Meet the team
-
Meet the team -
ERIK GRIGORYAN
Founder and CEO
Mr Grigoryan brings over 20 years of diversified international experience to the forefront of environmental economics, climate finance, and sustainable public policy. His core expertise lies at the intersection of international environmental cooperation, ecosystem services valuation, and innovative financing instruments—specifically pioneering national debt-for-climate swap frameworks, green recovery initiatives, and electric mobility strategies.
A distinguished public sector leader and former Minister of Environment in Armenia, Mr Grigoryan has experience in steering national environmental ministries, presiding over regional ecological councils, and serving as the primary National Designated Authority and political focal point for major multilateral funds, including the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Global Environmental Facility (GEF), and the UNFCCC. Mr Grigoryan is using his environmental background to direct environmental consulting operations and advise governments on high-level climate negotiations at Environment Group.
Mr. Grigoryan holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Economics from the Armenian State University of Economics, along with advanced postgraduate specializations in Environmental Management and Policy from Dresden Technical University in Germany and Aegean University in Greece.
Angel Tevatrosyan
Project Office Manager/ International Lawyer
Ms Tevatrosyan specializes in environmental project management, data analysis, and regulatory compliance monitoring within the energy and sustainability sectors. With a background in Venture Capital Law,she brings strong quantitative skills to multi-stakeholder initiatives, assisting public and private sector actors in aligning their operations with international environmental standards and reporting requirements.
With a Master’s degree in International Economic Law, Ms. Tevatrosyan holds a strong academic background in environmental sciences and policy management, providing her with the analytical and technical foundation necessary to advance complex green governance programs. With Environment Group, Ms Tevatrosyan was recently awarded the Best Sustainability Manager award at the Project Management Award 2025 for her contribution to the Kotayk & Gegharkunik Integrated Solid Waste Management Programme.
Aleksandra Novikova
Key Expert
With over 20 years of experience in energy and climate change, Ms Novikova specialises in financing the energy transition, evaluating climate policies, and modelling energy systems and infrastructure at regional, national, and global levels. Ms Novikova has a distinguished track record of delivering research, strategic evaluations, and training for major international financial institutions, governments, and multilateral organisations worldwide.
A recognised leader in her field, Ms Novikova served as a Lead Author for Working Group III of the IPCC’s 4th and 6th Assessment Reports (contributing to the IPCC's Nobel Peace Prize in 2007). Her academic foundation includes a PhD and a Master’s in Environmental Sciences and Policy from Central European University, a Specialist degree in Mathematical Methods and Models in Economics from Novosibirsk State University, and a previous research scholarship at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Currently serving as managing director at AvantGarde Group, overseeing its operations, Ms Novikova is also an associate at the Institute for Climate Protection, Energy and Mobility and serves as a guest professor at the Central European University.
Hayrapet Hakobyan
Key Expert
Hayrapet Hakobyan brings over a decade of experience in environmental policy and international climate governance, specialising in the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs). Mr Hakobyan’s expertise lies in coordinating resource mobilisation, building strategic partnerships across public and private sectors, and navigating complex UNFCCC and Green Climate Fund (GCF) processes. He has a proven track record of bridging the gap between international climate frameworks and national environmental ministries to accelerate climate action and awareness.
Mr. Hakobyan holds a Master of Science in Economics and Energy and Environmental Policy from University College London (UCL) and currently serves as the NDC Partnership In-Country Facilitator for Armenia.
Mkhitar Avetisyan
Key Expert
Mkhitar Avetisyan is a leading environmental expert specialising in sustainable waste management, environmental protection, and green community development. He has successfully spearheaded national recycling campaigns and large-scale public initiatives—expanding localised recycling infrastructure to thousands of waste-sorting systems across schools, municipalities, and private organisations.
President and Co-founder at “ISSD” Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Development of Communities” NGO, Mr Avetisyan expertise focuses on equipping communities with practical waste-management solutions, fostering environmental education, and building strategic public-private partnerships to advance national green governance and reduce ecological footprints.
Mr. Avetisyan holds a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering and Systems Management from the American University of Armenia and completed advanced training in environmental protection at Dresden Technical University in Germany.
Veronica La Regina
Key Expert
Ms La Regina has over 20 years of experience spanning industry, academia, and public institutions, solidifying herself as a leader in the global space sector. Holding degrees in law, economics, systems engineering, ergonomics and space policy, as well as a membership in INCOSE, Ms La Regina’s educational background supports her work at the intersection of invention and policy.
Ms La Regina has held leadership roles at Logic SpA, Space Cargo Unlimited, and Nanoracks Europe, and has played crucial roles at the European and Italian Space Agencies. Her work includes advancing space commercialisation, supporting deep-tech startups, and advising on international space cooperation. With her expertise in space policies and engineering, Ms La Regina has recently acted as an International Advisor to the Inter-American Development Bank, assisting the government of Colombia in establishing the national space agency. Ms La Regina currently serves as the Director of Research at the Saudi Space Agency.
Artak yergenyan
Key Expert
Mr Yergenyan brings over 30 years of extensive experience as an international expert in public finance, legal frameworks, and policy development. His expertise focuses on international finance, sustainable governance, and environmental infrastructure—specifically advising on legal and regulatory frameworks for large-scale regional waste management and public administration projects. A trusted consultant for multidimensional organisations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Mr Yergenyan has delivered high-level policy advice and institutional evaluations for major entities including the World Bank, the Council of Europe, and Environment Group, driving fiscal decentralisation and sustainable public finance strategies across complex regional landscapes.
Mr. Yergenyan's distinguished academic and professional credentials include the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and Harvard School of Law, coupled with decades of specialised practice in international public law and financial policy.
karen Mukhysan
Key Expert
Mr Mukhsyan has provided expertise in environmental governance, territorial development, and public administration for over 20 years. His core expertise lies in intersectoral policy coordination, sustainable resource management, and regional development strategies. A public sector leader, he has a proven track record of heading critical state departments focused on environmental issues and territorial affairs, serving as a vital bridge between high-level governmental decision-making and international development programs (such as the UNDP and the World Bank) to drive climate resilience and sustainable infrastructure forward.
With a strong academic background, including the Fletcher School at Tufts University, Mr. Mukhsyan holds a strong academic and technical background in public policy and environmental management, solidifying his capability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder national frameworks.
Camille Bann
Key Expert
Ms Bann is an economist with over 3 decades of experience, working in sustainable development with International Organisations, Governments and private sectors. Dr. Bann holds a PhD in Economics from University College London (UCL), going on to Specialise in project and policy appraisal, valuation of ecosystem services, the design of policy instruments and sustainable financing mechanisms, integrated planning and strategic reviews and project and programme evaluations.
Having advised on policy development and resource economics in over 50 countries, Ms Bann’s expertise spans a diverse range of critical sectors, including climate change adaptation, energy transition, water resource management, agriculture, forestry, and coastal management. A leader in economic appraisal, she has a proven track record of heading environmental economics divisions for major UK engineering consultancies, leading national economic frameworks for environmental regulatory bodies, and conducting high-level policy research on climate change and biodiversity.
Gayane Atoyan
Key Expert
Ms Atoyan has contributed over 15 years of international and national experience working with UN agencies, government institutions, international consulting firms, and academia. An expert in Environmental Law and Policy, Environmental, Social and Governance, Circular Economy, Sustainable Development, Human Rights and Gender Equality, Ms Atoyan’s career has focused on shaping and delivering sustainable strategies, leading interdisciplinary teams to address complex challenges in environmental governance, climate change, and social inclusion.
A Gender Mainstreaming Expert for the LDN Project under Armenia’s Ministry of Environment, contributing to inclusive land management policies and gender-sensitive frameworks, Ms Atoyan also acts as National Specialist on Policies and Legislation with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
With a PhD in Law from Newcastle University (UK), Ms Atoyan has authored key guidelines and handbooks on Circular Economy, Environmental Impact Assessments, and Gender Equality, collaborating with institutions like UNECE, GIZ, and UNDP. Beyond consultation work, Ms Atoyan leads lectures in Political Economy of Natural Resources and Circular Economy at Eurasia International University.
Simon Pow
Key Expert
Dr. Simon Pow brings extensive experience in the environmental management sector, with 23 years dedicated to leading international development and technical assistance projects across Eastern Europe, the CIS region, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. His core expertise lies in strengthening policy, institutional, regulatory, and strategic frameworks to drive environmental governance reforms at national, cross-border, and inter-state levels.
Dr. Pow holds undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Earth Sciences specializing in natural resources management, alongside an MBA with a specialisation in Change Management. Specialising in air, water, and waste management, Mr Pow possesses an impressive track record in stakeholder consensus-building, international project evaluation, and successful proposal development for major multilateral funding bodies like the European Commission.
EDWARD Safaryan
Key Expert
Mr Safaryan brings over 20 years of comprehensive international experience in energy and environmental policy, public administration, and public financial management. His core expertise focuses on institutional capacity building, government strengthening, and the end-to-end management of complex environmental programs—including project charter and proposal development, technical research, and academic publishing. A seasoned liaison and consultant, Mr Safaryan has successfully coordinated multi-stakeholder initiatives across government entities, international financial institutions, industry, civil society, and academia.
Mr Safaryan holds a Master’s degree in Environmental and Energy Policy from the University of Delaware, complementing his extensive practical background in global policy implementation and university-level instruction.
Karen Aghababyan
Key Experts
With a background on the conservation and sustainable use of natural ecosystems in Armenia, Mr Aghababyan has contributed over 15 years towards the conservation of Armenia’s environment. Currently serving as Armenia’s National Coordinator for the European Breeding Bird Atlas 2, Mr Aghababyan has provided his consulting expertise to the UNDP, USAID, WWF and Armenian Ministry of Nature Protection.
The 2007 recipient of the Whitley Award for Nature Conservation, Mr Aghababyan and his team have achieved significant environmental successes in Armenia such as creating preconditions for the protection of over 50,000 ha of land. Holding a PhD from the Institute of Zoology of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, Mr Aghababyan teaches courses in environmental science, wildlife biology and sustainable management of natural resources at the American University of Armenia (AUA).
Olympia Geghamyan
Key Expert
Dr. Olimpia Geghamyan is a distinguished environmental lawyer and legislative expert with nearly 25 years of experience in public participation mechanisms, environmental decision-making, and water rights. Her core expertise lies in conducting comprehensive legal and institutional analyses to align national waste management systems with circular economy principles. A seasoned legislative strategist, she has a proven track record of drafting national legislative reforms and advising on complex governance frameworks for major international development programs, including those funded by USAID and the UNDP.
Dr. Geghamyan holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Law, an LL.M. in International Public Law (with honors), and a Bachelor of Laws (with honors) from Yerevan State University. She is a widely published author of over 10 scholarly articles on human environmental rights and serves as a lecturer of Environmental Law at Yerevan State University, the French University in Armenia, and the Academy of Justice.
Liana Ghahramanyan
Key Expert
Ms Ghahramanyan brings more than 11 years of extensive experience in risk management, internal auditing, and operational control frameworks. Her core expertise centres on evaluating corporate business processes, managing financial risk, and designing robust internal control systems.
Achieving a Master’s Degree in Finance and Loan from the Institution of Banking Economy, Ms Ghahramanyan is a specialist in financial infrastructure security, she possesses a proven track record of supervising external providers, securing network user protocols, and implementing rigorous institutional compliance strategies within national banking sectors, including her foundational work with the Central Bank of Armenia.
Aelita Sargsyan
Key Expert
Ms Sargsyan brings over 20 years of experience to the intersection of environmental safety, public health, and toxicology. A medical doctor and public health specialist, her core expertise centers on environmental health management, toxicological risk assessments, and the coordination of international pollution and health research programs. A veteran healthcare and environmental project strategist, Ms Sargsyan manages nationwide health initiative coordination, designing research methodologies to measure environmental impacts on vulnerable communities, and executing critical evaluations alongside global environmental health networks and university research frameworks.
Ms. Sargsyan is a Ph.D. candidate in Pollution, Toxicology, and Environmental Health at the University of Valencia in Spain. She holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the American University of Armenia, along with advanced medical degrees in Medical Laboratory Diagnostics and General Medicine.
Regis Robert Danielian
Key Expert
Mr. Danielian is an optical physicist with nearly 30 years of international experience spanning both the industrial and academic sectors. He specialises in general optics, optoelectronics, and laser technologies, with a strong emphasis on remote sensing technologies like LIDAR and laser scanners for wind energy prospections, geophysics, and atmospheric measurements. His technical expertise includes numerical modelling and data mining, light-matter interaction (covering Gamma, X-ray, IR, and UV spectra), and advanced instrumentation for medical imaging and biophysics. Throughout his career, Mr Danielian has successfully developed optical systems and modelling frameworks across complex technical landscapes worldwide.
Mr Danielian holds an Maste’s in Physics (DEA Modélisation et Instrumentation en Physique) jointly delivered by Sorbonne Université, Université Paris-Saclay, and the INSTN (CEA Saclay).
Gevorg Nazaryan
Key Expert
Mr Nazaryan has over 20 years of extensive experience as a qualified environmental economist and specialist in urban environmental management and quality infrastructure. His expertise lies at the intersection of environmental policy development and practical implementation—specializing in standardization, accreditation, technical regulation, and the design of resource efficiency frameworks. A strategist in environmental compliance systems, Mr Nazaryan has led multidisciplinary teams, advising public institutions and international organizations on aligning operations with international standards to enhance overall environmental performance.
Mr. Nazaryan holds a Doctor of Economics degree (Ph.D. level), providing a base for economic modeling, policy analysis, and sustainable resource governance.
Grigor Janoyan
Key Expert
Mr Janoian has 15 years of comprehensive experience in corporate financial management, internal controls, and operational strategy within technology-driven markets and business consultancies. His specialist expertise lies in financial planning and analysis (FP&A), treasury management, accounting systems architecture, and strategic budget optimisation. Concentrating on scaling mid-to-large tier organisational frameworks, he has a proven track record of managing fiscal compliance, standardising operational workflows, and optimising internal controls to ensure long-term corporate sustainability.
Holding a Master’s degree from the University of Edinburgh for environmental science, Mr. Janoian holds a specialised background in Economics and Business Administration, reinforcing his technical capability to lead complex, multi-stakeholder operational landscapes.
Narek Grigoryan
Junior environmentalist/ Climate specialist
Mr Grigoryan specializes in data analysis, research methodology, and project support within the energy and environmental sectors. His growing expertise focuses on assisting with energy systems modeling, tracking climate policy metrics, and processing complex datasets to support regional and national sustainability initiatives.
Currently achieving a Bachelors degree in Environmental and Sustainability Sciences at the American University of Armenia. Mr. Grigoryan holds a strong academic background in economics and environmental policy, equipping him with the foundational technical skills required to support high-level climate action frameworks.
Olivia Thain
Marketing Team
Ms Thain specializes in presentation of international project management organizational operations within the climate change and sustainability sectors.
Ms. Thain holds a strong academic background in environmental policy and international relations, achieving a Bachelor's degree in Social Studies from the University of Manchester, equipping her with the technical skills necessary to market cross-border sustainability programs.