RSB welcomes new delegates
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RSB is pleased to welcome four new appointees to the RSB Assembly of Delegates: Gevo’s Karyn Jones, SkyNRG’s Tom Berg, the Addis Ababa Institute of Technology’s Dr. Abubeker Yimam, and Airbus’ Julien Manhes.
The RSB Assembly of Delegates
RSB’s Assembly of Delegates is the highest decision-making body of RSB, and forms an integral part of RSB’s governance, which is fundamentally collaborative in its structure. Whereas the Board of Directors is responsible for the overall management of the RSB secretariat, the Assembly of Delegates is responsible for deliberating and voting on issues of governance and standard development, through the elected delegates.
To ensure each chamber has the same weight and influence in decision-making, three delegates are elected for each of the five chambers representing RSB’s collaborative network: Chamber 1 (Growers & Producers); Chamber 2 (End Users, Blenders, and Investors); Chamber 3 (Social Organisations); Chamber 4 (Environmental Organisations); and Chamber 5 (UN, Government, and Research). Delegates serve two-year terms and are eligible for another two years once their term is over.
Delegates meet with their chambers at least once a year to discuss topics relevant to RSB, including the RSB’s 12 Principles & Criteria, and to elect the RSB Board of Directors. Delegates also meet once a year at the formal Assembly of Delegates during the flagship RSB Annual Conference – which will be taking place this year in Geneva, 14-16 November 2023 – to vote on modifications and updates to the RSB standards, as well as any RSB operational updates, such as membership dues.
Introducing the new delegates
Karyn Jones joined as a delegate for Chamber 1 earlier this year. She is currently the Director of Sustainability at Gevo, where she has served since May 2022. At Gevo, Ms. Jones leads a team of sustainability experts focused on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) decarbonization – from farm to flight.
‘I am honored to join the RSB Assembly of Delegates and contribute to the important work of advancing sustainability in the bioeconomy. As a representative of Gevo, I am excited to bring my expertise to the table and collaborate with diverse stakeholders to drive positive change. Together, we can shape governance and standards that will foster a more sustainable future for all,’ writes Jones.
Tom Berg joins as a delegate for Chamber 2. As a Senior Policy and Sustainability Manager at SkyNRG, he is responsible for shaping and implementing SkyNRG’s ambitious sustainability principles into its SAF supply chains. He also manages the interaction with SkyNRG’s independent Sustainability Advisory Board – comprised of NGOs and academia, which guides SkyNRG on key sustainability topics.
‘I want to thank the Assembly of Delegates for putting their trust in me to join Chamber 2. I very much look forward to continuing the longstanding relationship between SkyNRG and RSB and to contribute my expertise in SAF sustainability to help maintain RSB’s status as the gold standard in certification,’ said Berg.
Julien Manhes has also been elected as a delegate for Chamber 2. Julien has been part of Airbus since 2005. He is currently part of Airbus’ corporate affairs team, where he leads a project aimed at ensuring the company acts as a catalyst in global SAF deployment. He also has significant experience in Airbus’ marketing department, dealing with airlines in central and northern Europe.
On his appointment, Manhes writes, ‘I feel honoured having been elected delegate for chamber 2 and look forward to work with all members to make RSB even more impactful.’
Dr. Abubeker Yimam is an Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at Addis Ababa Institute of Technology. He holds PhD in Chemical Engineering from Stellenbosch University. Dr Abubeker served as Dean of School of Chemical and Bioengineering, Addis Ababa University (2016-2022) and as President of Ethiopian Society of Chemical Engineers (2016-2018). He was also a visiting professor at University of Toulouse, France in 2019. Since 2019, he has been working as a local partner for EXERGIA, Climate Change Consultants. Dr Abubeker also served as a board member and technical advisor for governmental and non-governmental organizations related to biofuel and sustainable aviation fuel.
‘I am honoured to have been elected as the new Delegate for Chamber 5. I am excited to take on this new opportunity and look forward to contributing to the continued efforts to accelerate the global sustainable transition to a circular bio-economy by working closely with Chamber 5 members, Delegates of other Chambers, RSB Secretariat and Board members, ‘ writes Dr Yimam.
The RSB Secretariat and Board of Directors congratulate all new delegates and wish them a successful and productive term.
If you have any questions related to the RSB governance structure, or would like to apply for RSB membership, please contact our Membership and Events Officer on the details below.
Aléz Odendaal
Membership and Events Officer
