujimori. José has also taught at the law faculty of La Católica, Peru’s foremost university, for several years and retains a seat on its board of governors.

José is currently a member of Proética, the national chapter of Transparency International in Peru. He is also a member of the Instituto Prensa y Sociedad (The Institute for Press and Society), a leading NGO in Latin America promoting independent investigative journalism, and regularly writes op-ed articles on corruption in Spanish and English language news outlets. José joined Aperio’s advisory board in May 2018.