Aisha Rodriguez
Manager – Markets and StandardsAisha Rodriguez is Manager – Markets and Standards at VCMI where she is developing the Claims Code of Practice and associated assurance framework, enabling companies to use voluntary carbon markets with high integrity. Reporting to the Technical Director, Aisha leads research to ensure VCMI’s work is aligned with scientific and corporate best practice.
Prior to joining VCMI, Aisha worked in sustainability in the food and beverage sector, focusing on delivering climate strategies and achieving carbon reduction targets across different markets. Aisha has also worked in environmental consulting for both the private and public sector, across environmental and social sustainability. Earlier in her career, she helped to manage the Airport Carbon Accreditation Program, a UN-endorsed global standard for carbon management at airports.
Aisha has a degree in Environmental Economics from the University of York and an MSc in Environmental Technology from Imperial College. Originally from Malaysian Borneo, Aisha has lived and worked in the UK for 13 years.
Ana Carolina Avzaradel Szklo
Technical Director – Markets and StandardsAna Carolina Avzaradel Szklo is the Technical Director – Markets and Standards at VCMI, leading the organization’s technical work and managing the Expert Advisory Group. She is responsible for developing and implementing the VCMI Claims Code of Practice, to ensure corporate engagement with voluntary carbon markets and associated claims are credible and robust. Ana Carolina manages the Markets and Standards Team who support this work to secure appropriate research and governance surrounding the Code’s development.
With 18 years’ experience working across almost 20 countries on sustainability themes, Ana Carolina has worked in diverse contexts ranging from climate negotiations within the UNFCCC and IPCC to project development and advocacy. She previously served as the Sustainability Manager of Humanize Institute, a Brazilian philanthropic organization focused on sustainable development and fostering income generation, with responsibility for sustainability and impact business portfolios. Prior to this, she worked as the Technical Development Director of the Conselho Empresarial Brasileiro para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável (CEBDS) and as liaison to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), a global network of more than 200 environmentally-minded corporate CEOs. Ana Carolina has served in the Brazilian government as a climate change negotiator.
Ana Carolina maintains a wide network of collaborators including leaders from the business, government, NGO and academic sectors. With a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, she has a Master’s degree in Environmental and Energy Planning, and serves as a member of both the UNDP and UNFCCC Roster of Experts as an energy expert and lead reviewer of national greenhouse gas inventories.
Bianca Gichangi
Regional Lead – AfricaBianca’s role in the Policy and Partnerships Team at VCMI focuses on leading delivery of VCMI strategy across Africa and strengthening VCMI engagement, partnerships, and impact. This includes overseeing delivery and scaling up of future VCMI Access Strategies programs in African countries.
Prior to VCMI, Bianca was the Coordinator of the Eastern Africa Alliance on Carbon Markets and Climate Finance. She led capacity building activities on carbon markets for government and non-state actors, developed strategic partnerships and facilitated sharing of carbon pricing practices and lessons through regional collaborations. Her experience extends to climate change negotiations where she provided technical support to Alliance Focal Points and has served as a Lead coordinator, Article 6, for the Kenya Delegation.
She has a BEng in Environmental Engineering from the University of New South Wales and an MSc in Climate Change and Policy from the University of Sussex. She serves as member of the UNFCCC Article 6.4 mechanism Roster of Experts as a Climate Policy Expert.
Eden Marish Roehr
Communications AssociateAs Communications Associate, Eden supports the Policy and Partnerships team in bringing awareness to VCMI’s mission to accelerate net zero through a just transition that enhances equality and sustainable development for all.
A California native based in New York City, Eden brings multiple years of experience in communication, marketing, and sustainability across nonprofit, academic, and private sectors. Prior to joining VCMI, she worked on the Client Engagement team at thinkPARALLAX, a sustainability strategy and communications agency, to partner with leading companies — including Snap Inc., Neiman Marcus, and Campbell’s — to amplify social and environmental impact.
Eden holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Policy and Sustainable Development from the University of California, Davis.
George Hodgetts
Policy AssociateGeorge’s role in the Policy and Partnerships Team at VCMI focuses on government engagement, bringing policy officials together from around the world via forums such as the Country Contact Group to provide insight on VCMI’s work areas and promote learning relevant to VCMI’s objectives and outputs. George will also help deliver the second phase of VCMI’s Access Strategies program, continuing to build capacity so that countries can engage with carbon market opportunities that align with their national climate policy and finance priorities.
George joins the team after five years working for the UK Civil Service, most recently in the Global Carbon Markets Team in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. George managed some of the UK’s foreign aid investment in programs delivered by the World Bank that are piloting the use of carbon market mechanisms to mobilize additional climate finance and deliver sustainable development benefits in developing countries. In the run up to COP26 George also led an initiative developing recommendations that were promoted at Glasgow regarding capacity building for inclusive and ambitious global carbon market participation in support of the Paris Agreement.
George has a BSc in Geography from the University of Bristol, which included a year of study in Granada, Spain.
Henrique Luz
Manager – Markets and StandardsHenrique Luz serves as Manager – Markets and Standards at VCMI, where he leads research to ensure VCMI’s work is aligned with scientific and corporate best practice. With a background in energy planning and valuation of environmental impacts, Henrique has dedicated his career to the study and implementation of sustainable practices in Brazil.
His professional journey includes roles in consultancies and in the Brazilian Business Council of Sustainable Development (CEBDS), where he coordinated thematic chambers on Biodiversity and Social Impact. Henrique’s expertise extends to Nature-Based Solutions, Business and Biodiversity, and Multilateral agreements; he has participated in international associations including Business for Nature, Capitals Coalition, Task-force for Nature Related Financial Disclosures, and Global Partnership for Business and Biodiversity.
Henrique has a degree in Biology and holds a PhD in Environmental Planning from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, where he also earned his MSc in Energy Planning.
Karen Woodley
Executive Support ManagerKaren is an Executive Support Manager with a proven track record of ensuring the smooth operation of governance and processes, enabling teams to focus on delivering impactful results. With a background as a strategic Executive Assistant, Karen has dedicated her career to supporting senior executives, bringing efficiency and structure to high-level operations.
With many years of experience supporting C-Suite members across diverse sectors, including media, travel, and nonprofits, Karen has honed her expertise in complex, fast-paced environments. Before joining VCMI, she worked internationally, with roles at Informa Markets, Omnicom Media Group, and OSN in Dubai, Sky Network Television in New Zealand, and Virgin Atlantic in the UK.
Karen is accredited with a mini-MBA for Senior Executive Assistants by the Institute of Administrative Management (IAM), further showcasing her commitment to professional development and excellence in executive support.
Lewis Dean
Engagement AssociateLydia Sheldrake
Director of Policy and PartnershipsLydia is the Director of Policy and Partnerships at VCMI. She leads the team working on engagement and collaboration with companies, governments, civil society and other initiatives involved in carbon markets to develop high integrity standards for voluntary carbon markets. She also oversees VCMI’s Access Strategies Program which supports policymakers to unlock and channel carbon finance into priority sectors.
Lydia has worked on climate finance and carbon markets across private, public, non-profit, and philanthropic organisations. Prior to joining VCMI, she advised on programmes and tools designed to raise the bar on corporate climate action at the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF). In the UK Government, Lydia was Head of Voluntary Carbon Markets, managed c.£250 million climate finance investments, and represented the UK in international negotiations on climate and trade. Ahead of COP26, Lydia led UK Presidency’s efforts to establish VCMI as an independent multi-stakeholder initiative.
In private and non-profit sectors, Lydia has advised multinational corporations on environmental reporting and sustainable supply chains. She has degrees from Imperial College London and the University of Oxford.
Mark Kenber
Executive DirectorMark Kenber is Executive Director of VCMI and has worked for nearly three decades on market-based instruments for environmental protection, with a particular focus on carbon markets.
His previous roles include positions at Fundación Natura in Ecuador, WWF’s International Climate Change Program, The Climate Group, Mongoose Energy Ltd, and Climate Advisers. He has also served as Climate Change Advisor to the Ecuadorian Government. Mark is a board member of ICVCM, C:C Brighton and Brighton and Hove Energy Services Cooperative.
Michaela Barbour
Business ManagerMichaela is the Business Manager at VCMI, reporting directly to the Director of Operations. In her role, she is responsible for guiding the strategic development of the organisation and managing key areas including IT, finance, and HR.
Additionally, Michaela is the Executive Assistant to Mark Kenber, coordinating essential VCMI engagement activities and Steering Committee meetings.
Her prior experience includes 8 years in the Civil Service with roles as Private Secretary to Cabinet Ministers in the Scottish Government and International Relations Policy Manager at Scotland House, London. She’s dedicated to improving how things work at VCMI, pushing for better efficiency, and building a culture of innovation and excellence.
Nick Boak
Director of OperationsAs VCMI’s Director of Operations, Nick leads all aspects of VCMI’s operational strategy including procurement, funding, resourcing, management systems and IT infrastructure.
Nick’s career to date spans General Manager and COO roles across the finance industry, technology services and the charitable sector. Most recently at the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, Nick delivered a complete transformation of the talent acquisition strategy and associated processes. He brings significant experience in change, people and program management, having led large senior-level teams while managing budgets and achieving cost savings worth tens of millions in several organizations.
Nick is innately solutions-focused, challenges the status quo and seeks constant business improvement through innovation. He is committed to establishing supportive, high-performance cultures built upon strong employee engagement, clarity of purpose and honest and open communication.
Nick Corbett
Technical AssociateNick Corbett is an Associate in VCMI’s Markets & Standards team, where he supports the continuous development of the Claims Code of Practice and the Monitoring, Reporting, and Assurance Framework. Nick also oversees the VCMI Claims Dashboard and coordinates research to guide VCMI’s work. Reporting to the Technical Director, Nick leverages his expertise in corporate climate strategy implementation and sustainability reporting to ensure VCMI’s work aligns with best practices.
Prior to joining VCMI, Nick was a consultant in the Advisory business line at South Pole, where he worked with companies—primarily in the food and beverage sector—to develop and implement corporate climate strategies. His work included greenhouse gas accounting, target setting, decarbonisation roadmap development, and implementing value chain emissions reduction projects. He also advised businesses on climate-related financial risk assessments and corporate sustainability disclosures.
Nick holds a BA in Biological Sciences from the University of Oxford and specialised in Environmental Economics & Policy for a MSc from Imperial College London.
Nina Foster
Strategic Communications ManagerNina manages strategic communications for VCMI, helping to build the profile of VCMI and its work to establish high integrity standards across the voluntary carbon market in support of global climate goals.
Prior to joining VCMI in February 2025, Nina was Senior Communications and Research Manager in the Carbon Trust’s Net Zero Intelligence Unit. In this role she led work to build the Carbon Trust’s reputation as a thought leader on the global net zero agenda, through the publication of research, analysis and commentary. Before the Carbon Trust, Nina advised MPs on scrutiny of UK environmental policy and communications at the House of Commons, including as Deputy Head of the Secretariat for the Environmental Audit Committee, and as Media, Communications and Engagement Lead for Climate Assembly UK – a citizens’ assembly on the UK’s net zero target.
Nina holds an MA in International Relations: Culture and Politics from Leiden University and a BA in History of Art from Worcester College, University of Oxford. Nina is originally from Northern Ireland, but now lives and works in London.
Rafael Alonso Arenas
Engagement Manager – North AmericaRaffaella Infanti
Engagement ManagerRaffaella’s role in the Policy and Partnerships Team at VCMI focuses on the engagement of non-state actors across business and civil society, Indigenous Peoples and Local Community groups. Raffaella leads VCMI’s outreach strategy, coordinating and convening groups for effective stakeholder engagement.
With the upcoming launch of the VCMI Claims Code of Practice, Raffaella will bring together companies from around the world committed to pilot and implement the Code, helping to ensure credible use and associated claims of high-integrity voluntary carbon markets.
Raffaella joins the team after three years at Gold Standard, where she advocated for Gold Standard’s carbon market and sustainable development solutions among companies, to maximize the impact of their climate efforts while minimizing risks. She developed strategic partnerships and managed private sector relationships with organisations seeking to foster high ambition in response to the climate challenge.
Raffaella brings extensive experience in business growth strategies, with a focus on sustainability practices, market entry and new product development in the private sector. Originally from Italy, she is based in Geneva, Switzerland, where she has worked and lived for the past ten years.
Rebecca Fay
Director of Strategic CommunicationsRebecca is Strategic Communications Director at VCMI. She is responsible for building the profile of VCMI and its work to establish high integrity standards across the voluntary carbon market, including awareness of the VCMI Claims Code, the role of voluntary carbon markets in meeting global climate goals, and joint communications with VCMI’s partners and stakeholders.
Rebecca has worked in the Voluntary Carbon Market for more than 15 years as Chief Marketing Officer at Climate Impact Partners, leading the company’s brand, PR, digital, product and strategic marketing. She was on the company’s Senior Leadership Team, a member of the due diligence risk committee, and worked closely with some of its largest clients on their communications and stakeholder engagement programs. Prior to that she led brand and marketing teams at Reuters and Dow Jones.
Saurabh Punamiya
Policy ManagerSaurabh has been on deputation for the past seven years, working with ministers, the UN High-Level Champions team, policy think tanks, and family offices in India and Europe. His work has focused on climate policy engagements, investment facilitation, and strategic communications. He is an ACCA professional and holds a Master’s in Public Policy from the Hertie School in Berlin. Driven to leverage his entrepreneurial spirit, he aims to facilitate strategic partnerships and empower initiatives that drive meaningful change in climate action.
Sinmi Taiwo
Grants ManagerSinmi Taiwo is Grants Manger at VCMI, playing a crucial role in developing and overseeing grant-making systems and processes to support the organization’s regranting efforts.
Prior to joining VCMI, Sinmi worked as a Grants and Investment Manager at Do it Now, overseeing the full grant cycle for programs, including climate-focused funds. Sinmi was also Grants Officer at UK Youth, where she helped develop a new grants management system and led funding panels with a focus on youth inclusion.
Sinmi is a trustee at the Young Harrow Foundation, contributing to its grant-making strategy, and volunteers with the Awesome Treasures Foundation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Sociology from the University of Warwick.
Sohyeon Park
Associate – Markets and StandardsSohyeon Park is VCMI’s Associate – Markets and Standards. As part the Technical Team, Sohyeon’s work is focused on finalizing and developing the VCMI Claims Code of Practice and communicating with VCMI’s Expert Advisory Group.
She previously worked as a Project Manager for carbon offset projects supplying carbon credits to the Korean Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). She is internationally affiliated with the Project Developers Forum. Sohyeon has also worked as an environmental writer and project lead for climate change activities.
Sohyeon holds an MSc in Environment, Politics and Society from UCL, as well as a BSc in Political Science and International Relations from Chung-ang University.
Teodora Kaeva
Manager (Financial Sector) – Markets and StandardsAs a Manager (Financial Sector) – Markets and Standards, Teodora is focused on accelerating the financial institution’s participation in the voluntary carbon markets as part of their net-zero pathways. Reporting to the Technical Director, Teodora is working on developing financial sector specificities to the VCMI Claims Code of Practice (Claims Code).
Prior to joining VCMI, Teodora worked closely with key stakeholders in the financial sector at CDP, where she was a Technical Manager for the CDP Financial Sector sustainability disclosure questionnaire, guidance and scoring. She has worked on key reports looking at the financial sector’s sustainability performance, developing indicators for measuring the sector’s dependencies, impact, risks and opportunities related to climate change and nature and implementing them into sustainability disclosure standards. During her time at CDP, she had previously worked with Capital Markets on providing financial institutions with environmental data and tools for decision making and risks and opportunities measurement.
Teodora has a masters degree in Sustainability and Energy Management from SDA Bocconi and a BSc (Hons) Business Management from King’s College London. Originally from Plovdiv, Bulgaria, having spent some years in London she is now based in Milan, Italy.
Trevor Kombo
Communications OfficerTrevor’s role as part of the Communications team, involves directly contributing to the increased visibility and awareness of VCMI’s mission and products – the Carbon Integrity & Scope 3 Claims.
Trevor is dedicated to elevating brands through strategic communication, media relations, stakeholder engagement, and the seamless execution of marketing campaigns and advocacy initiatives. He is equally very passionate about promoting sustainability, stakeholder capitalism, diversity and representation in all forms of storytelling – and beyond!
He joins VCMI from 4G Capital where he was in-charge of Brand & Corporate Communications, Strategic Comms & PR, Internal Marketing & Campaign rollouts. He was also part of the ESG Committee at 4G Capital helping to develop a first-ever sustainability strategy for 4G Capital.
Prior to 4G Capital, Trevor served as Africa Lead – Communications and Engagement for B Lab, the nonprofit entity behind B Corp Certification. He oversaw developing & rolling out the first-ever comms, marketing & engagement strategy for B Lab in Africa while supporting and amplifying the work of the B Corp movement across 15 countries. He also has experience working in Science Communication & Media spaces.
Trevor holds a BA (Hons) in Linguistics, Media & Communication from Moi University in Kenya.