Executive Director
aaron Soanes
Aaron Soanes is a distinguished forester and board director, known for his significant contributions to the forestry and environmental sectors in Australia. As the CEO of a prominent Australian public company, Aaron has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic vision, spearheading initiatives that have had a profound impact on sustainable forestry practices. Aaron is Registered Professional Forester under the peak forestry body in Australia, Forestry Australia.
One of Aaron’s most notable achievements is the establishment of Australia’s largest carbon sequestration plantation, a pioneering effort that underscores his commitment to combating climate change and promoting environmental sustainability. His expertise and innovative approach have not only advanced the field of forestry but have also set new benchmarks for carbon sequestration efforts worldwide.
Executive Director
Dave Lyons
Following his undergraduate studies, Dave launched a successful career as a pharmacy owner in regional Queensland, where he was instrumental in creating frameworks to enhance collaboration in primary healthcare and spearheaded the implementation of harm minimization services. Driven by a commitment to improving community health outcomes, he later pursued an MBA, which paved the way for leadership roles in the healthcare and retail industries. Dave is a dedicated problem solver with a strong passion for advancing primary healthcare, advocating for social housing, and addressing the homelessness crisis.
Executive Director
Mark Denning
Mark’s career path is a testament to his commitment to impactful leadership, aligning seamlessly with the focus areas of ESG360. From championing social service initiatives for at-risk youth to overseeing state-wide training and employment programs for a leading Australian environmental organisation, Mark’s work reflects his dedication to social equity and sustainability.
As General Manager of a major Commonwealth agency, Mark played a pivotal role in acquiring land for First Nations organisations and making strategic investments to scale Indigenous enterprises sustainably. His expertise in brokering solutions and building partnerships is highly respected, and he is known for his ability to foster collaboration across communities, government, and the private sector.
Mark’s influence extends beyond his professional roles; he actively contributes to various business, environmental, and heritage advisory panels and serves as a Director on the Board of Reconciliation Queensland, further demonstrating his commitment to advancing reconciliation and social equity.
Our Broader Team
Our people boast undergraduate degrees in Forestry, Pharmacy/Health and Commerce, Business and Law. Our people have multiple GAICD and AICD memberships and qualifications including Climate Governance for Australian Directors. We have both Chartered Accountants and CPA qualified staff. We have multiple MBA’s and other post graduate qualifications including specialist Applied Finance Business and Project Valuations.
Notable ESG Achievements by Our Team
Leading Carbon Offset Initiatives: We have established the largest carbon offset plantation in Australia, contributing significantly to the nation’s sustainability efforts. Over the years, our team has successfully planted and managed over 45 million trees across the country, demonstrating our commitment to environmental stewardship.
Pioneering Social Housing Solutions: In Queensland, we launched a transformative social housing project that has provided life-changing solutions to homelessness. This initiative has led to heartwarming outcomes and stories, underscoring our dedication to social responsibility.
Comprehensive Carbon Accounting and Projects: Our team offers end-to-end carbon accounting solutions, from sourcing and projections to financing, design, implementation, and ongoing management. We ensure that investors receive returns through Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) or equivalent dollar returns, reinforcing our expertise in carbon management.
Expertise in Project Valuation and Certifications: We conduct thorough business and project valuations, providing annual updates to ensure accuracy and relevance. Our achievements also include managing applications and certifications for Climate Active and EcoVadis, reflecting our commitment to high standards in environmental and social governance.
Designing and Managing Complex ESG Projects: Our team has designed, implemented, and managed a range of complex projects aimed at achieving outstanding ESG outcomes. We also provide corporate carbon accounting services and serve as independent directors for both public and private companies, showcasing our versatility and leadership in the ESG space.
