KKR, a global investment firm, has appointed Dominique Lafont, former President and Chief Executive Officer of Bolloré Africa Logistics, as a Senior Advisor to the firm, effective immediately.

Lafont will play an important role in KKR’s business development effort in Africa.

KKR said its Senior Advisors are part of the firm's integrated model of value creation.

They include current and former senior executives who bring unique leadership skills to complement the work of KKR investment professionals.

Commenting on his appointment, Lafont said: “KKR is known as a pioneering, innovative investment partner with a strong track record. I am privileged to work with an iconic firm that is demonstrating a long-term commitment to a region as important as Africa.”

Over the last 15 years Lafont has been building Bolloré Africa Logistics into the region’s largest ports company with almost €3bn in turnover and operations across Africa.

“This experience has strengthened my firm belief in the significant and attractive investment opportunities which the continent has to offer. I could not have chosen a better investment firm than KKR with which to pursue those opportunities,” added Lafont.

The appointment comes at a time when private equity giant is looking to expand its Africa operations.

Commenting on the appointment, Johannes Huth, Head of KKR Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “Over the last few years, we have been building our Africa team which is led by Kayode Akinola. The appointment of Dominique Lafont as senior advisor to the firm is a perfect addition as we look forward to making further investments across the continent through our private equity, infrastructure and energy investment platforms.”

Kayode Akinola, Director of KKR and head of KKR’s efforts in Africa, added: “Dominique Lafont has a first-class reputation and network, as well as a wealth of operational experience across Africa, especially in the infrastructure and logistics sector. We are very pleased to have Dominique as a senior advisor to our firm to help us grow the KKR franchise further in Africa.”