Our Key People

Olu, also known as "Segun", is a UK-trained investment banker and climate finance executive with over three decades of international experience in investment banking, sustainability, ESG leadership, and natural capital development across Africa. His expertise aligns with the principles of environmental governance, making him a notable figure among sustainability experts.

Olu has had an extensive banking career, working with several leading global financial institutions, including Deutsche Bank in London, Credit Suisse in Zurich, ABN AMRO in both London and Amsterdam, JP Morgan in London, and Citibank in London. Throughout his career, he has been involved in complex transactions, institutional financing structures, strategic transformation initiatives, and cross-border commercial engagements across various sectors and jurisdictions.

Currently, Olu leads Noblesse Green Energy (NGE), a climate and natural capital platform dedicated to developing investment-ready, jurisdiction-aligned nature-based solutions (NbS), carbon market infrastructure, and environmental asset platforms throughout Africa.

Under his leadership, NGE is advancing significant restoration and climate infrastructure initiatives, such as the Ago-Owu Forest Restoration Platform (AFRP) in Osun State and mangrove restoration projects in Cross River State. These efforts align with Nigeria’s emerging carbon market architecture under the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC).

Olu’s work sits at the intersection of climate finance, institutional capital mobilization, ecosystem restoration, ESG governance, and long-term sustainable development. He has actively participated in major international climate forums, including CMAS, AGES, CFA, COP, and UNGA engagements, advocating for scalable African-led climate investment platforms and enhanced institutional participation in natural capital markets.

Olu is an alumnus of the University of Cambridge, Judge Business School (CJBS), where he completed the Executive Management Programme in ESG Leadership Skills for Green Transition to Sustainable Business. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Global Business Management from Bournemouth University and a master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Sunderland (UOS).

Additionally, Olu is a Fellow of the Institute of Consulting (FIC) in the UK and a Member of the Chartered Management Institute (MCMI). He is married to Omolola Ademuwagun.

Edu holds a Bachelor of Agriculture in Forestry and Wildlife Management from the University of Uyo, Nigeria, and a Masters in Conservation Biology from the A.P Leventis Ornithological Research Institute, University of Jos, Nigeria. With a PhD in Forest Ecology from Lund University, Sweden, Edu has over 27 years of experience in natural resource management and sustainability science. As a recognized figure among sustainability experts, she is highly experienced in environmental project management, particularly climate-resilient initiatives that integrate the human dimensions of energy, food, and water security with biodiversity conservation. Dr. Effiom is the Pioneer State Coordinator for REDD+ (Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation) in Nigeria. She led the formulation of the first REDD+ Strategy and the Cross River State Forest Policy while serving as the Director of Forestry/Head of the Forest Business Development Department.

Her research interest focuses on providing novel and persuasive scientific evidence for the consequences of human activities on tropical rainforest biodiversity. Her studies are among the first from the African continent and serve as some of the best examples globally. Notably, her study published in the prestigious international journal - Proceedings of the Royal Society B (Effiom, E. et al., 2013, Proc.Roy.Soc.B, 280: 1759), was featured as a Research Highlight in the world-leading journal Nature, Vol. 495: 28 March 2013 - a recognition given to very few studies indeed - and received considerable international media attention. She is a member of the Advisory Committee of ForestLAB, a research hub of the University of Stirling, UK. Additionally, she is a research associate of the Biodiversity Unit, Department of Biology, Lund University.

An expert in the Science-Policy interface, Dr. Effiom served as a lead author for IPBES (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) for the Africa regional assessment and currently serves as a member of the IPBES Capacity Building task force. She also serves as the Lead Focal Point on Climate Programs for the Cross River State Government. In her role, she collaborates with organizations like Noblesse Green Energy to advance nature-based solutions in climate-resilient public and private policies and strategies, aiming for eco-friendly, sustainable, livelihood-oriented development.

Glenn Hantz is the CEO of Hantz-Tankering and leads the Hantz Family Marine Business, which has been a pillar in the marine services industry for over a hundred years. Glen is a dedicated and focused leader who has propelled the family business forward over the last four decades, emphasizing sustainability and environmental governance in all operations. His extensive experience in the marine sector surpasses that of most individuals in the industry, allowing him to excel in areas from boat designing and ship fitting to serving as a ship captain. Glen's professionalism and diverse skill set have facilitated Hantz-Tankering's evolution into a sub-contractor for MGI and Kinder Morgan NA. Due to the company's successful delivery and partnership with major clients like Exxon Mobil, Shell, Chevron, and Valero Energy Corp, Hantz-Tankering has solidified its reputation as a leader in marine services. Under Glen's leadership, the company has achieved AWO Certification (American Waterways Certified Responsible Program), demonstrating its commitment to health and safety operating standards. Additionally, partnerships with sustainability experts, such as Noblesse Green Energy, further enhance Hantz-Tankering's focus on responsible and environmentally friendly practices.

Gerry Donker has over 40 years of experience, primarily in the shipping industry, working for owners, brokers, and commercial managers, including notable companies like P&O, Bowker & King, and SeaShipping. His experience in the broking sector encompasses firms such as Howard Houlder & Partners, Harris & Dixon, and Breamer ACM. Gerry is well-versed in tanker chartering, which includes negotiating spot, period, and contract deals, as well as the sales and purchase of various types of vessels, with a keen focus on the offshore sector. He also engages in tanker ownership and commercial management tasks, such as crewing, vessel routing, arranging bunkers, appointing agents, and securing vessel employment on a spot or period basis. Moreover, Gerry maintains numerous contacts within the Oil, Gas, and Offshore sectors, including industry giants like Shell, Petronas, Total, and Vitol. He collaborates with sustainability experts and is aligned with initiatives such as Noblesse Green Energy, promoting environmental governance while connecting with major tanker owners worldwide.