Verra has appointed Marc Stuart as the new Chair of its Board of Directors, ushering in a new chapter for the global standards organisation at a crucial time for the voluntary carbon market. Stuart, a founding managing director of Allotrope Partners and co-founder of EcoSecurities, has been involved with Verra since its inception and brings extensive experience in environmental markets, project development, and sustainable investment strategy.
He takes over from Ken Markowitz, a leading climate law expert and partner at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, who has guided Verra’s Board through a period of significant growth and organisational transformation.
“It’s an honour to assume this role at such a pivotal juncture for Verra and the broader voluntary carbon ecosystem,” said Stuart. “Having been part of Verra’s journey from the start, I’ve witnessed its steadfast commitment to integrity and innovation. With the conclusion of a multi-year leadership transition, I look forward to working with the Board and leadership team to scale our impact across environmental and social markets—when such leadership is needed most.”
Verra CEO Mandy Rambharos praised Markowitz’s steady guidance and welcomed Stuart’s elevation to the post.
“Ken has been an exceptional leader, steering the Board with strategic insight during a transformative era,” said Rambharos. “We are equally excited to welcome Marc as Chair. His long-standing commitment to Verra’s mission and his wealth of experience in environmental finance position him ideally to lead us into our next phase of impact.”
Verra also announced several additional changes to its Board structure. Julie McLaughlin and André de Ruyter have been appointed Vice Chairs. Juan Felipe Rengifo Borrero joined the Board in December 2024. A seasoned political risk consultant, Rengifo brings over two decades of expertise in strategic communication, crisis management, and international negotiations. His career spans key advisory and executive roles across the United Nations Environment Programme, UNDP, Colombia’s Senate, and multilateral bodies including the UN Security Council and the Rio Conventions.
