Meet the Team

John is the main founder of CMS back in late 2003. He has more than 25 years of working on climate change, with climate finance and in global carbon markets working both in the private sector and with international organizations. He holds a Masters.

John has worked in the carbon markets in New York, London, and Moscow and has travelled to over 70 countries working on climate finance projects.

John was instrumental in helping broker 3 of the first 4 ever carbon credit deals from New Zealand. John has extensive experience with carbon brokerage, carbon trading and in developing emission reduction projects. Outside of work, John enjoys travel, reading, and football.

John is based in Wellington, New Zealand. He speaks English, French, Spanish and some Russian.

Daniel is a CMS shareholder and early investor. Daniel has more than 20 years of experience working with large corporates in the area of fintech, climate tech, venture capital, start ups, web based solutions to assist with business expansion. Prior to his leadership roles in the area of fintech, Daniel was a software programmer. He has held senior roles in large tech companies in both Europe and New Zealand working in business development.

Daniel holds an MBA from INSEAS in France. He returned to live in New Zealand from France in 2011. Outside of work, Daniel enjoys running, working out, and spending time with his family.

Daniel is based in Wellington, New Zealand. He speaks English and French.

Harrison Joined CMS in September 2022 coming from the retail power market. He was first exposed to mandatory carbon markets while finishing his studies in 2019. In 2021 he became and remains an NZ ETS participant.

Prior to this Harrison travelled extensively, working domestically and abroad in a raft of industries from adventure tourism to mining. He began to understand the gravity of the climate challenge we collectively face and the need for innovation to tackle it. He is a vehement believer that carbon markets are the solution to fuel this innovation.

Harrison Graduated from Victoria University of Wellington with a BCom in Economics and Finance. Harrison is based in Auckland.

Simon joined the CMS team in October 2021 and is currently in his fourth year at the University of Canterbury studying a Bachelor of Forest Engineering (Hons). Through his studies Simon has gained familiarity with the forestry side of the carbon sector (specifically NZU’s) and is excited at the prospect of obtaining further experience in the carbon industry.

Outside of university his interests include a love for the outdoors as well as a developing interest in commerce and business.

Simon is originally from Rotorua, and is currently based in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Jemma joined CMS in February 2023. Jemma holds a Master of Arts in English Literature with First Class Honours from the University of Auckland. Before joining Carbon Market Solutions, she worked as a Technical Writer in Wellington. Jemma is currently pursuing an additional degree in Psychology at the University of Auckland, in addition to being passionate about the emission of CMS.

Jemma brings her enthusiasm and diverse experiences to the CMS team, having travelled to the USA, UK, and Europe, she lived in France for a year before returning to New Zealand.

Outside of work, Jemma enjoys learning new languages and staying active by paddle boarding, hiking, and running with friends. She is based in Auckland, New Zealand.

Sean Rota has over 30 years experience working in government relations and in the private sector as a project manager of construction projects. In addition, he has extensive experience working in the alcohol and beverages sector.

In his spare time he enjoys working out, watching rugby, and spending time with his family. Sean is based in Auckland, New Zealand.