Meet the Team
EAG Presents: The Trio at the Helm, Steering Financial and Operational Excellence
Amidst the grandeur of the Naval and Military Club in Piccadilly, London, the story of EAG's top leadership unfolded. Steven Windmill, Michael 'Mike' Russell (major shareholder), and Robert F. Coles are not just the pillars of EAG; they are a cohesive unit that has been quietly shaping the world of work for decades.
Steven Windmill, our Chairman and pro tem CEO, is renowned for his visionary leadership. His journey to the formation of EAG began in the intricate landscapes of Iraq and has since spanned boardrooms across London. His ability to discern potential in the face of adversity has been a cornerstone of EAG's growth.
In 2021, EAG welcomed Robert F. Coles, our Chief Technology Officer, into the fold. A global pioneer in AI and e-learning, Robert's innovative approaches ensured that EAG remains at the forefront of technological advancements. His AI-driven solutions, especially in the realm of language training, have set industry standards.
With the inclusion of Rob Coles, our leadership team combines extensive experience in successful IPOs and post-deal integration combines with cutting-edge expertise in AI, enabling EAG to scale portfolio companies efficiently and maximize profitability through innovative, data-driven strategies.
Together, this team has been the driving force behind EAG's monumental achievements. One of their most notable collaborations involved leveraging EAG's state-of-the-art algorithms to uncover over GBP £130 Million in off-book assets for a training company in a mere three weeks.
For our partners, stakeholders, and clients, EAG's unwavering commitment to innovation, growth, and excellence. As we look to the future, we are confident that with this team at the helm, EAG is poised to redefine the contours of the global financial landscape.
The Top Team: In Detail
Steven M Windmill TD MBA FRSA
Chairman and (pro tem) CEO
Introducing Steven Windmill: A Visionary Leader in IT and Cybersecurity M&A
Steven Windmill is a board-level strategist and corporate fixer with 25+ years’ experience guiding investors, sovereigns, and FTSE boards through complexity, risk, and high-stakes transformation. Recognised as “the only interim with proven PE returns and sovereign-level credibility — deployable in 3 days anywhere on earth”, he is trusted to protect value, enforce governance, and accelerate investor outcomes.
As CEO of Everest Assets Group (EAG), Steven has driven the firm’s growth strategy, chairing and advising on a PE-backed buy-and-build programme in AI, cybersecurity, and data that achieved a 1,400% NAV uplift and positioned more than 29 acquisitions for AIM IPO and private equity exit.
His career spans multi-billion mandates across private equity, FTSE corporates, and sovereign programmes. Highlights include:
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£26B transformation of the UK’s Defence Training system → £6.1B cash savings, £2B+ NAV uplift, 18-month exit acceleration, and £11B asset base protected.
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100-day PE turnaround of a global insurer → from –£11M loss to +£2M EBITDA and 23× ROI at exit.
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£2.1B real estate and facilities programme → £400M overruns avoided; £1B+ LTSA governance frameworks embedded.
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£137B NHS commissioning architecture still allocating national health funding today.
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Post-deal integration leadership across FMCG, infrastructure, AI, and financial services → cash recoveries, EBITDA inflections, and investor-grade exit readiness.
Steven has chaired audit, risk, and ESG committees over portfolios ranging from £150M to £18B+, embedding governance and safeguarding frameworks while aligning boards with investor and regulatory expectations. He co-authored the UK’s Armed Forces Covenant (Prime Minister’s Command Paper) and contributed to the UK Corporate Governance Code (Chair/NED provisions).
A Henley MBA with early career foundations at Arthur Andersen, 3i, and senior UK Government roles, Steven also served in parallel as a senior military leader, commanding 200,000 personnel and liaising with NATO, ministers, and foreign governments.
He is selective in the mandates he undertakes, focusing on situations where continuity, value preservation, and accelerated exits are critical. His operating framework — Acquisition → Reset → Uplift → Accelerated Exit — underpins all EAG engagements and has delivered consistent outsized results.
Windmill contributed to shaping crucial frameworks such as the 2018 UK Code of Corporate Governance and the groundbreaking Wates Principles of Corporate Governance in 2019.
Robert F. Coles
Chief Technology Officer
Robert F. Coles: Recognised globally as a pioneering force in AI and e-learning. Rob designed and built an AI system for language training three years before ChatGTP was launched.
Rob is a highly accomplished and experienced professional in the field of artificial intelligence and software systems design. With a strong background in project management and designing cloud IT and AI systems for start-ups, he has made significant contributions to the e-learning industry as a software and language course designer.
He is recognized as an early pioneer in online e-learning, particularly in the provision of English language education.
Robert's in-depth knowledge of IT, NLP, and LLM AI enables him to excel in the design and implementation of cutting-edge applications. He has served as a beta tester for OpenAI's GPT models and AI21 LLM models, contributing to the advancement of AI technology. His proficiency in UI/UX design and e-learning expertise allows him to create engaging and user-friendly learning platforms.
In his most recent role as founder and head of e-learning at Wordiser Ltd, he managed the development, design (UI/UX), implementation, and testing of e-learning projects. He also designed an innovative e-learning engine with NLP AI systems and developed auto-generated teaching material for teachers. His extensive research into IT frameworks, NLP, expert system datasets, and AI pattern recognition contributed to the overall excellence of the software solutions for the project.
Throughout his career, Robert has showcased his exceptional project management, communication, and organizational skills. He has successfully led teams, planned and developed projects, and provided strategic guidance. His attention to detail and quality control have ensured the delivery of high-quality systems and materials. His ability to liaise effectively with team members, both locally and remotely, has been instrumental in fostering collaboration and achieving project objectives.
Robert holds a degree in Social Anthropology from London University, and he has pursued additional training and certifications in English language teaching and methodological innovations. He has presented at conferences on specialized LMSs for English language teaching and the future of English language teaching in the context of artificial intelligence.
As a Board member of EAG in the capacity of an artificial intelligence and software systems design expert, Robert brings a wealth of experience, a strong track record of successful project delivery, and a deep understanding of the implications and potential of AI in education. His expertise and leadership will contribute significantly to the strategic direction and technological advancements of the company.
Ernest Adom
Ernest is a distinguished business leader, strategic visionary, and transformational entrepreneur,
Ernest serves as the Chairman and CEO of MD Direction Group of Companies and in the Africa Directorate of Everest Assets Group Ltd, as the Senior Group Director (Africa)..
With a career spanning international markets, he has demonstrated an exceptional ability to drive business growth, foster innovation, and position companies for sustained success.
His early career in the United States provided him with a strong foundation in strategy, innovation, and business development, which he has since leveraged to reshape industries in Ghana and across Africa.
As the driving force behind MD Direction Group, Ernest has transformed the company into a leading conglomerate, operating across diverse sectors including hospitality, construction, logistics, and specialized services.
Adom's leadership is characterized by an acute understanding of market trends, an ability to capitalize on emerging opportunities, and a relentless commitment to operational excellence. Under his guidance, the Group has expanded its influence, setting new standards of quality and performance in the Ghanaian business landscape.
Beyond corporate leadership, Ernest is a staunch advocate for social responsibility and sustainable development, actively championing initiatives that empower youth, develop communities, and create long-term socio-economic impact. His ability to inspire and lead by example has earned him widespread recognition as a visionary leader and architect of business transformation. With an unwavering drive for innovation and strategic excellence, he continues to shape the future of MD Direction Group as a benchmark for enterprise growth and success in Africa.
