From farm roots to carbon reform: Meet Marc Train, the hands-on leader reshaping the carbon landscape
Marc Train (right) pictured at Watson River Station with Russell Scikluna, Station Manager.
Marc Train has led major business successes, crises, navigating complex challenges with resilience, pragmatism, and a sleeves-rolled-up approach. From disrupted supply chains to unpredictable infrastructure, he knows what it takes to steady the ship and deliver outcomes under pressure.
Now, as General Manager of Corporate Carbon Group (CCG), Marc brings that same approach to transforming Australia’s carbon landscape - introducing new financing structures, engaging investors, and driving environmental outcomes. His leadership is helping shape the next chapter of Australia’s climate economy, one rooted in integrity, impact, and long-term value.
What sparked your interest in carbon and climate? Was there a defining moment?
“Growing up on a South African family farm, my upbringing instilled a deep connection to the land and a strong sense of stewardship towards livestock, soil, and ecosystems. Our farm was a shared effort - my grandfather was still heavily involved and lived on the property with us. Even as I stepped away from the farm to pursue a career in the corporate world, that connection to land never left me.
What excites me most about Corporate Carbon Group is how the work brings together both sides of my background. I unite my professional experience with my agricultural roots. Our work at the intersection of land management and investment means I have some of the most rewarding experiences in my role, with moments spent on-country, visiting stations and engaging directly with landholders.
It’s a powerful reminder of the impact this work can have and keeps me grounded in the reality of the work and the land involved in each project.”
You’ve set companies up, led major business turnarounds, and more. What has this taught you about leadership?
“For me, effective leadership begins with proximity - you can’t solve problems you’re too far removed from. Being present and engaged at every level of the business is essential.
When I was still working in private equity, I stepped in to help turn around one of our logistics companies in Botswana. We had many trucks going up and down the country, and one persistent issue was a truck repeatedly returning with broken taillights, costing us about $500 each time. Rather than accept it as a recurring cost, I spoke directly with the driver. He showed me footage: maize falling from the truck was attracting goats, who were smashing the lights to get to it and eat it. A simple cage fixed the problem.
That experience reinforced for me that leaders need to be close to the details to drive real change. I find problems like this to be completely energising. These challenges are opportunities to learn, innovate and build stronger systems to overcome.”
You’ve worked across continents. How has that shaped your perspective?
“Living and working in South Africa, Botswana, and Australia has taught me the importance of context, adaptability, and long-term thinking, shaping my current approach.
In Botswana, we had to build structure into a business from near-chaos during the Covid crisis. That experience sharpened my problem-solving instincts and built real resilience. It often felt like the more stones you uncovered, the more issues appeared, but by staying calm, breaking things down, and tackling each challenge head-on, I learned how capable we can be when we fully commit.
In Australia, I see potential in combining local knowledge, industry, and government insights to co-design world-class systems. Being a part of CCG I’ve had the opportunity to sit with largely remote communities and engage at a level that is outside of the norm. It’s shaped how we think about engagement as a business: with respect, patience, and a genuine effort to meet people where they are.
Relocating enhances my awareness of surroundings, highlighting both differences and universals. Despite unique regional challenges, consistent fundamentals allow me to tackle issues with clarity.”
What excites you most about working at Corporate Carbon Group right now?
“Stepping into the General Manager role has been incredibly rewarding. It’s allowed me to be deeply involved across all facets of the organisation - from finance and business development to supporting our carbon delivery teams.
I’m particularly excited right now about the Savanna Fire Management (SFM) methodology and the evolving carbon market. CCG has played a key role in progressing this methodology, and its implementation has the potential to significantly enhance not only our current and future projects but also to deliver meaningful benefits to the communities involved.”
What change would you like to see to make the carbon market work to its full potential?
“We need to unlock real momentum in the carbon market and this starts with fixing the fundamentals. A key priority is accelerating and bringing greater transparency to the rollout of new methodologies, like SFM and Integrated Farm and Land Management (IFLM), which have both been in progress for a number of years.
We see our role in shaping policy as one of the most meaningful ways we can push for change, ensuring that both commercial and integrity-based perspectives are represented in shaping effective, viable regulations for the carbon market. We aim to help build a carbon market that is effective, trusted and future-ready.”
Shaping a future-ready carbon market
“At the end of the day, the carbon landscape is about trust, science and transparency,” Marc says. “By building integrity into the foundations - from policy to project delivery - Australia has a real chance to lead the world in how carbon markets drive meaningful change.”
Marc Train,
General Manager, Corporate Carbon Group
About Marc Train
Marc Train brings over 8 years of deep finance experience to the team. Marc joined from Glencore where he was part of the Global Coal business development team. Prior to Glencore, Marc spent 5 Years at Rand Merchant Bank where he was a Private Equity Transactor focusing on sector agnostic Private Equity Transactions.
Marc is passionate about transforming the Carbon landscape in Australia to introduce a new world of financing structures, investors and environmental outcomes.
Marc holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Stellenbosch University in South Africa and a Master of Management from Macquarie Graduate School of Management in Sydney.