BOD / Team
Girish Venugopalan Menon
Co-Founder & Chief Transformation Officer
With over 30 years in the industry, Giri is an MBA from HKU Business School, with Executive Education at Harvard Business School. He is a Master of Textile Technology, Specializing in Yarn Technology, Advanced Textile Design, Textile Chemistry, Operations Management, and Business Management. Over the years, he built and led diverse teams across China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Korea, Taiwan, India, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Kenya. His responsibilities encompassed Innovation, Product Development, Planning, Costing, Quality, Production & Logistics, Sustainable Manufacturing, and Vendor Partnerships. His significant roles included VF Asia Executive Leadership Team Member where he played a critical role in managing the product supply across multiple regions. He also established the Sri Lanka Operations for Nike, and formed strategic partnerships and managed operations. He is a recipient of the Supply Chain Transformation Award from Columbia Sportswear and also the Supply Chain Implementation Award from Nike Inc.
Jovan John
Co-Founder & Chief Marketing Officer
A senior Creative Director and Strategist with over 30 years experience in brand building, Jovan is also a Certified Professional in Green Supply Chain and Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report. By leveraging his unique blend of natural intelligence and creative prowess, Jovan has helped countless brands reclaim their human touch in a digital world. Over the years he has won various awards for his clients, including Dubai Lynx, IAA, IAAFA, Zee Viewers Choice, Inma Australia (Shortlist). He has worked on brands across India, the Middle East, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, UK, Canada and South Pacific. He has headed the team that launched Kalimat Telecom in Iraq and relaunched Etisalat Afghanistan, highlighting his expertise in difficult markets. He is also credited with spearheading the campaign that propelled the growth of milk consumption in India, making the country the largest producer of milk and associated products in the world. People have started telling him that he wears so many feathers on his cap that he's beginning to look ridiculous. Fortunately, he doesn't give a damn.
JizPaul
Co-Founder & Chief Financial Officer
JizPaul, the Chief Financial Officer of Likewater Sustain, brings over 25 years of extensive experience in the financial industry. His career has been marked by a series of influential roles, making him a valuable asset to Likewater Sustain as it operates in the sustainable energy sector. Before joining Likewater Sustain, Jiz Paul served as the Chief Risk Officer and General Manager at a prominent Indian bank. In this capacity, he was responsible for overseeing risk management strategies and the bank's general operations, demonstrating his deep understanding of financial risk and overall management. Throughout his career, Jiz Paul has held diverse senior management positions, including Head of Credit Monitoring and Recovery, Head of Operations, Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Finance Officer, and Head of Strategy & Planning. His wealth of experience and adaptability make him an invaluable addition to Likewater Sustain, where he plays a pivotal role in managing the company's financial affairs and strategic financial planning in the context of sustainable energy.
The Team
George Mathew
Co-Founder & Chief Sustainability Officer
With a remarkable journey spanning 27 years, George is a a maestro in the realm of Clean technologies, wielding his expertise to preserve energy and foster an eco-friendly world. A true pioneer in the Clean Tech landscape his proficiency encompasses an impressive array of domains, including Solar PV, Solar Thermal, Biomass Power, Waste2Energy technologies, Micro Hydro, and Energy Storage. He introduced commercial Solar Photovoltaic and Thermal systems to the Hospitality and Agro sectors, thus reshaping the energy landscape of India. He has spearheaded over 2500 projects that span the vast spectrum of Clean Tech, encompassing Energy Efficiency & Management, SPV, Solar Thermal, Micro Hydro, Biomass, Waste2Energy, Energy Storage, Micro Grids, Green Buildings, and Carbon Footprint Management. These projects have not only shattered boundaries but have also garnered accolades, with 5 Inter Solar Nominations and 2 Inter Solar Awards. In an era where the urgent call for sustainability reverberates through every corner of the globe.
Girish Venugopalan Menon
Co-Founder & Chief Transformation Officer
With over 30 years in the industry, Giri is an MBA from HKU Business School, with Executive Education at Harvard Business School. He is a Master of Textile Technology, Specializing in Yarn Technology, Advanced Textile Design, Textile Chemistry, Operations Management, and Business Management. Over the years, he built and led diverse teams across China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Korea, Taiwan, India, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Kenya. His responsibilities encompassed Innovation, Product Development, Planning, Costing, Quality, Production & Logistics, Sustainable Manufacturing, and Vendor Partnerships. His significant roles included VF Asia Executive Leadership Team Member where he played a critical role in managing the product supply across multiple regions. He also established the Sri Lanka Operations for Nike, and formed strategic partnerships and managed operations. He is a recipient of the Supply Chain Transformation Award from Columbia Sportswear and also the Supply Chain Implementation Award from Nike Inc.
Jacob George
Chief Sustainable Design Consultant
Jacob George, a seasoned architect and visionary designer, commenced his creative odyssey at the renowned Pratt Institute in New York, where he nurtured his fervor for groundbreaking concepts. With an impressive career spanning over 36 years, he has trailblazed in various fields, including Biophilic Designs, Panelized Building Systems, Green Spaces, Modular Buildings, and Windmills. As a distinguished member of the Council of Architecture, Jacob's design prowess has garnered global recognition, with his work gracing the pages of leading magazines and books worldwide. Notably, he is the brilliant mind behind Rethm's high-end loudspeakers and has been honored with the prestigious Inside Outside Designer of the Year award, cementing his status as a charismatic and pioneering luminary in the world of design.
Muhaimin Iqbal
Chief Renewable Energy Consultant
Muhaimin Iqbal, an insightful leader in the renewable energy sector, currently holds the position of Chairman at Advanced Renewable Organization. With an exceptional track record, Muhaimin has firmly established himself as an expert in Advanced Biofuels. His unwavering commitment and inventive mindset recently earned him the prestigious title of champion in the 2023 ASEAN Climate Impact Innovation Challenge. His undertakings span a broad spectrum of sustainable solutions, encompassing Green Diesel, Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), Bio-Gasoline, Bio-LPG, Bio-Syngas, Bio-Methanol, Bio-DME, Bio-Hydrogen, and Green Ammonia. Additionally, Muhaimin serves as the esteemed Chairman of the Board at the Institute of Bio Economy Science and Technology, further affirming his prominent leadership in the realm of green technology.
Dhruv Futnani
Chief LEED Certification Officer
Dhruv boasts extensive expertise in the realm of green building design and certification. His career has been marked by collaborations with renowned architectural firms in the USA, such as LPA and Cooper Carry, where he has successfully overseen the completion of over 10 LEED certified and 20 IGBC Certified/Pre-Certified projects on a global scale. What sets Dhruv apart is his unwavering passion for seamlessly integrating green building design with architectural excellence, leading him to establish his own company. This company's primary focus is on true sustainability, going beyond mere "Green Ratings." Dhruv's outstanding ability to harmonize architecture and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) services has consistently delivered cost-effective solutions for sustainable development.
Huong Nguyen (Hana)
Senior Advisor, Green Bonds, Green Finance
Huong Nguyen Thi Thanh has served as the Deputy Director General of the Securities Research and Training Center, State Securities Commission of Vietnam since 2015. Her main responsibilities are to carry out research projects of investment products and carry the training courses for local practitioners in the securities market. Her major areas of interest include green bonds within the Net Zero sphere. She has been a research fellow in the National Graduate Institute for Policies Studies (GRIPS), Japan and is an expert in creating training modules in the field of bond investment, asset management. She holds an MBA in Banking and Finance from Birmingham University with the Chevening scholarship from the British’s Foreign and Common Wealth Office and also a Certified International Investment Analyst (CIIA) certificate. She is also a certificated ISO Lead Verifier/validator on GHG accounting. She is presently researching on Green Finance & Bonds for her Phd thesis.
Nguyen Tuyet Mai
Senior Consultant Finance And Accounting
With an illustrious career spanning nearly three decades, Ms. Mai brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in administration, compliance, internal auditing, corporate governance, and corporate accounting. Her most recent tenure before joining us was with the Hanoi Stock Exchange from 2013 to 2023. Here, she led as Director of the International Administrative Department, Director of the Market Audit Department, and Head of Internal Audit, where her contributions significantly enhanced the Exchange's compliance and governance frameworks. Her unparalleled experience in administration and compliance will be instrumental in steering Likewater Sustain and its associate companies towards new heights of operational integrity and regulatory adherence.
G Giridhar
Senior Consultant Renewable Energy
G. Giridhar is highly respected in the renewable energy sector, bringing over 30 years of expertise to the field. His extensive experience covers a wide range of critical areas, including Solar Energy Resource Assessment, where he has been instrumental in evaluating and maximizing solar energy potential for various projects. Giridhar's knowledge in this area ensures that solar power systems are designed with optimal efficiency and performance, contributing to the growing reliance on renewable energy sources. In addition to his work with solar energy, Giridhar is a recognized expert in Bio-gas Plant Design & Engineering. He has been involved in the development and implementation of bio-gas projects, designing plants that convert organic waste into energy, thus promoting sustainable waste management practices. His contributions to biomass studies further emphasize his commitment to renewable energy solutions. By exploring the potential of bio-mass as a fuel source, Giridhar has helped to create environmentally friendly alternatives that reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
G Guruswamy
Microgrids Consultant
G. Guruswamy brings over 35 years of expertise in the sustainability and environmental management sectors. His extensive experience spans microgrids, automation, and component-level system designing, making him a key player in advancing renewable energy solutions and driving green transitions across industries. His deep technical knowledge and strategic insights have been instrumental in optimizing systems for efficiency and sustainability.
Deepak Mawandia
Senior Carbon Credits Consultant
Deepak Mawandia is a seasoned expert with over 30 years of experience in sustainability and carbon management. Over the years, he has cultivated a deep understanding of the multi-asset landscape, helping organizations navigate complex environmental and financial frameworks. His expertise spans across key areas such as carbon credits, emissions reduction strategies, and sustainable asset management. Deepak's significant contributions to the field are reinforced by his active involvement with global sustainability initiatives. As a member of the UNFCCC Roster of Experts, he provides critical insights into climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. His role on the Scientific Council for Carbon Credits and Carbon Management further highlights his leadership in shaping policies and frameworks that drive carbon reduction and sustainable development goals.
Dr. C Jayaraman
Chief Energy Management Consultant
Dr. C Jayaraman is an industry veteran with over 30 years of experience in resource efficiency, energy management, and cleaner production for sustainable development. His expertise spans critical areas such as energy transition and energy security, where he has been instrumental in advancing sustainable practices. As a Certified Lead Auditor for ISO 9001-2008, Dr. Jayaraman ensures high standards in quality management systems and drives continuous improvement. In addition to his technical expertise, Dr. Jayaraman is a Master Trainer, sharing his knowledge with professionals across industries. His commitment to sustainable development also extends to coastal communities, where he focuses on creating resilient, environmentally-friendly solutions that address the unique challenges these regions face.
Joe Heatly
Security & Logistics Consultant
Joe Heatly is a seasoned Security, Logistics, and Operational Specialist with over 18 years of experience in high-stakes environments. A former USA Navy SEAL, he brings exceptional strategic and tactical expertise to his roles, ensuring efficiency and safety in complex operations. While serving as the President of Quanta Power Inc., he was in charge of the company's operations in India and the Middle East, driving initiatives in security and logistics while navigating the unique challenges of these regions.
G Sivaramakrishnan
Head, Net Zero Training
G. Sivaramakrishnan is a highly experienced professional with over 25 years in the renewable energy industry. As the Head of Net Zero Training, he specializes in solar and wind energy, providing expert guidance to organizations on transitioning to sustainable energy systems. A Master Trainer, he imparts essential knowledge and skills to professionals in the field. Additionally, as a Chartered Engineer for Renewable Energy Projects, he ensures the technical and operational excellence of clean energy initiatives, contributing significantly to global net zero goals.
Dr. N Barathi
Agricultural Scientist
Dr. Barathi is an accomplished Agricultural Scientist with over 30 years of experience in the field. His expertise lies in innovative practices such as bamboo hi-tech cultivation and energy plantation, where he focuses on optimizing the growth and sustainability of these vital resources. Additionally, he is a pioneer in carbon sync farming, a method that integrates agricultural practices with carbon sequestration efforts to combat climate change. Through his work, he promotes sustainable farming techniques that not only enhance productivity but also contribute to environmental conservation.
Jovan John
Co-Founder & Chief Marketing Officer
A senior Creative Director and Strategist with over 30 years experience in brand building, Jovan is also a Certified Professional in Green Supply Chain and Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report. By leveraging his unique blend of natural intelligence and creative prowess, Jovan has helped countless brands reclaim their human touch in a digital world. Over the years he has won various awards for his clients, including Dubai Lynx, IAA, IAAFA, Zee Viewers Choice, Inma Australia (Shortlist). He has worked on brands across India, the Middle East, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, UK, Canada and South Pacific. He has headed the team that launched Kalimat Telecom in Iraq and relaunched Etisalat Afghanistan, highlighting his expertise in difficult markets. He is also credited with spearheading the campaign that propelled the growth of milk consumption in India, making the country the largest producer of milk and associated products in the world. People have started telling him that he wears so many feathers on his cap that he's beginning to look ridiculous. Fortunately, he doesn't give a damn.
JizPaul
Co-Founder & Chief Financial Officer
JizPaul, the Chief Financial Officer of Likewater Sustain, brings over 25 years of extensive experience in the financial industry. His career has been marked by a series of influential roles, making him a valuable asset to Likewater Sustain as it operates in the sustainable energy sector. Before joining Likewater Sustain, Jiz Paul served as the Chief Risk Officer and General Manager at a prominent Indian bank. In this capacity, he was responsible for overseeing risk management strategies and the bank's general operations, demonstrating his deep understanding of financial risk and overall management. Throughout his career, Jiz Paul has held diverse senior management positions, including Head of Credit Monitoring and Recovery, Head of Operations, Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Finance Officer, and Head of Strategy & Planning. His wealth of experience and adaptability make him an invaluable addition to Likewater Sustain, where he plays a pivotal role in managing the company's financial affairs and strategic financial planning in the context of sustainable energy.
