Our Team.
AIthena Partners – A Team of Independent Experts
Each AIthena Partners partner contributes their specific expertise in support of shared values and common ambitions.
Emmanuelle Stéphan
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND FOUNDER OF AITHENA PARTNERS
Emmanuelle Stéphan is a recognized executive in financial services, with more than 15 years of international experience in private debt, private equity and mergers & acquisitions, and an established track record in structuring complex, high-impact transactions. Her career has taken her from Rothschild & Co in Paris to Société Générale Corporate & Investment Banking in New York, and then to the European Investment Bank (EIB), where she advised public authorities, financial institutions and companies across South-Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
She co-led the EIB’s relationships with the Turkish banking sector, adopting an approach based on strong values - proactivity, accountability and innovation - which enabled the structuring and completion of more than €3 billion in complex structured transactions over four years.
Her expertise spans debt and equity markets, with landmark and pioneering transactions including the very first Turkish covered bond, financial instruments linked to renewable energy and tailor-made solutions combining financing and ESG strategy.
SENIOR ADVISOR, STRUCTURED FINANCE AND ESG SOLUTIONS
Robert Ho
Robert Ho is a senior executive with 25 years of specialized experience in asset finance and trade receivables management, with a focus on emerging markets and financing solutions incorporating ESG criteria.
He has held senior leadership positions within leading financial institutions, notably as Regional Director Asia – Sales & Syndication at GE Capital, Head of Multi-Asset Finance Origination at Lloyds Banking Group in London, and Executive Director of Structured Finance for Emerging Markets at Société Générale in Paris, overseeing complex transactions across high-growth regions.
A trusted advisor to clients across a wide range of segments - from multinational groups to mid-sized companies - he is particularly recognized for his expertise in cross-border execution and tailor-made financing solutions aligned with ESG objectives.
Rob received the 2020 Adam Smith Awards Asia for Best ESG Solution.
Flavia Palanza
SENIOR EXPERT IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FINANCE AND EMERGING MARKETS
Flavia Palanza is an influential figure in development finance, with more than 40 years of experience in emerging markets and transition economies, specializing in sustainable finance, public-private investment and institutional cooperation.
She built her career through key executive positions within two major multilateral institutions:
the International Monetary Fund and the European Investment Bank, overseeing lending operations in Central and Eastern Africa, Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
She has led the analysis and financing of numerous public and private infrastructure projects - including initiatives for SMEs - ensuring their long-term economic and financial performance while integrating strategic sustainability considerations.
Gerhard Hütz
SENIOR EXPERT IN BANKING LAW, COMPLIANCE AND GOVERNANCE
Dr Gerhard Hütz has more than 30 years of experience in banking law and compliance within major banks and international financial institutions, supported by a doctorate in banking supervision.
After Deutsche Bank, he joined the EIB, where he became Director General and Chief Compliance Officer, leading the modernization of the Compliance function and representing the Bank before the FATF, the Global Forum on Tax Transparency and international ethics networks.
Since 2020, he has served on the Board of Directors of the EBRD, where he has chaired the Audit and Risk Committee since 2022. Author of leading publications, he is also a certified coach and actively engaged in leadership and organizational culture matters.