Vinay Somera is the founder and CEO of Isondo Precious Metals (IPM), with over 30 years of experience in the Platinum Group Metals (PGM) industry in South Africa. Widely recognized as a global expert in strategic PGM technology and business processes, Vinay’s career spans a wealth of strategic leadership and innovation roles. Before founding IPM, he spent 25 years at Impala Platinum (Pty) Ltd (Implats), where he held various senior roles, culminating in his position as Group Executive: Market Development and Strategy. During his tenure at Implats, Vinay played a pivotal role in the creation and growth of Impala Refining Services (IRS), transforming it from the ground up into a 1-million-ounce platinum refiner, with a multi-billion-rand turnover over the span of a decade.
A passionate advocate for adding value to precious metals in South Africa, Vinay founded IPM with the vision of establishing a thriving precious metals beneficiation industry to support the growing green hydrogen sector. Under his leadership, IPM has developed a state-of-the-art facility specializing in the manufacturing of Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEA), as well as precious metal catalysts and catalyst precursors for fuel cells and electrolysers. The facility also boasts advanced capabilities in catalyst/MEA recycling, along with cutting-edge PGM analytical and MEA testing laboratories. Additionally, IPM is spearheading a project to roll out hydrogen refuelling stations and deploy up to 800 fuel cell-powered trucks and buses, leveraging the company’s access to 7,000 kg of hydrogen per day in the Johannesburg area.
Vinay holds degrees in Mathematics and Chemistry as well as Commerce, and an Executive MBA from the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business.
