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Work With Our Team

Whether you're looking for technical advice, product information, distributor enquiries or research collaboration, our team is here to help.

Contact the PyroAg Team
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John Mellowes
 

Chief Engineer, Director & Co-Founder

John holds a Bachelor of Engineering and has more than 25 years of experience in engineering, project management and advanced manufacturing. After beginning his career delivering major infrastructure projects, he went on to own and operate a successful metal fabrication and machining business, further developing his practical engineering expertise. Since 2014, John has worked alongside Chad to introduce pyroligneous acid, or wood vinegar, to the Australian market and build awareness of its potential in agriculture. He has played a leading role in the design, fabrication and continuous improvement of PyroAg's production systems. As Chief Engineer, John's practical expertise and commitment to innovation continue to strengthen manufacturing performance, helping PyroAg maintain consistent product quality, reliable supply and the production capability required to support Australian growers.

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Chad Sheppeard
 

Director & Co-Founder

Chad brings more than 30 years of experience in engineering, manufacturing, operations and business development. Beginning his career in the petroleum industry before moving into the commercial marine sector, he established and grew several engineering and marine businesses, developing extensive expertise in innovation, manufacturing and commercialisation. As Co-Founder of PyroAg, Chad has been instrumental in introducing Australian wood vinegar to the agricultural market. Since 2014, he has worked alongside the team to build awareness of pyroligneous acid and support independent scientific research into its potential for soil health and plant productivity. As a Company Director, Chad plays a leading role in commercial strategy, business development and industry partnerships, while contributing to product development and the advancement of PyroAg's production technology. His practical engineering experience and commitment to innovation continue to support the development of reliable, science-backed solutions for Australian agriculture

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Dr Kannappar Mukunthan (Muk)

Chief Scientist, Director & Co-Founder

Dr Kannappar Mukunthan (Muk) holds a PhD in Metallurgy from the University of British Columbia and has more than 30 years of experience in scientific research, technology development and innovation. Before co-founding PyroAg, Muk spent 15 years as a Principal Engineer at BHP, leading technology-focused teams on major research projects including steel strip casting, electrochemical reduction of titania and uranium recovery technologies. He later spent a decade developing Continuous Biomass Converter technology, building extensive expertise in pyrolysis, wood vinegar and renewable carbon products. Muk has authored more than 30 technical publications and holds 15 patents. As Chief Scientist, he leads PyroAg's research and product development, applying his extensive scientific and technical expertise to the development, evaluation and ongoing improvement of PyroAg products and technologies.

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James Kater

Operations Manager

James holds a degree in Environmental Science from the University of New South Wales and brings over a decade of experience in biomass processing and renewable energy systems. Before joining PyroAg, James worked in the UK on anaerobic digestion and biomass energy projects, contributing to plant design, commissioning, operations and ongoing technical support. He also spent several years researching and evaluating emerging renewable energy technologies, with a focus on improving efficiency and resource recovery. As Operations Manager, James oversees the production of PyroAg's wood vinegar, with responsibility for product quality, operational performance and continuous improvement. His expertise in biomass processing and pyrolysis technology helps ensure reliable production and consistent product quality while supporting the ongoing development of PyroAg's manufacturing systems.

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Gina Moore

Business Administrator

Gina joined PyroAg in 2020 and supports the business across administration, finance, logistics, marketing, communications and customer service. She has completed soil biology training through Western Sydney University and holds a Certificate in Nutrition Farming, giving her valuable insight into the agricultural systems PyroAg supports. Working closely with the leadership and operations teams, Gina helps streamline day-to-day business processes, coordinate customer support and keep the many moving parts of the business running smoothly. Her strong organisational skills, attention to detail and customer-focused approach help ensure growers receive responsive and reliable service. As a mum, Gina is also passionate about healthy soils and supporting Australian farmers to build productive, resilient farming systems for future generations.

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Rebecca Sheppeard

Business Support & Founding Member

Rebecca is a founding member of PyroAg and has played an important role in building the PyroAg brand and increasing awareness of wood vinegar within Australian agriculture. She supports the business across brand development, marketing, communications, customer engagement and broader business operations. Rebecca brings a diverse professional background spanning hospitality management, business operations, counselling and communications. After nine years living and working overseas managing hospitality venues, she returned to Australia and established successful businesses in private counselling and yoga instruction. She later founded and operated a specialist maritime diesel engine parts business supplying customers throughout Australia. Her entrepreneurial experience, business acumen and strong people skills enable Rebecca to build lasting customer relationships while working closely with the leadership team to support PyroAg's continued growth and customer service.

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John Donnell

Head of Project Management

John holds a Science degree from the University of Sydney and brings extensive experience in project management, logistics and operational improvement. His career has included senior roles with Maersk Australia, managing multimodal transport operations and profit and loss responsibilities, as well as regulatory administration at Port Botany focused on improving landside port efficiency. Trained in Lean Six Sigma methodologies, John has led process improvement initiatives including reducing inventory costs and implementing advanced warehouse management systems for major organisations. At PyroAg, John oversees project management and operational planning, helping coordinate efficient processes, reliable product delivery and the continued growth of the business. His expertise in logistics, systems and continuous improvement helps strengthen PyroAg's operational capability as the company expands.

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Clive Belton

Technical Support Manager

Clive brings over 30 years of experience in mechanical engineering and operations management, with extensive expertise in complex machinery across a range of industries. Following more than two decades in the marine sector, he developed a strong foundation in mechanical systems, from design and fabrication through to installation, commissioning and maintenance. As Technical Support Manager, Clive is responsible for the development, optimisation and maintenance of PyroAg's production systems. His hands-on engineering expertise has been instrumental in refining the pyrolysis process, improving operational efficiency and ensuring the consistent production of high-quality wood vinegar. Working closely with the operations team, Clive drives continuous improvement across equipment, processes and product development. His practical knowledge and problem-solving skills play an important role in maintaining reliable production and supporting PyroAg's ongoing innovation.

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Angus Cummings

Product & Technology Analyst

Angus is completing a double degree in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering (Honours) and Commerce at the University of Sydney, with a strong interest in applying engineering and emerging technologies to Australian agriculture and soil health. During an engineering internship with the Australia New Zealand Biochar Industry Group (ANZBIG), Angus gained firsthand experience in the application of biochar and emerging technologies within agriculture. This experience strengthened his interest in how technical innovation can contribute to more resilient soils, improved agricultural productivity and practical outcomes for growers. As Product & Technology Analyst, Angus brings a chemical engineering perspective to PyroAg’s process design and product analysis. He works collaboratively with the team to refine production systems, improve technical workflows and support the continued development of reliable, science-backed products and technologies for Australian agriculture.

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Melinda Graff

Design & Marketing

Melinda brings more than 20 years of experience in graphic design, visual communication, digital design and marketing, with a career spanning government, education, agency and private-sector projects. Her professional background includes design roles across state and local government, working as a vocational educator in Graphic Design with TAFE NSW, and developing brands, websites and marketing communications for businesses across a range of industries. At PyroAg, Melinda supports the development of the brand across digital and print communications, including website strategy and design, marketing materials and digital content. Working closely with the PyroAg team, she helps translate complex technical and research-based information into clear, practical communications that connect with Australian growers and support the continued growth of the PyroAg brand.

Discover the PyroAg Difference

Learn more about the Australian manufacturing, research and quality standards that underpin every PyroAg product.

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