Randy Williams
Founder & CEO, Keiretsu Forum

Randy Williams founded the Keiretsu Forum in September 2000 to provide a disciplined and structured approach to private equity investing.  Randy's passion for investing and bringing together like-minded community leaders has created a powerful and giving environment for entrepreneurs.  Since its inception, Keiretsu Forum members have invested over $180m in 200 companies in technology, real estate, healthcare/biotech/life sciences and other sectors of the economy with high growth opportunity.  Keiretsu Forum has expanded to seventeen chapters throughout the United States, China and Europe.  With over 750 members, Keiretsu Forum is the largest angel investment community in world.

Randy has 30 years of experience in finance, real estate, and marketing.  He currently holds board and advisory positions in eight companies.  Randy was Co-Founder and Director of Diablo Valley Bank from 2003 to 2007.  During its first three years the bank grew to more than $250m in assets, serving the entrepreneurial community of the San Francisco Bay Area.  Heritage Bank recently acquired the bank for $70m creating a $50m increase in shareholder value realizing a 4X return on investment.  Randy was President of Pacific Union Commercial Brokerage, Founder of the LaMorinda Bank, and Managing Director of Kennedy-Wilson International, an international real estate investment company.

Randy is also the Founder of the Keiretsu Forum Charitable Foundation.  Since its inception in 2001, 97 deserving charities have been granted sizable donations.  The goal of the Keiretsu Forum Charitable Foundation is to grant $250,000 annually to worthy local charities throughout the Keiretsu Forum chapter network.

Randy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California Berkeley and Masters degree from St. Mary's College of California. He is an avid Masters swimmer, holding past Master's World Records. He was also was an All-American Water Polo player at UC Berkeley. He lives in Orinda with his wife Maile and their two children, Ford and Summer.


Sonja Markova
Vice President, Keiretsu Forum

Sonja is key team member and has been involved with Keiretsu Forum since 2001. Our mission statement is “Great Association with Quality Deal Flow”. In the first three years of her involvement, Sonja’s focus was on the “Quality Deal Flow”, i.e. interacting with the entrepreneurs seeking funding. Currently, she is interfacing with the Keiretsu Forum Chapter Presidents and team on supporting the growth of our chapters, as well as the Keiretsu Forum membership, i.e. the “Great Association”.

Sonja has previous work experience with the Contra Costa Software Business Incubator, ROI.works Marketing Communications, and Republic of China’s ICDF Equity Investment Fund for small and medium-sized enterprises in Macedonia, South-East Europe.

Sonja holds an MBA in Finance and New Ventures Management and Certificate in Marketing from California State University, Hayward. A native of Macedonia, she completed her undergraduate education at the University of St. Cyril and Methodius in Macedonia with BS in Management. Sonja is an alumni Ron Brown fellow. The Ron Brown Fellowship is a U.S. Department of State program that supports young professionals from Central and Eastern Europe. She lives in San Francisco with her husband Dr. Scott Weidley D.C.

Contact: sonja@keiretsuforum.com

Judith Pacult Iglehart
Vice President

International Chapter Development and Operations

Judi graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, earned  two Masters Degrees, and holds an EdD from Mills College. In 1989 she was one of 100 women selected to participate in Leadership America, a national leadership development program for women of achievement. She serves as a State Senate Appointee to the California Small Business Board, and has served on the Boards of Leadership California (Chair), the Alameda County Science and Technology Council (Chair), the Alta Bates/Summit Hospital Advisory Board,  New American Media,  the Alameda/Contra Costa Economic Development Alliance for Business (EDAB), the Alameda Center for Emerging Technologies (ACET), the Center for Manufacturing Excellence (MANEX),  the Alameda County Grand Jury, the Oakland Ballet, and various non-profit, civic, educational and charitable organizations.

Contact: Judith@keiretsuforum.com

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Colin Wiel
Chapter President, Keiretsu Forum San Francisco and North Bay

Colin is an active Angel investor, having made Angel investments in more than a dozen companies in the past five years. Colin often remains actively involved in the companies in which he invests, and he currently serves on the boards of five companies.

Colin is also an Entrepreneur, having started a 35-person software engineering firm which he ran from its inception in 1998 through to its acquisition in 2001.

Over his career, Colin has made a wide variety of technical contributions such as co-architecting a genomics database to host the fruit fly genome; designing and developing a fuzzy logic based antiskid system for commercial aircraft for Boeing (two US patents issued); co-architecting the Java infrastructure for Charles Schwab’s online trading website (the largest dollar volume e-commerce website in the world); and developing and teaching the Java Servlet and JSP curriculum for UC Berkeley Extension. Colin holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from U.C. Berkeley.

Colin has founded several community organizations including special interest groups of the Software Development Forum and the IEEE.

Contact: colin@keiretsuforum.com

Steve Murchie
Chapter President, Keiretsu Forum Denver/Rockies

Steve Murchie has over twenty-five years experience in the software industry, starting as a programmer/analyst and progressing through a variety of roles in sales, marketing and general management.  The companies he has worked with span the spectrum of the industry, including startups, turnarounds, a VC-backed roll-up and an eight-year stint at Microsoft, where he helped grow the SQL Server business from $300M to over $1B in under five years.  In 2004, he left Microsoft to return to the start-up world as CEO of a fledgling company, and got his first taste of the angel investing process.  While that initial exposure didn’t earn any financing for his business, he did gain a lot of insight from the Keiretsu Forum members, which was inevitably even more valuable.  Never ones to miss out on a good thing, Steve and his wife, Claire, subsequently joined the Keiretsu Forum in Seattle as investor members, contributing their time to deal screenings, participating in due diligence, making a few investments, and thoroughly enjoying themselves with the group.  When the Murchies decided to relocate back to Colorado after nine years away, they explored the possibility of bringing a chapter of the group to Denver, and the result is a very successful new chapter launched in March 2007.

While Steve is still very active in the software industry, his investing interests are evolving more toward cleantech and the LOHAS segment, which complements the Murchies’ love of the outdoors and sports that involve fighting gravity.  The Murchies own two Great Pyrenees, which they treat like children. 

Steve holds an undergraduate degree in economics from the University of California, Berkeley, and an MBA from the University of Chicago.

Contact:  smurchie@keiretsuforum.com

Connie Koch
Chapter President, Keiretsu Forum Southern California

Connie’s unique business sense and creative vision is the blueprint for her proven successes in various industries as both a serial entrepreneur with retail, telecommunications, printing, graphics and forms design, technology, Internet community development and CEO/COO over companies in publications, telecommunications, technology with enterprise management systems, public relations, and fundraising.

With a belief that people and relationships are the most vital part of life, along with her pioneering attitude and insatiable desire for new experiences, Connie is growing the chapters of Keiretsu Forum in Southern California.

Contact: connie@keiretsuforum.com

Xavier Casares 
Chapter President, Keiretsu Forum Barcelona

Xavier Casares was born and resides in Barcelona.  During his career he has directed professional projects in Madrid, London, Lisbon, and in the south of France. 

Xavier began his professional career in the financial sector with the Spanish banking group SCH then spent eight years in top positions for the government of Cataluña as Director of the Venture Capital and Entrepreneur’s division of CIDEM Managing Director of Vocational Formation and International Relations, and Managing Director for Employment.  Rejoining the private sector, Xavier was the founder and CEO of “Servijob.com,” a joint venture between Grupo Godó (publisher of “La Vanguardia”,) and La Caixa savings bank.  He directed “laVanguardia Digital” and digital business activities for all of Grupo Godó during six years. In 2006, Xavier developed a consulting firm focusing on the TIC and communications industry. He serves as a member of the Board of Directors for a business journal and for an educational company. Xavier also serves on the Board of Directors for PIMEC where he provides advice and direction for small and mid- size companies.  At present he is a partner and Director of an entrepreneurial Internet company, NET2U, based in Zaragoza (Spain). Xavier holds a legal degree from the University of Barcelona and an MBA from the IESE business school, Barcelona.  He has three adult sons.

Contact: xcasares@keirestuforum.com

Lord Maxwell Beaverbrook
Chapter President, Keiretsu Forum London, England

Maxwell Beaverbrook has had a career spanning the worlds of politics and international finance. From 1986 to 1988 he was Government Whip in the House of Lords and a Minister in the Department of Trade and Industry under Margaret Thatcher as well as Treasurer of the Conservative Party and deputy (1988-1990) and Treasurer of the European Democratic Union between 1990 and 1992.

In business, Maxwell is Chairman of Beaverbrook, Aitken & Partners (BBA), a private family office based in London. Through BBA, Maxwell invests in a variety of real-estate, technology and other ventures. In the past, he has concentrated on starting healthcare and high-tech businesses in the UK, US, Canada and Europe, including Apria Healthcare (NYSE: AHG), VenTech Healthcare, Petersburg Long Distance (sold to Cable & Wireless in 1996), HighwayOne (sold to Telefonica in 2001), Net Integration Technologies (sold to IBM), and Data Treasury UK. Maxwell is currently chairman of Pine Ventures (AIM: PVS), Linea Coche SA, among other investments.

Shelley Bays

Chapter Co-President, Keiretsu Forum Paris

Shelley has held senior and executive management positions in a variety of industries (consulting, food and beverage, paper manufacturing). Her primary concentration, however, has been in financial services where she has focused on starting up and growing businesses, both within the US and overseas. She has demonstrated skills in building high performance organizations, leading enterprises and achieving bottom line results, especially in strongly
competitive markets and multi-cultural environments.

Her specific financial services experience includes Manufacturers Hanover Trust (as VP/CAO of the Branch Banking Division) and Bank of America where she led Finance for the Credit Card Division, the second largest loan portfolio in the country. At Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., she was Chief Administrative Officer for the Retail Division during a time of rapid growth. This role included responsibility for branch and call center expansion, finance, sales incentive programs, technology and customer service quality. As SVP Schwab Capital Markets, Shelley headed the Exchange
Trading Division, responsible for all listed equity and options trading, and then moved on to be CEO of the Schwab/ TDWaterhouse joint venture in London. Shelley has held director positions on the Boards of the Boston and Pacific Stock Exchanges, as well as advisory roles on pan-European committees (CrestCo/Euroclear MAC/APCIMS).

Shelley has a BA from Warwick University (UK) and an MSc from University College London. She also has an MBA from Fordham University in New York. She divides her time between residences in the Bay area and Paris.

Contact: sbays@keiretsuforum.com


Jack Bays
Chapter Co-President, Keiretsu Forum Paris

Jack has had extensive experience in the domestic and international food and beverage industry, specializing in nutraceutical and organic products. He has operated as both an executive and a business founder. His broad expertise covers all components of the consumer product cycle (new product development, marketing, manufacturing, sales and distribution, and regulatory requirements). His skills include comprehensive brand management at prominent domestic corporations, franchisee relationship management with large international companies, and startup/ growth of new ventures.

Jack began his career at Dow Chemical Company, led key design/engineering efforts at Coors Brewery and then moved on to head new product R&D at PepsiCo, including the creation of the firm's first-ever research lab and pilot plant. His leadership was responsible for the successful launch of several key products, such as Pepsi Free. He moved to Shasta Beverages, Inc.
as VP R&D and then led Shasta International as an independent company in their introduction of their products into Japan and Taiwan. Later, Jack founded BayPac Beverages and grew the company to $22 million in annual sales, producing and distributing beverage products in Japan, Taiwan, Korea, and North Africa.

Jack has a BS from the University of Colorado, Graduate Engineering Program at the University of Michigan and an MBA from Fordham University in New York. Jack divides his time between residences in the Bay area and Paris.

Contact: jbays@keiretsuforum.com

Jenny Shi, L.Ac.
Chapter Co-President, Keiretsu Forum Beijing, China

Dr. Shi is working to develop the Keiretsu Forum Bureau in Beijing. Today, Dr. Shi is a respected businesswoman in California.  While living in China, she graduated from the Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Today Dr. Shi  owns and operates seven acupuncture clinics in the San Francisco Bay Area and is an accredited angel investor. She is fluent in Mandarin and has family in Beijing where her brother, James Shi, owns and operates a hospital.

Contact: Jenny@keiretsuforum.com

James Jingmin Shi
Chapter Co-President, Keiretsu Forum Beijing, China

James Jingmin Shi is a co-president of the Keiretsu Forum in Beijing, China.  He is currently laying the foundation for members, sponsors, partners, and presenters for Keiretsu’s newest chapter in Beijing, China.   

Mr. Shi is a graduate of Southwest University of Jiao tong, Chengde, China.  His degree is in Electrical Engineering. Mr. Shi is the owner, President and CEO of Diao Yu Tai General Hospital.  This hospital has 200 beds and 120 employees.

As co-president of the Beijing Forum, Mr. Shi’s focus is on developing the membership of the Beijing Chapter.  This includes the planning and evelopment of a Beijing Keiretsu Academy, and the Keiretsu China Charitable Foundation.

Keiretsu Chapter Directors

Nathan McDonald
Director, Keiretsu Forum Seattle/Northwest

Nathan brings an entrepreneurial business and organizational development background developed during eight years of hands on, active leadership and operational experience. Since graduating from the University of Washington School of Business in the summer of 1999, Nathan has successfully promoted over 150 privately financed high-growth companies through media and events. Mr. McDonald is an experienced creative leader with a natural relationship development and financial mindset.

Since the spring of 2000, he has served as Managing Director of the Investment Forum. Under his direction and leadership, this non-profit organization has produced the highest quality educational programs, social events and investment forums in the region in collaboration with more than thirty-five industry groups and hundreds of different sponsors. Mr. McDonald has produced over forty events ranging from 50 to 450 attendees, including successfully hosting events in Safeco Field, Seahawks Stadium and Chateau Ste Michelle winery. In the past five years, he has raised over $350,000 in sponsorship from law firms, accounting firms, venture capital funds, and other related service providers.

Mr. McDonald was a lead organizer of the first Early Stage Investment Forum held in March of 2000, which became the region's most successful venture funding conference ever raising more than $30 million for 15 companies. Mr. McDonald was also a founder of the Venture All Stars and in the fall of 2002 and 2003 and spring of 2004, Venture All Stars brought together over 400 of the most influential investors and Venture All Star companies CEO's from throughout the region to recognize and celebrate their accomplishments.

As a result of this experience, Mr. McDonald brings Keiretsu Forum a far ranging and influential network of business relationships to recruit talent, advise on business strategy and finance the regions best new companies.

Maggie Jacobberger
Entrepreneur Director, Northern California

Maggie is the Entrepreneur Director for Keiretsu Forum Northern California. She works closely with the Software, Clean Technology, Digital Media and Entertainment, and Social Investing Committees by overseeing the entrepreneur application and committee review process.

Born and raised in Lafayette, California, Maggie ventured east for college and graduated cum laude from Harvard College with a degree in History. Her post-college pursuits include co-authoring, researching, and editing a book about Frances Grant, one of Radcliffe College’s first African American graduates.

In addition to writing professionally, Maggie directs a tutoring business in Lafayette that focuses primarily on developing students’ writing and critical thinking skills. Outside of work, Maggie is committed to community service and enjoys running, exercising, and cooking.

Contact:  Maggie@keiretsuforum.com

Kathrin Nikolussi

Entrepreneur Director, Northern California

Kathrin Nikolussi is the Entrepreneur Director for the Keiretsu Forum Northern California chapters.  She works closely with the Real Estate, Telecommunications, Life Sciences, Food and Beverage, and Consumer Products committees and oversees the application process and committee coordination. Kathrin assists in organizing Forum meetings, Academies, and partner conferences on the entrepreneur side. Born and raised in Austria, Kathrin ventured to Silicon Valley and recently served a position as a Business Development Manager for PureDepth, Inc. an award winning developer of display technology. Prior to this position, Kathrin pursued a career as a professional athlete. She competed in the Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City in 2002. As a former world-class athlete, she participated in numerous marketing campaigns worldwide. Kathrin graduated magna cum laude from Sierra Nevada College with a degree in English Literature and Business Management.

Kathrin shares a passion for building communities and networks. Outside of work she loves to explore Northern California’s stunning hiking trails with her dog.

Contact: kathrin@keiretsuforum.com

Kelly Kimbrough

Membership Director, Keiretsu Forum San Francisco and North Bay

Kelly is the Membership Director for Keiretsu Forum San Francisco/North Bay. She works on developing relations and communications for the members. She oversees the membership application process, and assists in organizing the events of the organization and the Forum of Investors that occurs every month.

Born and raised in Roseville, California, Kelly left to attend college at California Polytechnic State University where she achieved her B.A. in Speech Communication. Kelly has a professional background working in Media and Entertainment, Consumer Goods, and Computer Software Sales. Outside of work, Kelly enjoys running, photography, cooking, and is passionate about volunteer work.

Contact: kelly@keiretsuforum.com

Marta Carballo
Marketing & Operations Officer, Keiretsu Forum Barcelona

Marta is a Keiretsu Forum Barcelona team member.  She supports the Chapter President with relations and communications for the members, entrepreneurs and owners. Marta is also responsible for organizing the events of the organization and the Forum of Investors that takes place every month in Barcelona.  She carries out the tasks related to the back office, such as processes, documentation, etc.

Marta has previous work experience in business training companies like Associació Catalana de Formació Empresarial (Catalan Association of Business Training).  There, she was responsible for organization membership, for events, and for administrative duties.  At Premià Invest she supported the organization of a Spanish business training network in Catalonia. Marta is a journalism graduate, and has worked as a freelance writer for online publications.

Contact: marta@keiretsuforum.com

Jacques Sciammas

Managing Director, Keiretsu Forum Paris

Jacques has had global senior management experience, specializing in building and directing world-class finance and operations groups in blue-chip corporations. His areas of focus have been international business development, business and operational improvements, and margin management.

He is currently President of ERG-Europe, an executive leadership firm specializing in the placement of CEOs, CFOs, and other senior executives into short-term, high profile assignments across the EU. Prior to this role, Jacques held a series of financial executive roles: EVP at Berkshire Mortgage Finance, CFO of BankBoston’s Investment Operations and group CFO for the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Retail Division, where he was a key player in the introduction of the company’s highly successful internet strategy. Prior to his role at Schwab, he worked for Standard & Poor’s (where he participated in their expansion into Europe) and TWA.

Jacques has a BA from Bowdoin College, an MBA from Rutgers University, and is a graduate of the CFO Executive Program at Harvard. He currently resides in Paris.

Contact: jsciammas@keiretsuforum.com

Daniel Borrero i Fresno

Operations Director, Keiretsu Forum London

Daniel Borrero has been involved for 6 years into the Financial and Banking sector (“la Caixa” and Caixa Catalunya) as Office Responsible for New Costumers and Products as well as Risk Analyst on the headquarters offices.

He began his involvement into the angel sector in 2006 when he was Coordinator of Xarxa Universitària de Business Angels (Xarxa UniBA). UniBA Network is a product of the cooperation and collaboration agreement between the 5 leading technology and innovation university centres in Catalonia (Spain), becoming the first inter-universitarian Business Angels Network in Europe.

He holds a MBA from Universitat Ramon Llull-La Salle (Barcelona) and he also participates as member of the Tribunal for MBA projects in a Catalan university as well as a speaker in different conferences and academic courses in Spain.

Contact: dborrero@keiretsuforum.com

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