Our expert
Team members

Phil Hogan
 
Cyril Burke
 
Imed Belkacem
 
Freddie Wiggins
 
Mutlaq Abdullah Al-Hadhari

 

Dr. Yahya Hussein Al-Shamali

 

Faisal Al-Shamali

 

 

Phil Hogan

Philip Hogan is an Irish former politician and EU commissioner with a distinguished career in both Irish national politics and European institutions. Born in Kilkenny in 1960, he began his political career at age 22 with election to Kilkenny County Council, later serving in the Irish Senate and then in Dáil Éireann from 1989 to 2014. As Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (2011–2014), Hogan implemented key reforms including the Local Government Reform Act and the introduction of gender quotas in Irish politics. He also served as Minister of State at the Department of Finance and as Chairman of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party.

In 2014, Hogan was appointed European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, focusing on Common Agricultural Policy reform and expanding EU trade in agricultural products. He was later appointed as European Commissioner for Trade in 2019, playing a key role in global trade relations and pandemic response. Hogan has remained active in advisory and consultancy roles, particularly in international trade and policy. He has one son and is known for his interest in golf and public service, having received international recognition, including a top Austrian state honour.

Cyril Burke

Cyril Burke is a Fine Gael councillor representing the Castlebar Municipal District on Mayo County Council. He was co-opted to the council in 2003 and subsequently elected in 2004, 2009, 2014, and 2019. Burke served as Cathaoirleach (chairperson) of the council in 2012–2013. He is also a member of the West Regional Authority and the Border, Midland and Western (BMW) Regional Assembly, where he served as chairman in 2012–2013 .

A native of Ballyglass, County Mayo, Burke comes from a family with a strong political tradition; his grandfather, P.V. Burke, and father, Pakie Burke, both served as county councillors, and his brother, Paddy Burke, is the longest-serving senator in the Seanad . Professionally, Cyril Burke is an auctioneer and director of DNG Cyril Burke in Castlebar . He has expressed a commitment to rural development and community support, emphasizing the importance of delivering services and infrastructure to local areas .  

Imed Belkacem

A dedicated and self-motivated professional with extensive experience in financial services and investments. A skilled administrator who specialises in identifying and rectifying discrepancies and issues requiring accuracy and attention to detail at all times. Able to demonstrate an excellent working knowledge of the legislation appropriate to working in financial services with the proven ability to ensure full compliance therewith. Possesses excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate concisely and articulately with clients and colleagues alike. Enjoys being part of a successful and productive team whilst demonstrating strong leadership potential in a highly competitive and demanding industry sector.

Freddie Wiggins

Freddie Wiggins is a British entrepreneur and investor recognized for his achievements in finance, real estate, and environmental innovation. At just 29, he became the youngest full board director at Tullett & Tokyo, where he was instrumental in establishing the firm as a leader in global foreign exchange trading. Following his success in financial markets, Wiggins moved into high-end property development, delivering a notable portfolio of luxury residential and commercial projects across the UK.
In recent years, Wiggins has focused on building a global environmental business, with active offices in London, Dublin, Saudi Arabia, and forthcoming expansion into the United States. Passionate about sustainability and green innovation, he continues to bridge commercial success with environmental responsibility. Outside of business, he is a dedicated Tottenham Hotspur fan and enjoys swimming to maintain his wellbeing

Mutlaq Abdullah Al-Hadhari

Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer | Saudi Carbon Holding Company (SCC) 
A Saudi entrepreneur and business development expert, currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Carbon Holding Company (SCC). He leads the efforts to establish a comprehensive national framework for carbon markets. With extensive experience as an internationally certified carbon developer and a specialized HR consultant, he has played a key role in launching pioneering environmental and development companies and building strategic partnerships that support the national transition toward a low-emission, sustainable green economy.

Dr. Yahya Hussein Al-Shamali

Chairman of the Board | Saudi Carbon Holding Company (SCC)  
Yahya Al-Shamali is one of the pioneers of developmental investment in the Arab world, with distinguished experience in establishing economic entities and promoting regional integration. He leads the Board of Directors at SCC with a vision rooted in responsible investment and ESG principles, working to position the Kingdom as a regional hub for carbon markets.

He chaired the Arab Union for Export Development and founded the Arab Union for Gold and Jewelry. He was among the first to launch green economy initiatives in the region through the establishment of “Qatar Carbon.” His vision at SCC complements the leadership of CEO Mutlaq Al-Hadhari in building an ambitious Saudi carbon market that combines economic returns with lasting climate impact.

 

Faisal Al-Shamali

Co-Founder and Head of the Governance and Compliance Unit at Saudi Carbon Holding Company (SCC). He leads the development and implementation of governance and compliance policies, overseeing the alignment of the company’s practices with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards. With expertise in risk assessment and promoting a culture of compliance, he holds a Certified Governance Credential from the Global Academy of Finance and Management (GAFM). He contributes to advancing the company’s strategic goals in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.