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Our Team - Driving Innovation and Expertise 

At BioCarbon, our team is the foundation of our success. Led by highly experienced directors and industry experts, we bring together extensive knowledge in renewable carbon solutions, advanced manufacturing, research, and sustainable practices. Each team member shares a commitment to innovation, environmental responsibility, and delivering exceptional results for our partners and clients.

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With decades of combined expertise, our leadership team is dedicated to advancing BioCarbon’s mission of transforming low-value biomass into valuable, renewable carbon products. From engineering to project development and beyond, our team collaborates with industry leaders and stakeholders to drive progress toward a greener, more sustainable future.

Our team combines decades of expertise in renewable carbon solutions, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable practices. 

Guided by experienced directors and industry experts, we are united in our commitment to innovation, environmental responsibility, and delivering value to our partners and clients.

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Kannappar Mukunthan (Muk) PhD

Chief Scientist, Director and Co-Founder

Dr Mukunthan (Muk) holds a PhD in Metallurgy from the University of British Columbia and has over two decades of experience in scientific research and technology development. During his 15-year tenure as a Principal Engineer at BHP, Muk led technology-focused teams involved in groundbreaking projects such as steel strip casting, electrochemical reduction of Titania, and uranium recovery using Resin-in-Pulp technology.

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For a decade, Muk contributed to the development of the innovative ‘Continuous Biomass Converter’ technology at the Crucible Group, gaining expertise in renewable carbon products. He also consulted for a World Bank carbon accounting project in the Vietnamese steel sector.

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With 15 patents and over 30 publications, Muk’s prolific R&D career underscores his commitment to advancing sustainable technologies and driving innovation in renewable carbon solutions at BioCarbon.​​​​​

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John Mellowes

Chief Engineer and Co-Founder

John earned his bachelor’s degree in Engineering in 1997 and began his career as a project engineer, delivering roadworks, building, and mobile phone infrastructure projects. In 2005, he took on entrepreneurial challenges by acquiring and managing his own metal fabrication and machining business, further refining his engineering and operational expertise.

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Since 2014, John has worked closely with Chad to introduce pyroligneous acid to the Australian market, driving awareness and adoption of this sustainable co-product of the pyrolysis process.

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John’s technical ingenuity was pivotal in the design and fabrication of BioCarbon’s pyrolysis machine, the core of the company’s advanced manufacturing technologies.

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His commitment to innovation and precision continues to play a crucial role in advancing BioCarbon’s mission to provide renewable carbon solutions for industrial and agricultural applications.​​​

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John Donnell

Head of Project Management

John holds a Science degree from Sydney University and has a wealth of experience in international and domestic logistics, including profit and loss responsibility for multimodal transport deliveries at Maersk Australia. More recently John has been responsible for the administration of regulation at Port Botany aimed at improving the efficiency and consistency of landside port operations.

 

John has training in lean six sigma methodologies which he has implemented in operations environments to address container inventory costs for Maersk and to implement Schneider Electric’s comprehensive Warehouse Management System at their Ingleburn and Smeaton Grange warehouse facilities.

 

John’s experience in various operations and project roles  will allow him to optimise the operation and delivery of BioCarbon projects around the globe.​​

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​James Kater

Operations Manager

James has an Environmental Science degree from the University of New South Wales. Coming from a professional career in organic waste management, James has specialised during the last decade in biomass renewable energy systems.

 

He has worked as an on-site engineer on large anaerobic digester systems producing biogas from putrescible wastes, and on small wood waste electricity generating stations of around 3MW electrical output (both in the UK).

 

James’ role in these plants included design input, commissioning and handover, as well as follow-up design and support. James spent a stimulating and challenging 5 years up to 2016 tasked with researching and vetting emerging renewable energy technologies that maximise efficiency by utilising heat energy as well as generating electric power.

 

James’ extensive knowledge in biomass processing makes him an ideal choice to manage the operation of our early plants.

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Gina Moore

Business Administrator

Gina holds a bachelor’s degree in Arts from Sydney University, majoring in Physics and Japanese, along with qualifications in Business Administration. After gaining international experience during two years abroad, she joined Qantas Airways, where she honed her skills in operations and process management.

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Since joining BioCarbon in early 2020, Gina has played a pivotal role in streamlining and implementing internal systems and customer-facing practices. Her contributions have enhanced operational efficiency and improved client engagement.

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Gina has been instrumental in securing industry and government attention and support for BioCarbon’s initiatives, leveraging her expertise to align the company’s goals with broader environmental and economic priorities.

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Her strategic approach and dedication to excellence make her a key driver in advancing BioCarbon’s mission

to innovate and lead in renewable carbon solutions.

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​Melinda Graff

Design & Marketing Manager

Melinda is a key member of the BioCarbon team, bringing over 20 years of experience in design, branding, and strategic marketing. With expertise in visual communication and digital design, she has worked across various industries, including state and local government, developing solutions that enhance brand presence and engagement. She thrives on translating complex ideas into visually compelling narratives, ensuring clarity, impact, and consistency across all brand touchpoints.

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In addition to her design career, Melinda works as a vocational educator with TAFE NSW, mentoring and inspiring the next generation of creatives.

 

As a mother of three, she is passionate about sustainability and proud to be part of a company driving positive change for the future. Her ability to blend creativity with strategic thinking helps communicate BioCarbon’s groundbreaking work in renewable carbon solutions with clarity and impact.

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Mark Willcocks

Director and Shareholder

Mark has an honours degree in Chemical Engineering and in 1974 started a small business, which has since grown into Active Tree Services (https://www.activetreeservices.com.au/), an industry leading arborist and tree care company with a workforce of 1000+. 

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Mark has been instrumental in bringing together tree contracting companies through the leadership of industry bodies, and the sponsorship of Arboriculture Australia and the 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.

 

Mark's long history of biomass waste management lends BioCarbon a weight of knowledge regarding the sourcing and supply of biomass. In addition Mark plays an integral role in the company's growth strategies.​​​
 

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Chad Sheppeard

​Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder

Chad brings over 30 years of expertise in engineering, operations, and business development. He began his career in the petroleum industry developing LPG facilities in Queensland, before transitioning to the commercial marine sector. There, he gained experience in complex machinery integration, scaling international yacht production, and managing high-value commercial assets. 

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Chad also founded a team development business, working with multinational corporations and national sporting organisations and brings this experience to BioCarbon.    

  

Since 2014, Chad has focused on introducing pyroligneous acid—a co-product of the char-making process—to the Australian agricultural sector. He has led research and market expansion for this sustainable product, helping to unlock its potential in regenerative agriculture.

 

Chad was pivotal in developing BioCarbon’s pyrolysis technology and scaling it to a commercial-ready state, supporting BioCarbon’s mission to deliver innovative renewable carbon solutions for industrial and agricultural applications.

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Michael van Niekerk

Chief Financial Officer

Michael brings over 30 years of experience working with senior executives in large, complex corporate environments. Over the past decade, he has focused on Responsible Investment, serving as Chief Impact Officer for an Impact Fund and advising Super Funds, corporations, foundations, and family offices on sustainable investment strategies.

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With deep expertise in natural capital investment—spanning ocean and land-based systems—Michael has played a key role in supporting nature-based organizations as a corporate adviser, helping them attract and manage capital.

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He holds a Master’s in Sustainability Leadership from the University of Cambridge, an MBA from Monash University, and a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in Economics from the University of Cape Town. His professional qualifications include CPA (ASCPA), AICD, FINSIA, RIAA, and AsiaLink (Melbourne University).

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Michael Davies

Technical Manager - Steel Products

Michael, a lead engineer with more than 35 years’ experience in the steel industry (BHP, OneSteel and MolyCop) joined BioCarbon’s team in 2024. Michael has a Metallurgical Engineering degree from the University of New South Wales and held many operational, supervisory and managerial positions throughout his career.

 

Michael’s roles in steel production included Melter, Operations Engineer, Process Specialist, EAF Technologist, Shift Team Leader, Senior Metallurgist, Casting Superintendent and Consumables Manager. Michael also has experience and training in Workplace Health and Safety, Environment, Quality Control, Continuous Improvement and Lean Manufacturing Principles.

 

Michael’s many years of experience operating EAFs is invaluable in BioCarbon’s operations and continued development of renewable carbon products for EAF steelmaking.

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Rebecca Sheppeard

Business Support

Rebecca is a founding member and shareholder at BioCarbon, where she plays a key role in developing and marketing products such as Wood Vinegar. She also oversees the management of the PyroAg brand across Australian agriculture, driving its growth and adoption.

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Rebecca brings a diverse background, with qualifications and experience in hospitality operations, business catering, counseling, communications, and yoga instruction. She spent nine years living and working abroad, managing hospitality venues, before establishing her own businesses in private practice counselling and yoga teaching.

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Prior to joining BioCarbon, Rebecca founded a specialist maritime diesel engine parts business, which operated successfully across Australia.

 

Her entrepreneurial spirit, combined with her strategic and operational expertise, contributes significantly to BioCarbon’s mission of delivering innovative renewable carbon solutions for industrial and agricultural applications.

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Clive Belton

Technical Support Manager

Clive brings over 30 years of experience in mechanical and operations management, with a strong focus on complex machinery across multiple industries. Spending more than two decades in the marine sector, he developed deep expertise in mechanical systems, from design to implementation.

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For the past six years, Clive has played a pivotal role in advancing BioCarbon’s pyrolysis technology, contributing to both its engineering refinement and operational efficiency. His hands-on approach, combined with his deep technical knowledge, has been instrumental in driving innovation across machinery and product development.

 

Clive’s expertise ensures the success and scalability of BioCarbon’s technology, supporting its global impact in renewable carbon solutions.

Additional
In-House Personnel

Other in-house team members include a highly experienced industrial electrician, mechanical fitter, administration and project management personnel, alongside close resources from BioCarbon Directors’ other independent businesses and collaborating partners.

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CONTACT

Head Office

11 Markwell Rd,

Bulahdelah NSW 2423 Australia

 

PO Box 140
Bulahdelah NSW 2423 Australia

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BioCarbon acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land.

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