Pele Energy Group (PEG) is proud to spotlight the leadership shaping its future by announcing two strategic General Manager appointments across its key divisions: Jolene Shaw at Knowledge Pele (KP) and Nicolas Lecomte at Pele Green Energy (PGE). Together, they represent a powerful alignment of talent and purpose, reinforcing PEG’s commitment to inclusive development and operational excellence in South Africa’s renewable energy sector.

Having already taken up the role of General Manager at Knowledge Pele in January 2023, Jolene Shaw has steadily advanced the organisation’s long-term development vision. With over 15 years of experience in development, research and strategy across public and private sectors, Shaw previously led KP’s Research and Advisory unit and has since repositioned the business as a strategy-led development partner focused on long-term community impact.

“Development is not a checklist - it’s a long-term commitment to building people, economies and institutions,” says Shaw. “At KP, we’re redefining development to ensure that communities aren’t just beneficiaries, but active participants in shaping their futures.”

Her approach emphasises community ownership, inclusive participation and sustainable growth. Under Shaw’s leadership, KP continues to scale its development programmes across skills development, economic inclusion and institutional strengthening. She is also at the forefront of expanding and deepening KP's development impact within its participating communities.

Taking the helm at Pele Green Energy, Nicolas Lecomte steps into his role with over two decades of global renewable energy experience. Originally from France, Lecomte has played a leading role in expanding EDF Renewables into new markets, including China and South Africa and most recently introduced HDF Energy’s hydrogen technology across the continent.

Now calling South Africa home, Lecomte brings a deep commitment to transformation, innovation and performance. “I’m thrilled to be joining a company that leads with purpose,” says Lecomte. “PGE is at the forefront of South Africa’s energy transition and I look forward to supporting its operational excellence and growth strategy.”

His appointment comes at a pivotal time as PGE accelerates the deployment of clean energy infrastructure and scales its pipeline of bankable renewable energy projects.

Commenting on the appointments, Gqi Raoleka, CEO of Pele Energy Group, said:

“These appointments signal a powerful new chapter in our journey. Jolene and Nicolas bring not only depth of experience but also a shared commitment to the purpose and people at the heart of our business. As we grow, it’s critical that our leadership reflects the values we stand for - excellence, diversity, community and impact.”

As a proudly South African company, Pele Energy Group continues to invest in leadership that reflects the country’s diversity, while building businesses that deliver clean energy and socio-economic transformation.