Arnoud de Villegas brings over 20 years of diverse experience in environmental stewardship, finance, and strategic development. As Managing Director of Viridian Ecosystems, he advises clients on developing natural capital strategies that deliver risk-adjusted returns while achieving the greatest possible ecosystem and social impact. Over the past decade, Arnoud has been devoted to scaling reforestation and nature-based solutions across the American West, catalyzing noteworthy and award-winning environmental and social initiatives. In his role as Vice President of Business Development at Mast Reforestation, he spearheaded carbon product originations, forged strategic partnerships, and led strategic initiatives that established the company's influence in the carbon markets. Prior to joining Mast Reforestation, Arnoud served as Chief Operating Officer of CalForest, the largest independent reforestation stock producer in the western United States. Under his leadership, CalForest gained significant market share and produced over 130 million seedlings for state and federal agencies, industrial and non-industrial landowners, tribal nations, and non-profit organizations, meaningfully contributing to large-scale reforestation efforts across the American West. Earlier in his career, Arnoud built a strong foundation in global finance and strategic management. He began working for a $250 million fund of hedge funds in London and New York, ultimately heading all equity strategies covered out of the U.S, including Emerging Markets. He went on to co-lead the first successful reverse merger in Indian history, demonstrating his ability to identify nascent capital market trends, navigate complex financial landscapes, and deliver innovative solutions for investors. Before pivoting to reforestation, he worked in edtech and real estate for the chairman of Global Emerging Markets, a multi-billion-dollar venture capital and private equity group. This experience enriched his expertise in scaling businesses and managing investments across various sectors globally. Arnoud serves as a Board Advisor to the University of Montana’s National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engine, which focuses on the use of advanced technologies to maximize the economic benefits of federal, tribal, and private forests and rangelands while minimizing ecological impacts. Representing private industry, he provides expert advice on reforestation, carbon markets, capital markets, and strategies to spur investments into rural economies. With a deep commitment to environmental sustainability and a proven track record of driving impactful projects, Arnoud is dedicated to creating solutions that balance economic growth with ecological preservation. His leadership at Viridian Ecosystems continues to foster transformative initiatives that contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future.