VPC prides itself on the diversity of its management team, all seasoned and prominent businessmen and professionals, recognized for their personal business acumen and professional success.

Philip Warren

As the Founder and CEO of VPC, Philip’s passion for Africa and Africa’s potential has driven him to launch the Venture Philanthropy Company through which to fulfill his vision “to change the world we live in”.

Prior to championing VPC, Philip was the Managing Director of both the Civil & Planning Group and Africa Route Clearance Consultants, regionally based companies he still co-owns, and through which he has gained considerable experience over the last 18 years throughout Sub-Saharan Africa.

He is a Fellow of the Institute of Management and past Chairman of the Institute of Marketing Management. Philip is also an active member of the Young Presidents Organization.




Vernon Lapham

Vernon is a Co-Founder and Chief Financial Officer of VPC, responsible for the firm’s accounting and finance functions as well as heading up the team that carries out Commercial Performance Reviews.

Vernon has been recognized for receiving the highest overall marks in the country for the Chartered Accountants qualifying exams. He then went on to become the youngest Audit Partner in the history of Ernst & Young and subsequently started the firm’s Corporate Finance Practice. Ultimately, he led the sale of the practice to Interfin Merchant Bank where he continued leading it for a total of five years.

Vernon went on to become the Chief Executive Officer of a publicly listed company, which employed over 240 people in the healthcare sector. Vernon’s B.Compt (UNISA), DAA (UZ), CA (Z) degrees, experience and professional qualifications provide a unique depth and breadth of financial and operational expertise to the core VPC team.




Chuck Doud

As Chief Operations Officer, Chuck is tasked with VPC’s American operations and overall organizational and business development, as well as ensuring continued two-way dialogue between VPC, the philanthropic investor and the philanthropic project. He supports the continued refinement of VPC’s value proposition and the thorough review of projects and related initiatives.

Chuck has extensive corporate finance and entrepreneurial experience, ranging from his years on Wall Street with JP Morgan, through leading acquisition initiatives for public and private equity firms, to running Alta Finance Group, LLC. The holder of an MBA, with a finance concentration from Columbia GSB as well as an entrepreneurial-focused MBA from UC Berkeley, Haas School of Business, Chuck brings considerable business acumen to the VPC team

Michael Davis

As VPC’s Operation Manager, Michael takes care of liaison with VPC ‘partner’ projects and philanthropists, business development, philanthropic research and day-to-day management of operations.

Having moved from Australia to Zimbabwe in December 2009, Michael is passionate about working in Africa and assisting in the implementation of sustainable development. Following the completion of degrees in Economics and Business Management in Australia, he worked for ANZ Bank in Corporate Banking in Brisbane. During this time he developed extensive experience not only in financial management but also working in community development having been a team member, leader and mentor of the ANZ Staff Foundation, The Queensland Servant Leadership Forum and The Australian National Leadership Camp.