We are saddened to learn of the death of Helen Tarnoy, who was Gridworks’ Chair and led the Board from the company’s launch in 2019 until November 2022.
When she joined Gridworks, Helen brought more than 20 years of emerging markets power sector experience, including senior roles at AES Corporation and Aldwych International. As a founder of Aldwych, she played an instrumental role in developing power projects across Africa, including Kenya’s 310MW Lake Turkana wind farm, as well as projects in South Africa, Ghana and Nigeria. Helen’s understanding of Africa’s power sector was vital to Gridworks at a formative stage in the company’s development.
Paying tribute to Helen, Gridworks CEO, Chris Flavin said:
“Helen played an important role in shaping Gridworks during its early years. Her deep knowledge of Africa’s power sector, her experience of developing major infrastructure projects and her commitment to the role that reliable electricity can play in economic development were invaluable as Gridworks established itself.
“Helen was also a remarkable person. She combined warmth and charm with real resilience and toughness, qualities that served her well throughout a distinguished career in what was a traditionally male-dominated industry. She earned the respect of colleagues, partners and industry leaders through her judgement, determination and straightforward approach.
“She leaves a lasting legacy at Gridworks and across Africa’s energy sector. We are very grateful for the contribution she made to the company and to the many people whose careers and lives she influenced.”
Helen was widely recognised for her contribution to Africa’s energy sector. She was named Africa’s Leading Energy Personality in 2011 and received African Utility Week’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016/17 and the MIGA Gender CEO Award in 2017.
Everyone at Gridworks sends their deepest condolences to Helen’s family, friends and former colleagues.
