Climate and nature investment and advisory firm Pollination announced today a series of appointments to its newly established Executive Committee to support growth plans including its expansion into Asia, with an initial focus on Singapore and Tokyo.

Pollination has appointed Diana Callebaut, Shane Flatman, and Rob Grant for the newly created roles of Global Head of Investment, Chief Financial Officer, and Head of Projects, respectively. Paul Orton, Group General Manager (Internal Audit) at banking company ANZ will also join Pollination’s Board.

Martijn Wilder AM, CEO at Pollination, said:

“Diana, Shane and Rob have been at the forefront of change in their respective fields and will be fundamental to our future. In the face of a global problem, we’re building a formidable global team – one that will not shy away from disrupting the status quo.”

Callebaut will oversee the company’s investment strategy and joint ventures, including HSBC Pollination Climate Asset Management, the world’s first large-scale venture to mainstream natural capital as an asset class. She joins the firm from investment manager TCorp, where she served as Head of Real Assets and Private Markets. She has also previously served at firms including Credit Suisse, CBUS Super Fund, and KPMG Australia.

Callebaut said:

“I’ve spent much of my career building and reshaping investment platforms for growth – the new role takes this a step further – combining investment with technology, law, business, policy, and finance to make a genuine impact.”

Flatman joins from venture capital firm OneVentures where he served as Chief Operating Officer. He has also served as Chief Operating Officer at global investment manager BlackRock, where he was responsible for the Corporate and Operating platforms in the Australian business.

Flatman said: 

“My experience spans working with global financial institutions across finance, risk, strategy and technology over the last 20 years. I now have the opportunity to bring those elements together and help steer the next phase of growth at Pollination – a business that not only has a very exciting future, but an incredibly important one as it address some of the biggest challenges facing our planet today.”

In his new role, Grant will lead the group’s origination, development, and delivery of decarbonization projects. He joins the firm after holding clean energy leadership roles, including Director of Energy at mining company Fortescue Metals Group, CEO at renewable energy company Pacific Hydro, and Chair of the Clean Energy Investor Group.

Grant said:

“Throughout my career in the clean energy industry, I have thrived on the innovation and resilience required to create new businesses and industries. Pollination’s offering to its clients and investors is unique and one that is needed – we must scale up climate solutions if we are going to leave future generations a habitable world.”

The company stated that the appointments will also be supported by a new governance structure, with Co-Founders Martijn Wilder AM and Tony O’Sullivan taking the roles of CEO and Chair of the Board respectively.

O’Sullivan said:

 “Pollination was founded by Martijn and I with an ambition nothing short of creating the pre-eminent global alternative investment and advisory firm, in climate and natural capital.  We work with clients and investors who are committed to serious action on the transition to net zero and nature positive, enabling them to be market leaders.”