Shaun is on a mission to replace non-recyclable plastics with sustainable alternatives. Born in South Africa, raised in Dubai, and educated in New Zealand, he brings a global perspective with a background in mechanical engineering and product development. Shaun leads with a passion for innovation and sustainability, keeping things simple, scrappy, and structured - with just the right amount of coffee-fuelled chaos.

Jotinder has over a decade of experience in automation and scaling manufacturing. With a background in mechatronics engineering, he’s helped fast-growing startups optimise production lines and solve complex challenges. Known for bringing out the best in his team, he celebrates milestones with his family’s legendary chai recipe - a tradition as carefully engineered as his production lines.

Paul brings over 20 years of experience in hardware design, automation, and scaling production, with past roles at RocketLab, NextWindow, StretchSense, and FrameCAD. He thrives on solving complex problems and pushing boundaries, combining technical brilliance with a passion for innovation. Crucial to our tech efforts, Paul has a particular talent for spending investor money - the more you give him, the faster he solves.

Andy brings over 30 years of expertise in tool making and machining, keeping our workshop running smoothly. With his friendly, chatty nature, he’s a favourite across the team. As our chief fixer - whether maintaining equipment, modifying custom parts, or repairing tools - his impact is felt everywhere. Outside work, Andy enjoys time with the family and attending “conferences” that may or may not involve fishing rods.

Laurie’s background spans biomedical science and architecture, with a passion for where science, design, and sustainability meet. Much of her career has been focused on developing mycelium materials, from academic research through to real-world commercial applications. Driven by a curiosity for better materials and smarter systems, Laurie brings both scientific rigour and creative thinking to the team. Outside of work, you’ll usually find Laurie exploring nature or learning a new board game - and quietly becoming far too competitive at both.

Maddy graduated from the University of Otago with a double major in Economics and Politics, focusing on sustainability and environmental policy. Driven by a strong commitment to ethical practices, she brings sharp thinking, calm coordination, and positivity to everything she does. From managing logistics to keeping the office running, her impact is felt daily. If Monday meetings start with a good weekend story, chances are Maddy’s the one telling it.

Mark Rosny brings 25 years of experience in engineering, product development, and scaling startups across Ireland, the UK, Japan, and New Zealand. He’s helped ramp up production at StretchSense, Navman, and Dotterel, with expertise in project management, safety, and operations. When he’s not driving growth, Mark is crew for the NZ Coastguard, coaches basketball, and chases after his two daughters - which explains why there’s no time left for hobbies.

Xanthe joined Naturally Genius™ as a production technician, helping to scale and speed up our production. A graduate of the University of Waikato with a Bachelor ofMaterials and Process Engineering, she is well aware of the difficulty in substituting plastic with sustainable materials, prompting her to join the effort. When not working, Xanthe is often curled up with a book about dragons and sword fights, or is busy writing one herself.

Maxime holds a Master’s in Polymer Engineering from the University of Lille and specialises in biopolymers and biocomposites made from renewable resources. Formerly a polymer technologist, he led projects in sustainable product development. At Naturally Genius™, he tackles challenges with a smile and a passion for revolutionising packaging. For him, sustainable solutions aren’t just science - they’re Vive la révolution.

We’re proud to have Shana Morgan as our first Production Technician. With 25 years in production and manufacturing, she brings technical expertise and a relentless work ethic that have transformed our production flow and quality control. Her keen eye for process improvements keeps operations smooth and frees our technical team to focus on innovation. When not at work, Shana’s usually outpaced by her grandchildren - her toughest supervisors yet.