Biodiversify team doubles in 18 months with ‘meteoric growth’

BOUTIQUE conservation consultancy, Biodiversify, has undergone ‘meteoric’ growth to total 18 members of staff.

Founded in 2018 by Dr Samuel Sinclair and Dr Michael Burgass, the team has doubled in size over the last eighteen months, with some of the industry’s leading conservation talent being attracted to work in the team.

The start-up made its very first hire – of expert Associate Director for Research and Development, Dr Cecilia Larrossa – less than four years ago to support clients such as luxury brand Kering and sustainable construction leaders, Holcim.

Joining the team as Principal Consultant this year is Cristina Secades, who previously worked for leading conservation NGO, BirdLife International.

An experienced corporate sustainability specialist, Cristina will be leading on the development of Biodiversify’s mining supply chain strategy.

The firm’s expert suite of consultants has expanded with the addition of both Dr Stefanie Kaupa and Dr Beth Robinson. The pair will support on the implementation of companies’ biodiversity strategies.

Jack Jarvie and Joanne Crighton also join the Nottingham-based consultancy to fill the role of Data Analyst and Head of Finance.

This cohort of new appointments supports Biodiversify in delivering its unique client-centred approach to put biodiversity at the centre of businesses’ corporate strategies. The company already works with multinational food processing company, Tetra Pak, and leading fashion retailer Primark.

To support the growth of its clientele and its team, Catherine Bryan and Nigel Verdon have been appointed as the first board advisors for the boutique conservation consultancy.

Catherine provides a wealth of governance experience from the environment philanthropy sector, as well as having a particular interest in shifting finance sector flows away from activities harmful to biodiversity and climate.

Bringing more than 28 years’ experience as the CEO and founder of several fintech companies, including Currency Cloud which was sold to Visa, Nigel will support Biodiversify to launch NatureSearch. One of the first platforms on the market, the tool will help property developers understand Biodiversity Net Gain planning requirements and overcome data barriers to make informed decisions for nature.

Samuel Sinclair, Co-Founder and Director at Biodiversify, said: “Over the past five years we’ve witnessed the business undergo meteoric growth.

“Some of the brightest, most passionate, and dedicated minds in biodiversity and conservation science have joined us at Biodiversify to provide the expert advice that is needed to help the private sector understand and improve their relationship with nature.”

Nigel Verdon, Board Advisor at Biodiversify, said: “Biodiversify really is one of a kind.  The company is super client centric, working hand in hand with companies to create practical and business aligned strategies to sustain our precious natural world.

“It is no wonder the business has attracted amazing talent in the team over these past 18 months. I’m looking forward to bringing my own passion for nature to the firm’s next stage of development.”