Mark Podlasly (Nlaka’pamux Nation, BC) provides strategic advice at the intersection of Indigenous and corporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. He has over 25 years of extensive experience in the development of capital projects connected to energy, natural resources, and community infrastructure around the world.
Mark is the Director of Economic Policy and Initiatives at the First Nations Major Projects Coalition, a national 70+ Indigenous nation collective that seeks ownership of major projects such as pipelines, electric utilities, and mining support infrastructure. He is also the Chair of the First Nations Limited Partnership (Pipelines), a 16-First Nations $500 million commercial partnership with Chevron/Woodside’s Kitimat LNG project. Mark regularly advises Indigenous groups such as the BC Assembly of First Nations and others on economic and public policy issues. In addition, Mark informs Indigenous governments on the establishment and management of sovereign wealth funds/trusts to capture and invest revenue from resource extraction industries. He currently manages a $53 million fund shared by eight First Nations in Western Canada.
In addition to his current roles, Mark runs a successful international executive consulting practice where he provides corporate education, strategy, leadership, and globalization programs. His clients have included GE, Unilever, General Mills, Goldman Sachs, and other leading companies. Mark holds a master’s degree from Harvard University and is a regular speaker at global business and governance events including the International Finance Corporation’s annual sustainability conference in Washington, DC.