Exiled: Fahad Afolabi, Arevon
Today’s guest is Fahad Afolabi, Senior Vice President of Project Finance at Arevon. After a globe-trotting childhood between Nigeria and the US, and an early fascination with aviation, Fahad found his calling in renewable energy. He now helps oversee more than 5.5 GW of solar and storage projects across 17 states, powering communities and championing teamwork at every turn.
Welcome to Exiled: Dealmakers on a Desert Island, where we ‘strand’ a guest on a remote island and ask them who from their professional past, present, and future they’d choose as companions. After all, it's people that make a profession.
Today’s guest is Fahad Afolabi, Senior Vice President of Project Finance at Arevon. After a globe-trotting childhood between Nigeria and the US, and an early fascination with aviation, Fahad found his calling in renewable energy. He now helps oversee more than 5.5 GW of solar and storage projects across 17 states, powering communities and championing teamwork at every turn.
From his past
Fahad’s first pick is David McElhenney, his former boss and mentor at SunPower. David’s decades of wisdom and his people-first leadership style inspired Fahad’s own approach to deal-making and team-building. David gave Fahad the space to grow, experiment, and tackle big projects early in his career, lessons that still fuel him today.
From his present
Next up: Justin Johnson, Arevon’s Chief Operating Officer. With a background from the US Air Force Academy and deep expertise in managing complex operations, Justin’s technical savvy and calm leadership make him Fahad’s ideal present-day companion - whether steering a multibillion-dollar portfolio, or figuring out how to get rescued from a deserted island.
From his future
For the future, Fahad looks up to Bayo Ogunlesi, a global infrastructure leader regarded for his intellect and impact. Joining forces with a visionary like Bayo, whether island-stranded or not, would be a dream opportunity to discuss the intersection of finance, infrastructure, and world-changing projects.
Bonus round
Fahad is quick to celebrate his entire team: Arevon’s Finance and Investment Analysts, who have together closed $4.5 billion in financings in the past two years. Their creativity, drive, and teamwork embody the Arevon culture he finds so inspiring.
Fahad believes true success goes beyond numbers—it’s about making real, lasting impact in local communities, building trust, and strengthening relationships inside and outside the company. For him, the brightest future is powered by the strength of your team.
Tune in next week, where we’ll be speaking with our next Exile.
