Women Champions in the Energy Sector

She has a joint economics and business administration degree from the University of Ghana and an MBA from Vanderbilt University in the US. Initially, Ivy intended to pursue a career in finance, but she gained hands-on experience in the energy sector while working at General Electric (GE) Capital in the US. Ivy's experience at GE exposed her to debt and equity financing in various energy sectors, including oil and gas, power generation, and renewable energy. She worked on over $1 billion in transactions, including the syndication of a $60 million wind farm project finance deal and the financing of three Spanish solar projects worth approximately $100 million. Ivy's efforts were recognized by the GE CEO, who awarded her as an outstanding employee in 2008. After having her second child, Ivy returned to her home country in 2009 and joined Cirrus Oil Services Ltd as its Risk Manager. Within a year, she was appointed as the company's Chief Executive Officer. Despite having a financial background, Ivy was confident in her ability to lead the company due to her experience working on and managing energy transactions and portfolios at GE Capital. Ivy has been a strong advocate for women in the energy sector, serving as a founding board member of Women in Energy Ghana and a member of the Executive Women's Network (EWN). She is also a Corporate Executive in Residence for the University of Ghana Business School, her alma mater, and has offered national youth service internships to promising female students at Cirrus. Ivy's advice to women who want to pursue a career in the energy sector is to be open to new opportunities, not be deterred by perceived limitations, and do their utmost best. As the Chairperson of the Chamber of Bulk Oil Distribution Companies Ghana (CBOD), Ivy has been instrumental in promoting corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, focusing on health and education. Cirrus has partnered with the Pediatric Oncology Center of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and constructed a modern children's library for the Poasi and New Takoradi communities in the Western Region of Ghana. Ivy's commitment to CSR and her advocacy for women in the energy sector have made her a respected leader in the industry.