GECA Announces Leadership Transition in Standards & Certification

GECA is pleased to announce an exciting evolution in the leadership of our Standards & Certification team, as Mark Barthel moves into an advisory role and Dr Elmira Soghrati steps up as our new Head of Standards & Certification.

Over his time with GECA, Mark has helped streamline processes, develop new standards, revise existing standards and roll out organisational changes, all while representing GECA on the Australian sustainability stage. His contribution to the strength and credibility of GECA's standards has been immense.

Mark has spent more than three decades developing, implementing and certifying sustainability standards — grounded in a strong belief that standards and certification can unlock new opportunities for value creation, innovation and sustainable product design. As an advisor, Mark will continue to share this wisdom and deep experience to support the GECA team as we tackle new and challenging problems through trusted certification mechanisms.

Beyond his professional contribution, Mark has been a valued and much-loved member of the GECA team. His generosity with his knowledge, his mentorship of colleagues, and his genuine care for the people around him have left a lasting mark on our culture. We're delighted that, while stepping back from the day-to-day, he'll remain part of the GECA family in his new advisory capacity.

Stepping into the Head of Standards & Certification role is Elmira, who has been with GECA as our Standards & Technical Officer for nearly two years. Elmira is a seasoned technology entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in product development, lifecycle assessment and sustainability strategy. She holds a PhD in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and has led innovative solutions across cold-chain logistics, construction and energy-efficient materials. Elmira has shown herself ready to take on this challenge, not only technically but with the entrepreneurial mindset needed to support the new initiatives GECA is embarking on. We're grateful she has put her hand up to take on this increased responsibility, and the entire GECA team and board are fully behind her in this new chapter.

This transition comes at an important time for GECA, as we look ahead to a series of new projects — including closer collaboration with fellow ecolabel, Eco Choice Aotearoa; navigating the impending changes to the GBCA's Responsible Products Framework; and other areas of innovation to help grow our impact.

Please join us in congratulating Mark on his new advisory role and Elmira on her new position.