Carbon capture and transformation company LanzaTech Global, Inc. recently announced that Aura Cuellar has been appointed their new Executive Vice President of Growth and Strategic Projects.

LanzaTech captures pollution from industries, using microbes to convert the carbon emissions into everyday materials used in sustainable fuels, packaging, and textiles. The process is similar to traditional refining methods, but refines used carbon instead of processing virgin fossil carbon.

In her new role, Cuellar will also lead a team to find ways to improve LanzaTech's expansion, product development, and sales.

Her appointment comes on the heels of a new funding partnership with Brookfield Renewable to construct additional commercial facilities.

Following an initial investment total of $500 million, Brookfield may invest another $500 million into project opportunities in North America and Europe with LanzaTech, should they be available.

Because of her experience, Cuellar has been chosen to lead and expedite projects to be able to capitalize on the partnership.

Born in Colombia, Cuellar earned her bachelor's degree in Environmental and Civil Engineering from Seattle University, and her MBA from Western Washington University. Recently, she finished Executive General Management studies at INSEAD and Harvard's Women on Boards Program.

Prior to her position with LanzaTech, Cuellar served as Vice President of Energy Transition for Shell in the U.S. Beginning as a product engineer, Cuella advanced through several leadership roles over the course of her 24-year tenure with Shell.

Additionally, Cuellar serves as an Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of The Netherlands in Houston, Texas. There, she promotes economic and trade relations between the U.S. and the Netherlands.

“Carbon transformation is at the forefront of the energy transition, and I am delighted to be able to apply my skills where capital deployment isn’t a barrier,” Cuellar said in a statement.

“I am looking forward to working with our partners and creating a team in which individuals are empowered and accountable to deliver commercial results. Together we will bring new projects to life and accelerate the energy transition through a profitable decarbonization,” she concluded.