Our Team
Water Partners was founded in 2023 by a long-standing team with decades of experience investing in renewable technology, manufacturing, asset management and critical infrastructure businesses.
Franco Traverso
Co-Founder & Chairman
Globally-recognised entrepreneur and strategic thinker driven by a passion for engineering applied to green energy systems and for socially sustainable innovations in energy, water and refrigeration systems powered by renewable energy.
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Throughout a 43-year experience in the photovoltaic energy sector, Franco has transferred know-how and successfully launched businesses in Asia, Africa, North America and Europe to produce photovoltaic cells, modules and systems. Throughout his long-standing career, he learned the importance of engaging the local community receiving the plant by providing them with a technical training and creating sustainable jobs.
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Franco has worked extensively with Water Partners Co-Founder Anton Szpitalak at Silfab s.r.l, a highly successful photovoltaic energy developer and manufacturer.
Anton Szpitalak
Co-Founder & Director
Anton Szpitalak is a serial sustainability entrepreneur, investor and a board member to a number of companies around the world spanning industries from clean technology, infrastructure development, construction, software & beverage manufacturing.
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In addition to his broad commercial leadership history, Anton has enjoyed a long and successful partnership with Water Partners Co-Founder Franco Traverso in Silfab s.r.l, a leading Italy based investor and operator of photovoltaic solar farm and manufacturing assets.
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Passionate about the intersection of capital and impact, Anton is a highly experienced operator and financier of renewable energy infrastructure projects.
Luigi Pesce
CFO
Luigi is a highly experienced finance executive with over 20 years in leadership roles, including CFO positions at publicly listed companies. He has a proven track record in IPOs, private equity, and managing large, complex financial structures. Luigi has led teams of up to 47 people and managed over 50 subsidiaries across 20 countries. His expertise spans Real Estate, Hospitality, IT, and Manufacturing. Currently, Luigi directs a Malta-based Real Estate Investment Fund with projects in Russia and Ukraine, expertly navigating international sanctions, regulatory frameworks, and investor relations.