Strategic Advisors

Charles Cohen

With nearly 30 years of experience negotiating and closing financial deals, Charles Cohen is a seasoned entrepreneur with expertise in real estate development and transactions.

As SkyPower’s Chief Commercial Officer, Charles leads the executive team on matters related to corporate strategy, implementation, and execution of multibillion-dollar power purchase agreements (PPA). Charles also provides expertise for international ventures, from development through to financial close, and assists in forming consortiums to transact business deals.

Charles is also a Strategic Advisor to SkyPower. In this capacity, he interfaces with the President and Chief Executive Officer on high-level affairs and advises the Board of Directors on all aspects of feasibility for SkyPower’s utility-scale solar projects.

Charles is also the Chief Executive Officer, Founder and Chairman of TransCash. In 2000, at the onset of the prepaid industry, Charles envisioned a prepaid card that would make money transfer easier and more affordable, especially for the remittance market and the unbanked. In 2009, after seven years of intensive research and development, TransCash launched the TransCash MasterCard® and Visa© Reloadable Prepaid Cards, which received a U.S. Patent and protection worldwide under the “Paris Convention.”

Charles has also been involved in several other notable ventures over the span of his career. In 1986, Charles created the global marketing and communications company, Pier Enterprises, Inc. in Los Angeles, California. Here he launched large international advertising campaigns, such as Ebel with Madonna, Meg Ryan and Harrison Ford, and the music platform for Pepsi International that featured Sony Music’s greatest recording artists. Charles worked as the SFX acquisition adviser for Europe and was Sony Signatures’ exclusive agent for all intellectual properties in Europe. Charles is also the former President of BCBGMaxAzria Entertainment.

In 2006, Charles created The Seck Group LLC, a real estate investments fund with properties in Los Angeles, California.

Matthew Coon Come

Matthew Coon Come is presently the Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee) and the Chairperson of the Cree Regional Authority. The Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee is an Aboriginal Nation with a population of about 18,000 and traditional territory to the east of James Bay in Northern Québec, Canada.

Matthew is a national and international indigenous leader and advocate for the aboriginal, treaty and other human rights of indigenous peoples in Canada and internationally. His election in July 2011 to the office of Grand Chief of the James Bay Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee and Chairperson of the Cree Regional Authority is his sixth re-election to those positions. Matthew was first elected as Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees and Chairman of the Cree Regional Authority in 1987, and served for five terms of office. He was former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, the national organization of First Nations in Canada, from 2000 to 2003. He became known throughout Canada for his efforts to end the federal policy of extinguishment of aboriginal peoples’ human rights of self determination.

In 1998, Trent University granted Matthew the degree of Doctor of Laws Honoris Causa in recognition of the significance of his work, and in 2000, the University of Toronto also awarded him an honorary Doctor of Laws. He also received the National Aboriginal Achievement Award in 1995.

Born in 1956 on his parent’s Mistissini Trapline, Matthew was soon recognized by the elders as a natural leader. He was asked to be coordinator for all the inland Cree communities for the negotiations with Canada that enabled the James Bay Crees to escape the Indian Act and achieve the first ever aboriginal self-government legislation in Canada, the Cree-Naskapi (of Québec) Act.

At the start of his political career, Matthew served two terms as Chief of the Mistissini First Nation. By the time he left to work with his father on his trapline, his community had a new arena, an adult education centre, a bank, new administrative offices, new health facilities, and major improvements to its housing and community infrastructure.

He went on to become Executive Director of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee). He was directly involved in the Grand Council’s successful effort to gain consultative status at the United Nations, and supported the Grand Council’s use of its international status to being issues vital to all of the world’s indigenous peoples before the international community.

Matthew has been a Director of Aircreebec, the Cree Regional Economic Enterprises Company (Creeco), the Cree Construction Company, Servinor, the James Bay Cree Cultural Education Centre, the Centre for Indigenous Environment Resources and the Cree School Board.

Matthew was Chairman of Cree Housing Corporation responsible for implementing the housing and infrastructure program. He was and still is the Chairman of the James Bay Eeyou Corporation, managing more than one hundred million dollars in assets. He was also Chairman of James Bay Native Development Corporation, which under his leadership assisted in starting up 54 businesses within the Cree Communities. In 1995 he became a founding director of the First Nations Bank of Canada.

He has served as Chairperson of the Cree Nation Trust, a social trust created for the benefit of the Cree Nation responsible for managing and investing the capital and income of the Trust and distributing the funds in accordance with the provisions of the Trust Deed. The Cree Nation Trust is the recipient of payments from the New Relationship Agreement signed between the Government of Canada and the Cree Nation.

Matthew is also a former Chairperson of Eeyou Communication Network, a project sponsored by Grand Council of the Crees for a non-profit commercialization of broadband, with a mandate to an electronic highway for the Crees to connect institutions, businesses and residents to the world of information and communications.

Matthew studied political science, economics, native studies and courses in law at Trent and McGill Universities, and also undertook theological studies in the United States following his tenure as National Chief in 2003.

Matthew has also had an active and successful business career, with participation in energy, mining, information technology and arts and crafts ventures.

Adi Cooper

Adi Cooper represents SkyPower’s interests in India, including monitoring current industry trends, identifying prospective projects and partners, advising on business opportunities, and overseeing project implementation within the region. With over 30 years of experience in the consulting, renewable energy, and information technology industries, Adi is former Director of Windtronics LLC, a leading manufacturer of wind turbines. Adi is a member of professional and entrepreneurial networks NASSCOM and TiE Global.

Harold “Sonny” Gordon, Q.C.

Harold “Sonny” Gordon, Q.C., was born in Montreal, Canada and educated at McGill University in Commerce and Law, Concordia University in Arts and attended Wharton Graduate School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania. After qualifying as a member of the Bar, Harold was a ministerial assistant for a minister of the Government of Canada. Harold is Chairman of Dundee Corporation and Pethealth Inc., both public Canadian corporations, and a director of Dorel Industries Inc. and several public and not for profit corporations. Harold is also Chairman Emeritus of the Sauvé Scholars Foundation and United Hydrocarbon International Corp. In prior years, he was a managing partner of Stikeman Elliott LLP and Vice Chairman of Hasbro, Inc.

Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu

Mr. Suresh Prabhu is a distinguished parliamentarian with over two decades as an administrator, and the current Minister of Commerce & Industry as well as Civil Aviation to the Government of India. Mr. Prabhu has led several ministries in the past from Railways to Environment, Power and Heavy Industries and he is the official emissary of the Prime Minister of India to the G7 and G20 forums.

Mr. Prabhu’s past successes include being a four-time Member of the Lok Sabha from Rajapur Constituency of Maharastra – one of the biggest states of India, Chairman of the Task Force for Interlinking of Rivers, Industry Minister, Minister of Environment and Forests, Minister of Fertilizers & Chemicals, Power, Heavy Industry and Public Enterprises. As Minister of Power, he introduced major reforms in India’s power sector and is credited with championing and enacting The Electricity Act, 2003. In addition, he was the Chairman of Maharashtra State Finance Commission, Saraswat Co-operative Bank, and a Chartered Accountant and member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).

Mr. Prabhu has led a life devoted to social impact and currently engages with various international organizations including as Chairman of the Asia Energy Foundation, South Asia Chair for the Global Water Partnership, Chairman of the SAARC Farmers Forum and President of the World Forum for Global Governance.

Prof. Dr. Albert Maringer

Dr. Albert T. Maringer founded Maringer Consulting Alberta Ltd. and has been its President and Chief Executive Officer since June 2007. Until January 2007 and for 46 years, Albert was responsible for various leadership positions within the Siemens group. From 2000 to 2006, he held the position of Executive Chairman of Siemens Canada Ltd. Prior to 2000, Albert served the following positions within Siemens AG’s operations or subsidiaries: President, ATD TD Division for five years; General Manager of North America Motor Operations for four years; plus various management and engineering leadership roles including strategy development, R&D, manufacturing and project management.

Since 2005, Albert is an honorary professor at the Institute for International Management at the Friedrich-Schiller University in Jena.

Rene Pardo

Financier, innovator and founder of multiple high-tech start-ups, Rene Pardo’s personal initiatives have triggered well over $75 million of research and development.

As an innovator himself, in 1969 Rene co-invented the world’s first electronic spreadsheet. The spreadsheet software was used by AT&T and the plant budgeting operations of all 18 U.S. telephone companies, Bell Canada nationwide and General Motors in Michigan. A pioneer in human-computer user interfaces, Rene co-invented and developed the first online educational multimedia game, developed the first online conference registration system and created the first artistic computer animation with Norman McLaren at the National Film Board.

In the 70s and 80s, as the founder of Lanpar Technologies, Rene spearheaded the development, manufacturing, and distribution of proprietary computer software and hardware. This publicly traded company was one of the industry leaders for over 10 years.

In the early 2000’s, Rene moved into the Green sector, bringing together world-leading scientists who invented and developed one of the world’s most advanced energy storage technologies (acquired by Axion Power). He then co-launched Mobile Cube, a portable solar- and wind-powered system producing clean drinking water and electricity for emerging nations. As well, he financed and introduced the world’s first area lighting LED light bulbs and fluorescent tube lighting LED replacement.

Currently, as CEO of Brainwave Research Corporation, he focuses on innovation, patents, licensing and distribution of proprietary electrical products.

Rene is a graduate of McGill University (B.Sc.) and Harvard Graduate School of Education (M.Ed.). His passion for advanced and disruptive technologies has recently led him to 3D printing, drones, satellites, and virtual reality applications.

Following the 2005 earthquake in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan, he donated, helped install a solar/ wind-powered Mobile Cube water purification system, and co-orchestrated the financing and shipment of CA $2 million of medicine through India to Pakistan. Rene sees the future of the Internet and manufacturing technologies in space as one direction leading to the alleviation of human suffering.

Ameya Prabhu

Ameya Prabhu is an entrepreneur and the Managing Director of Duesberg Bosson Financial Services. Duesberg is an asset management & investment banking firm focused on the Indian market. Duesberg’s asset management business comprises of two public markets funds and a growth private equity fund. Ameya also runs a strategic advisory business with a focus on renewable energy and aviation. Ameya’s expertise lies in nurturing, building, financing and growing early and growth stage businesses. He brings in deep-rooted managerial, strategic planning and financing skills.

Ameya has a BSc. in Economics, Politics and International Studies from the University of Warwick and an MSc. in Financial Management from IE Business School, Madrid. Ameya is also a published writer and columnist whose writings have been published by well-known media outlets such as the Huffington Post.

Barry J. Reiter

Barry Reiter is Chair of the firm’s Technology, Media & Entertainment (TME) Group. His practice focuses on corporate finance, development, and governance.

Barry’s practice includes representation of start-up, growth, and mature companies as well as of private equity and other financing sources. He works with clients on strategies for corporate growth, employment and compensation matters, distribution and other commercial arrangements, strategic alliances, partnerships and joint ventures, licensing, domestic and international corporate structuring, private and public financings, stock exchange listings, mergers and acquisitions, restructurings and the protection of intellectual property rights.

Barry regularly advises boards, directors, and management on governance issues. He is an experienced director and has chaired boards and a variety of standing and special board committees. Current board roles include Baylin Wireless Technologies, NexgenRx Inc., HKMB HUB International (Advisory Board) and the Executive Committee of the Ontario Chapter of the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD).

Formerly a law professor at the Faculty of Law, University of Toronto (1974-1982), Barry has written books and articles on corporate governance, joint ventures, contracts, real estate and the legal process. His most recent book, Directors’ Duties in Canada, 5th Edition, was published by CCH Canadian Limited in December 2012.

Warren H. Spar

Mr. Warren Spar is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Sparring Partners Capital. Warren has more than 25 years of experience on Wall Street in Capital Markets and Corporate Finance. During his career, he has successfully structured over $100 billion in transactions across a diverse set of industries, geographies and financial instruments, including equity, debt, and derivatives. Warren leads the firm’s activities in M&A advisory, equity and debt financing and private equity fund placement. Before starting Sparring Partners, Warren spent 12 years at Lehman Brothers in New York and London as a Partner and Managing Director. He held numerous roles managing Capital Markets groups. He was also a member of Lehman’s European Investment Bank Operating Committee. In addition, he was Managing Director at BT Alex. Brown and Deutsche Bank where he managed a portion of their U.S. Capital Markets business and served as a member of their Fixed Income Committee. Warren received his MBA from the University of Chicago.

Jeffrey Steiner

Jeffrey Steiner is a Canadian corporate director and lawyer involved in finance, the media sector, global asset management and foreign investment.

Mr. Steiner serves as lead independent director on the board of FinDev Canada Inc., the new overseas Development Finance Institution (DFI) focused on Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. Jeffrey completed two terms (8 years) on the board of directors of Export Development Canada (EDC) and chaired its Business Development & Strategy Committee. He was founding Co-Chair of the Canada UAE Business Council and is the Chair of the Canada-Saudi Business Council. He is also founder and CEO of New Franchise Media Inc, an IP firm that owns the world-wide film, TV & digital streaming rights to many of the bestselling novels of UK writer Jeffrey Archer.

Mr. Steiner previously led the Toronto Economic Development Corporation (TEDCO) as its President & CEO from 2002 to 2009 which focused on real estate & industrial development, environmental remediation and promotion of foreign direct investment. Earlier in his career he served as Chief of Staff to Canada’s Secretary of Defense and to the Minister of Indian Affairs & Northern Development. He earned a Juris Doctor (JD) from the University of British Columbia Law School and a B.A. in Political Science from York University in Toronto.

Henry J. Wolfond, BAA, LL.B

Mr. Henry J. Wolfond, BAA, LL.B, is the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Bayshore Capital Inc. He was previously the Co-Founder at the firm. He has built a portfolio from a variety of sources, including acquisitions of ongoing businesses, participation in strategic partnerships/joint ventures and capital injections into promising start-ups. He is the Co-Founder of the Autism Acceptance Project. As an executive and entrepreneur, Henry has a record of selecting high-potential markets, starting and acquiring businesses, building strong management teams and driving companies to sector leadership. Under Henry’s direction, Bayshore has completed strategic sales of its investments to IBM, Charles Schwab, Trimark Financial, Barclays Bank, Quebecor Media and OCWEN Financial. Henry has extensive experience in the creation, growth, and profitable divestiture of businesses involved in financial services and information technology. Prior to joining the firm, Henry practiced law at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, where he specialized in structured finance. He is a Member of the Boards of several private firms and not-for-profit organizations. Henry serves as a Director of RPM Technologies Corporation, the UJA Federation Community Advisory Council, the Faculty of Law University of Alberta Advisory Committee and SkyPower Inc. Henry is also the Chairman of Bayshore Asset Management Inc. He currently serves on the boards of Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee (CJPAC) and the University Hospital Foundation. He has served on the boards of Hillel of Greater Toronto, Baycrest Foundation, United Jewish Appeal of Greater Toronto, and United Israel Appeal of Canada. Henry was the 2009 Campaign Co-Chairman for the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. Henry received an LL.B from the University of Alberta and a B.A. from Ryerson University.