Mushroom Material

Shaun is on a mission to replace non-recyclable plastics with sustainable alternatives. Born in South Africa, raised in Dubai, and educated in New Zealand, he brings a global perspective with a background in mechanical engineering and product development. Shaun leads with a passion for innovation and sustainability, keeping things simple, scrappy, and structured - with just the right amount of coffee-fuelled chaos.

Jotinder has over a decade of experience in automation and scaling manufacturing. With a background in mechatronics engineering, he’s helped fast-growing startups optimise production lines and solve complex challenges. Known for bringing out the best in his team, he celebrates milestones with his family’s legendary chai recipe - a tradition as carefully engineered as his production lines.

Paul brings over 20 years of experience in hardware design, automation, and scaling production, with past roles at RocketLab, NextWindow, StretchSense, and FrameCAD. He thrives on solving complex problems and pushing boundaries, combining technical brilliance with a passion for innovation. Crucial to our tech efforts, Paul has a particular talent for spending investor money - the more you give him, the faster he solves.

Andy brings over 30 years of expertise in tool making and machining, keeping our workshop running smoothly. With his friendly, chatty nature, he’s a favourite across the team. As our chief fixer - whether maintaining equipment, modifying custom parts, or repairing tools - his impact is felt everywhere. Outside work, Andy enjoys time with the family and attending “conferences” that may or may not involve fishing rods.

Deane holds a Master’s in Product Design, where her thesis explored additive manufacturing with mycelium-based materials. Passionate about turning agricultural waste into valuable resources, she has deep expertise in fungal biocompatibility with low-grade by-products. At Mushroom Material, she’s applying her skills to push the boundaries of sustainable packaging. Away from the lab, she can usually be found tucked away with research papers - and surrounded by fungi.

Maddy graduated from the University of Otago with a double major in Economics and Politics, focusing on sustainability and environmental policy. Driven by a strong commitment to ethical practices, she brings sharp thinking, calm coordination, and positivity to everything she does. From managing logistics to keeping the office running, her impact is felt daily. If Monday meetings start with a good weekend story, chances are Maddy’s the one telling it.

Mark Rosny brings 25 years of experience in engineering, product development, and scaling startups across Ireland, the UK, Japan, and New Zealand. He’s helped ramp up production at StretchSense, Navman, and Dotterel, with expertise in project management, safety, and operations. When he’s not driving growth, Mark is crew for the NZ Coastguard, coaches basketball, and chases after his two daughters - which explains why there’s no time left for hobbies.

Maxime holds a Master’s in Polymer Engineering from the University of Lille and specialises in biopolymers and biocomposites made from renewable resources. Formerly a polymer technologist, he led projects in sustainable product development. At Mushroom Material, he tackles challenges with a smile and a passion for revolutionising packaging. For him, sustainable solutions aren’t just science - they’re Vive la révolution.

We’re proud to have Shana Morgan as our first Production Technician. With 25 years in production and manufacturing, she brings technical expertise and a relentless work ethic that have transformed our production flow and quality control. Her keen eye for process improvements keeps operations smooth and frees our technical team to focus on innovation. When not at work, Shana’s usually outpaced by her grandchildren - her toughest supervisors yet.

Gareth specialises in crafting smart marketing and product strategies that turn big ideas into real impact. Fluent in both tech and exec, he bridges C-suite goals with real-world results. A problem-solver at heart, he’s managed global brands and picked up awards along the way, including the TVNZ Transformational Marketing Award. When he’s not collecting accolades, you’ll find him racing his son on Rainbow Road in Mario Kart!

James brings over a decade of experience in engineering and manufacturing, managing teams and scaling production, especially in South East Asia. Formerly Head of Driers at Fisher & Paykel Appliances, he is passionate about quality and innovation. With global experience across Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, and Asia, James has deep insight into customer needs. He may have worked on driers, but outside of work you’ll usually find him underwater as an avid freediver.

As Managing Director of JB HiFi NZ, Tim brings deep experience in leadership and sales. He has previously served as Chief Sales Officer for The Warehouse Group and as CEO of Noel Leeming and Torpedo7. Tim specialises in building early-stage teams for high growth and turning around underperforming companies. Known for driving results, he now advises Mushroom Material - though we’re still waiting for the staff discount on TVs.