Carbon Neutral appoints new CEO

New leadership is in store for Perth-based reforestation company Carbon Neutral after its decade-long chief executive, Ray Wilson, stepped down from the role.

The company has appointed Phil Ireland as its new chief executive, who has more than 15 years’ experience in policy, organisation leadership and climate change mitigation.

He previously co-founded Hone Carbon, a NSW-based business focused on exploring the potential of carbon storage in Australia.

Outgoing boss Ray Wilson, who served in the top role since 2010, will take on the duties of deputy chief executive during the transition.

Since 2007, Carbon Neutral has planted about 30 million trees across 16,000 hectares.

Mr Ireland said he was honoured to join the team at such a critical time.

“As the climate crisis accelerates, the drawdown of carbon dioxide equivalent and the integrity of the carbon credit system has never been so important,” he said.

“Over the past two decades, Carbon Neutral has developed the country’s largest biodiverse, reforestation carbon sink in Western Australia, and I have been fortunate to enter the company at a time when we are looking to further expand this exceptional work into other states and territories and throughout the world.

“I look forward to working with the deeply talented and experienced team at Carbon Neutral to build on the strong foundation established by Ray Wilson and continue to drive growth and success for the company and its stakeholders.”

In May 2022, Perth Airport partnered with Carbon Neutral to assist with its carbon emissions targets.

Last year, chief executive Kevin Brown said Perth Airport was aiming to become carbon neutral by 2030 and was continually looking for opportunities to reduce its carbon footprint.