About Us
The SAWA project made its formal debut in May 2022, but its origins trace back over a decade, when our visionary founder first began exploring financially sustainable solutions to the harmful practice of agricultural crop-burning in Indonesia.
Though progress was initially slow, recent years have seen a surge of interest in carbon offsetting, with additional financial incentives provided through the voluntary carbon market. These developments have opened up new avenues for realizing our founder's early aspirations, empowering us to bring large-scale biochar production technologies to fruition and make a meaningful impact in the fight against climate change.
Our Vision
Our Mission
To deliver innovative solutions that combat climate change and create a more sustainable future.
Mitigate climate change and ensure food security through regenerative agricultural practices that follow an environmentally, economically and socially sustainable model.
Meet The Team
Phil Rickard
CEO and Founder Phil is a global entrepreneur based in Jakarta whose diverse portfolio of enterprises spans the natural resources, renewable energy, FinTech, and artificial intelligence sectors. With a proven track record of identifying and capitalizing on emerging trends, Phil is renowned for his visionary leadership and passion for sustainable innovation.
Dr. Rachmat Pambudy
Boardmember Dr. Rachmat Pambudy is a renowned lecturer at the Bogor Agricultural Institute, with a distinguished career in development counseling and policy-making. His expertise has been instrumental in shaping policies that have had a transformative impact on Indonesia's agriculture sector, including the establishment of the Dewan Gula Indonesia. With a deep commitment to sustainable development, Dr. Pambudy is a respected authority in his field, sought after for his insights and expertise by colleagues and students alike.
Irawan Mulyadi
Boardmember Irawan Mulyadi is a seasoned entrepreneur with a wealth of experience across multiple disciplines, including payments, e-commerce, and information technology. His track record of building successful ventures is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit, strategic vision, and ability to navigate complex market landscapes.
Dr. John Wiebe
Boardmember John Wiebe is a pioneering figure in the global sustainability movement, having devoted his career to uniting leaders from business and government around the common goal of promoting economic development while protecting the health of the planet. His unwavering commitment to sustainability has earned him a reputation as a respected thought leader and change agent in the field.
Ira Devianty
Operational Manager Ira Devianty has considerable experience as a Procurement Officer and Site Surveyor Manager, and Director of Terrasys Media, a Jakarta-based media monitoring company. With a degree in Public Relations from the University of Lampung, Ira is known for her exceptional organizational skills, strategic thinking, and ability to execute complex projects with precision and efficiency.
Theresa Hopkins
Carbon Asset Development and Project Lead Theresa Hopkins brings a wealth of hands-on experience in the sustainability space, backed by a degree in political science. She has spent several years working on communication and marketing development for a prominent NGO in Sumba, Indonesia, honing her skills in stakeholder engagement, partnership building, and impact assessment.
Dr. Anton Seman
Production Manager Dr. Anton holds a PhD in Electronics Manufacturing from the University of Greenwich and is in charge of SAWA's biochar research and development facility. Known for his innovative approach to agricultural machinery, Dr. Anton is a respected authority in his field, sought after for his insights and expertise in sustainable technology.
Emrizah Fahlifi
Relationship Manager Emrizah Fahlifi is a seasoned professional with nearly two decades of expertise in team management, particularly in the Indonesian market. With a diverse background in sales, telecommunications, and marketing, Emrizah is currently leveraging their skills to support sawa in organizing the logistics, construction, and implementation of its first site.
Ratih Maharani
General Admin Ratih Maharani has extensive experience in office administration and finance in Indonesia. She has played a key role in the initial stages of planning SAWA's production facility models. Her organizational skills, financial acumen, and attention to detail have been instrumental in ensuring the success of the project.
Russell Hopkins
Advisor - Finance 25 years experience working with executive management and the board of a multinational finance and securities organization to develop best in class control and governance processes.
Fabian De La Fuente
Advisor Fabian De La Fuente: As a global inventor, investor, and advisor, Fabian De La Fuente is deeply passionate about creating positive change through his support of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) projects worldwide. As an early supporter of Nature's Vault, he has played a key role in guiding the development of the company's intellectual property and patent portfolio, helping to ensure that the organization remains at the forefront of sustainable innovation.
James Alix Michel
Advisor As former president of the Seychelles, James Alix Michel advocated for action to mitigate climate change, both nationally and globally. He founded the James Michel Foundation which was built to facilitate projects aimed at advancing the Blue Economy and mitigate climate change.
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Nico Barito
Advisor Nico Barito is a seasoned entrepreneur and former fellow of the UN, with a deep understanding of sustainable development and impact investing. As the special envoy of Seychelles for ASEAN, he has helped promote sustainable economic growth and environmental stewardship in the region.