John Willis has over 30 years of experience in the financial industry having worked in a variety of roles including research, portfolio management and trading. He has also had management roles on both the buy-side and sell-side. Prior to joining Planet Tracker, John held the position of Global Head of Research at Deutsche Asset Management and co-founded Sustainable Insight Capital Management, an asset manager of a range of equity funds for sustainability-conscious investors.

Richard Folland has been Carbon Tracker’s policy and government affairs adviser since 2014 and in 2023 joined as the Head of Policy and Engagement. Richard has over 30 years’ experience as a diplomat and advocate, operating at the highest level, based in Europe and elsewhere. He has worked on the climate and energy agenda, as a policymaker and as a private sector advisor, for 15 years. A former head of international energy policy at the UK Foreign Office, Richard has also been JPMorgan’s European Advisor on Energy and Climate Change, the Executive Director of the Climate Markets and Investment Association (CMIA), and the Head of Energy and Environment at Inline Policy. He was Co-Founder of the strategic advisory firm, Sustineri, working with institutional investors on climate and sustainability issues.

An enthusiastic hiker and chef David has over 35 experience years in the investment industry. He leads the way as Head of Stewardship, Sustainability and Impact, passionately guiding and educating us on all aspects of Stewardship and Sustainability across the investment teams and the wider business. He is also co-chair of the Franklin Templeton Stewardship and Sustainability Council.

Prior to 2015, when David dedicated himself full-time to Stewardship and Sustainability, he was a portfolio manager in our global team with a focus on managing sustainability mandates. David joined Martin Currie from Aegon Asset Management (formerly Scottish Equitable), where he was a senior portfolio manager for 16 years covering global equities, developing and directing Aegon's global strategy. During his time with Aegon, David headed its global equity, emerging markets and European teams.

With a BSc in Mathematics from University of Edinburgh and as a holder of the Securities Institute Diploma David also enjoys spending time travelling with his husband and exploring new cultures.

Vijay Bains is the Group Head of ESG, Chief Sustainability Officer for Emirates NBD Group and leads the Sustainability strategy and implementation across the Emirates NBD Group.

Vijay is responsible for the Sustainable & Transition Finance Strategy & Implementation for the Emirates NBD Group, as well as implementation of Environmental, Social, and Governance programmes.

Vijay has worked in Sustainability for 20 years across Banking for the European Bank of Reconstruction & Development, Lloyds Banking Group, as well as working in consulting for KPMG UK in Sustainable Finance & ESG Strategy.

Vijay has extensive experience of Sustainable Finance framework design, due diligence, and sustainability risk management practices.

Vijay is a member of the UAE Banking Federation Sustainability Leadership Council, DIFC Sustainable Finance Council, ADGM Sustainable Finance Leadership Council, World Economic Forum of Sustainability Leaders & member of S & P Sustainability Leadership Council.

Vijay is a Chartered Environmental Scientist

Vijay is a Member of the Royal Geographical Society

Cara Williams, Senior Partner, is Global ESG and Sustainability Leader for Mercer. Located in London, Cara leads the program of work to articulate and amplify Mercer’s ESG value proposition and positioning, embed sustainability in the journey to a bright future, and drive highly-practical, relevant and value-added outcomes both internally and externally. Cara drives strategy for Mercer’s multinational and wealth management clients to deliver the best of Mercer’s broad Wealth solutions to assure positive financial outcomes for organizations, their employees, and their clients. Cara presents regularly on global ESG, sustainability, diversity, and investment trends.

With over 25 years of experience in the investment industry, Cara began at Mercer’s investment consulting business as Global COO in April 2005. Cara began her career in finance as a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch in New York. Prior to working in the investment industry, she was responsible for budgets and logistics for US Army and NATO MWR deployments. Cara is an active mentor for external programs and internal colleagues supporting and promoting women and people of color in their careers. She is member of the Board of Directors of The German School of London.

Cara graduated from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor with a BA, and from The University of Hartford with an MBA in Finance.