Board of Directors

Rob Hart

Chairman & Managing Director

Bachelor of Management (Economics & Marketing) with Distinction

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Rob Hart had a 25 year international career in leadership positions in blue chip companies like Shell, Origin, Flight Centre and Norco. 

Rob founded a funds management business with a vision to create climate-resilient investable funds. The 5 successful funds now own 8 properties across 75,000ha in Queensland with another 4-6 properties about to be purchased. The business is pioneering environmental social governance investment, particularly in carbon farming and koala habitat offsets. 

He is also the Managing Director of Upscale Carbon, a carbon development business helping landholders develop their carbon credits.

Rob has a strong affinity for the land and environment, whether growing up on a farm, managing environment/land/cultural heritage teams for corporates, winning an Earthwatch Fellowship in Costa Rica, working with the Apudthama Indigenous Rangers in Cape York to “rediscover” the Jardine River Painted Turtle or managing an unfenced safari camp in the wilds of Zambia.

Rob is currently Chair of the Advisory Board for Food Leaders Australia, a Director and Deputy Chair of Toowoomba & Surat Basin Enterprise, and Chair of the AGL-led Coopers Gap Wind Farm Community Committee.

Shane Charles 

Chief Executive Officer

Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Queensland University of Technology

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What drove you to Upscale Carbon?

I have worked with Chairman Rob Hart in previous roles and appreciate his energy and passion. In many of the roles I have been fortunate to work in, I have seen the impacts of climate policy on business and have experienced the speed of change.

With Upscale Carbon, I get to work in agriculture which is in my DNA and help graziers navigate a complex industry that can lead to good revenue diversity and environmental outcomes.

Where has your career taken you? 

I was schooled in Toowoomba and did my initial legal training whilst working in Goondiwindi and the Darling Downs. My board roles have taken me from Brisbane to Darwin and all the places in between. I also still have an interest in a legal practice in Charleville.

What is your connection to the bush?

Historically my family were small croppers in the Lockyer Valley. As a solicitor and in my executive roles I have worked in and around Agriculture from my days as an Articled Clerk in Goondiwindi to now leading Upscale Carbon. I still get to Charleville every month or so to meet with clients and friends.

What is a career highlight?

I have had a great career to date. I have loved so many aspects – from chairing the Endeavour Foundation for people with a disability to chairing a drug and alcohol organisation called Sunrise Way to being deputy chairman of the inaugural GasFields Commission of Qld, and in my energy roles in chairing Stanwell Corporation and as a non-executive director of former uranium producer – Energy Resources of Australia.

I have led a start-up regional economic development organisation called Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise, have worked for Wagners, and run my own legal practices. It is hard to pick a favourite!

Away from work, what excites you?

Family, food and sport. Sundays are a bit of a special place in our family – there will generally be a family lunch or dinner with a great spread of food, a few beers and a red wine. A perfect day is with the footy or cricket on in the background

Ronald Thompson

Executive Director & Operational

Bachelor of Engineering & Post Graduate Certificate of Agribusiness, Finance & General Studies

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Ronald Thompson is the Operational Director for both Upscale Funds Management and Upscale Carbon. With a background working with Australia’s largest carbon developer as well as an extensive career in land access management with large blue chip corporates, his ‘on the ground’ and general agricultural/operational knowledge are key to the implementation of all environmental projects.

Ronald, having an agricultural background became interested in regenerative farming and for 30 years implemented practices on his properties with much success and practical learnings which he brings to the team. In addition to this, his ability to speak and gain trust with landholders has been crucial to the ultimate success of the Upscale Group.

Raphael Wood

Carbon Strategy Director

Raphael Wood is a dedicated Board Member for Upscale Carbon, as well as the Managing Director of Market Advisory Group, Australia’s premier carbon & renewable markets forecasting & strategy advisor. 

Raphael was instrumental in designing Australia’s carbon markets & is much sought after for his independent carbon market advice.

A well-respected carbon leader in the industry, Raphael has worked for both the regulator and major carbon project developers. 

His experience as both a carbon manager implementing carbon projects, legislative and compliance knowledge through his role as a regulator and now having an established carbon consultancy company has added extra depth and credible experience to the Upscale Group.

Thomas McVeigh

Non-Executive Director

Tom McVeigh is a Senior Partner and Principal of Murdoch Lawyers in Brisbane/Toowoomba and has spent much of the past 25 years specialising in estate planning, asset protection and taxation management.

He has also delivered several highly successful residential and commercial projects in South West Queensland. He has also managed significant investment funds with these projects. Tom brings strong legal, AFSL, governance and property development experience.

Ivan Walls

Non-Executive Director

Ivan Walls is a senior businessman and a much admired entrepreneur, having successfully developed multiple companies.

He now owns and sits on the Board of two commercial construction-related businesses and has significant property interests.

With an accounting background, Ivan focuses on financial performance, property development and Board governance.