Zero Emissions Innovation Centre (ZEIC) in Vancouver welcomed three new members who will apply their extensive expertise, relationships, and knowledge of the energy transition to advance the Centre’s new Economic Development and Market Transformation initiatives.

Until recently, the trio—George Patrick Richard Benson, Peter Sun, and Andrew Williamson—worked at the Vancouver Economic Commission. Following a planned phase-down process, the City of Vancouver is closing that agency and centralizing its role within a new business and economy office.

“We’re delighted to have these three decarbonization champions on our team,” said Melina Scholefield, executive director of ZEIC. “Each of them brings specialized skills and knowledge on how to effectively and thoughtfully accelerate this region’s transition to prosperous, equitable, and zero-emissions communities.”

The trio will report to Namendra Anand, ZEIC’s director of business strategy and impact investing. Anand is leading ZEIC’s work on climate action strategies that transform markets and leverage sustainable finance to create low-carbon economic development opportunities.

Benson takes on the role of senior manager, economic development and market transformation. Benson is an experienced economic developer who thrives at the intersection of business, equity, climate action, and policymaking. His work on urban carbon pollution reduction has been recognized globally.

As manager of ZEIC’s new Sustainable Workforce Coalition, Williamson will help catalyze a just and equitable energy transition for Greater Vancouver workers via research, community activation, and programming.

Sun’s role is project manager, market transformation. He is an effective champion of building electrification via practical solutions to accelerate the reduction of carbon pollution. Among other projects, Sun will oversee the Heat Pump Technology Attraction working group, which aims to make zero-carbon technologies more affordable and accessible.