Mandy Rambharos

Mandy Rambharos is the Chief Executive Officer of Verra, the world’s leading voluntary carbon market standard. With over two decades of experience in the energy and climate sectors, Mandy is a recognized leader in global climate cooperation and just energy transitions. Before joining Verra, Mandy served as Vice President for Global Climate Cooperation at the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), where she directed multilateral climate engagements and led initiatives, including working on the Energy Transition Accelerator, to advance carbon markets and carbon pricing strategies that promote low-emissions futures while supporting marginalized communities.

Her work at the global level was pivotal in shaping global climate policies under the Paris Agreement, working closely with international bodies such as the United Nations, G20, Business and multilateral organizations. Mandy’s career also includes a significant tenure at South Africa’s Eskom Holdings, the largest electric utility on the African continent. As General Manager for Just Energy Transition, she was instrumental in developing Eskom’s strategy to transition from a coal-dominated utility to a renewable energy player. Mandy’s expertise in the energy industry, mitigation, climate financing, and global climate negotiations was crucial in establishing the Just Energy Transition Partnership at COP26, a landmark agreement between South Africa and major international partners including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union. A former negotiator for South Africa and Africa, at the United Nations climate talks, Mandy co-chaired the successful outcome of Article 6 at COP26, which governs international carbon markets under the Paris Agreement.