Kannappar — Mukunthan (Muk)
Director and shareholder PhD
Muk has a PhD in metallurgy from British Columbia. He has extensive experience in scientific research and technology development projects at BHP where he worked as a Principal Engineer for 15 years. Muk led small technology focused teams that were part of some of the most innovative and high-profile technology development initiatives at BHP, e.g., strip casting of steels, electro-chemical reduction of Titania and Uranium recovery using Resin-in-Pulp technology. For 10 years Muk was part of a small team at the Crucible Group that developed the innovative ‘Continuous Biomass Converter’ technology and also developed deep understanding about renewable carbon products. He has spent time as a consultant to a World Bank project that carried out carbon accounting of the Vietnamese steel sector.
Over an active R&D career, Muk has been the author of some 15 patents and over 30 publication.
Over an active R&D career, Muk has been the author of some 15 patents and over 30 publication.
Mark — Willcocks
Director and shareholder
In 1974 Mark founded Active Tree Services, an industry leading company with a workforce of over 800. Mark has been instrumental in bringing together tree contracting companies, through the leadership of industry bodies, and the sponsorship of Arboriculture Australia and Utility Arborist Association of Australia. He played a key role in raising the level of professionalism and safety through the development of an industry code of practice and standards. In 2004 Mark was awarded the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the year for the services industry in NSW. In 2011 he invented the Bushi, a remote-controlled boom saw, and in 2012 Mark was selected by Australian Arbor Age as the first Living Legend of the Australian tree industry.
His passion for the business and the industry remains unabated.
His passion for the business and the industry remains unabated.
Chad — Sheppeard
Managing Director and shareholder
Chad has a mechanical and engineering background and started his career in the petroleum industry (LPG) developing new facilities in Queensland. For the last 25 years Chad has been involved in developing and operating startups, turning them into successful enterprises. Many of these have been in the commercial marine sector where Chad developed a diverse range of valuable skills including: (a) engineering technical leadership for complex machinery integration with stints in major international yacht manufacturing factories (while they rapidly expanded production from 20 to over 800 units per year over a short 3 year time frame); (b) business administrator dealing with both government and private stakeholders operating commercial marine fleets; (c) high level of team development knowledge gained through a leadership business he developed that facilitated team development programs to multinational businesses and national sporting organisations; and (d) successful management and governance of high value commercial assets valued to $30 million. Since 2014 Chad has helped introduce Pyroligneous Acid (a co-product of the char making process) to the Australian Agricultural sector and continues to lead research, knowledge acquisition and expansion of this sustainable product.
Chad was instrumental in advancing an Australian developed pyrolysis technology to a commercial ready state.
Chad was instrumental in advancing an Australian developed pyrolysis technology to a commercial ready state.
John — Mellowes
Co-Founder and shareholder
John completed a bachelor’s degree in Engineering in 1997 and worked as a project engineer completing roadworks, buildings, and mobile phone infrastructure projects. John purchased his own metal fabrication and machining business in 2005.
Since 2014 John has worked alongside Chad introducing pyroligneous acid to the marketplace.
John was the lead designer and fabricator of the pyrolysis machine.
Since 2014 John has worked alongside Chad introducing pyroligneous acid to the marketplace.
John was the lead designer and fabricator of the pyrolysis machine.
Rebecca — Sheppeard
Marketing Manager
A founding member and shareholder at BioCarbon Rebecca plays a key role in the development and marketing of products including Wood Vinegar. Rebecca’s responsibilities extend to the management of the PyroAg brand throughout Australian Agriculture.
Rebecca spent 9 years living and working abroad with qualifications and experience in hospitality operations, business catering, counselling and communications and Yoga instructing. Rebecca has managed many restaurants and bars overseas and in Australia, and spent years operating her own businesses in private practice counselling and yoga teaching.
Prior to joining BioCarbon Rebecca established a specialist Maritime diesel engine parts business operating Australia wide.
Gina — Moore
Business Administrator
Gina is qualified in Business Administration, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Arts from Sydney University, majoring in Physics and Japanese.
After working internationally for two years she joined Qantas Airways.
In early 2020 Gina joined BioCarbon and has overseen the streamlining and implementation of internal and customer facing processes and practices. Gina has been instrumental in BioCarbon seeking and gaining Industry and Government attention and support.
