Petr Palkovsky
abojt us/ people
After the invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968, like many Czechs, Petr emigrated with his parents, spending some time in the former Yugoslavia. As the first country of refuge, it left a strong impression on him, and he always wanted to maintain relationships with the people of this friendly nation who warmly welcomed him and his family.
His journey then took him to Canada, which became his second homeland. His love for nature and life led him to study sciences, economics, but most importantly marine biology at university. He aspired to revolutionize aquaculture through sustainable practices. However, the economic downturn of the early 1980s redirected his entrepreneurial spirit into other ventures.
At the age of 24, he started a painting business that quickly grew to include large-scale commercial projects in Whistler, Canada. Realizing the toxic solvent-based products in the industry were very harmful to the environment and his staff, he developed and patented Bio-Wash, a 100% biodegradable water-based cleaner for painting equipment. This product laid the foundation for an entire range of environmentally friendly water-based paints, paint removers, lead abatement products, and wood finishes, now staples in the global paint industry. By 2000, his company had a global presence and had transformed the paint industry with sustainable, safe products.
Driven by lifelong environmental commitment, he has also worked with the Vancouver Aquarium and the David Suzuki Foundation, advocating for marine conservation. These efforts contributed to the eventual ban on open-ocean salmon farms in Washington State and British Columbia, thus preserving delicate ecosystems.
In 2010, seeking to discover critical minerals necessary for the transition to clean sustainable energy, he returned to the Western Balkans with a world-class team of geologists and industry experts. Over a decade later, this vision became a reality. The company he founded not only identified key resources but also discovered a sodium borate deposit in the Valjevo district, the only known deposit of its kind in Europe.
Throughout every endeavor, he prioritized ecological responsibility and innovation, striving to leave a legacy of sustainable solutions for future generations. His journey underscores the belief that with relentless passion, determination, and dedication, we can make the planet a better place for all.
PRESIDENT
Alexander Palkovsky
aboUt us/ people
Growing up in Vancouver, surrounded by the breathtaking natural beauty of Canada's west coast, Alexander developed an early and deep appreciation for nature. His parents enshrined the importance of conserving resources, recycling, and appreciating the environment.
Nature shaped his upbringing, yet even then, he noticed the early effects of climate change threatening the environment. This awareness became the foundation of his lifelong mission: to protect and restore the planet while harnessing the power of business to drive meaningful change.
He completed his undergraduate studies at Canada’s Richard Ivey Business School, specializing in sustainability, where he received the Ivey Emerging Leader Award in 2014 for green projects he implemented. During a semester at the Norwegian School of Economics, he deepened his understanding of renewable energy and natural resources—fields that would guide his future career. He earned a master's degree from one of Europe’s top universities, IESE Business School at the University of Navarra, obtaining an Executive MBA as a Senior Fellow at IESE's Institute for Sustainable Leadership.
In 2015, he began his professional career with a solar energy investment fund in Toronto, Canada, where he led the development of over 50 solar energy projects. These projects now generate clean electricity for nearly 10,000 Canadian homes. Recognized for this work, he received Canada’s Emerging Leader in Solar Industry Award in 2017.
In 2017, Alexander joined Brookfield Renewable, one of the world’s largest renewable energy companies. Working across various roles as an associate of Brookfield’s Emerging Leaders Program, from operations and market research to finance and project development, he gained a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of clean renewable energy supply chains.
In 2019, he embraced the challenge of developing sustainable sources of materials essential for the energy transition and modern living. He dedicated himself to creating best-practice models that prioritize environmental stewardship, community engagement, and the use of innovative technologies.
VICE PRESIDENT
Adnan Khan, P.Eng.
abojt us/ people
Adnan is a seasoned leader with over 30 years of consulting and operational experience managing complex international projects across multiple industries including environmental technologies and natural resources. Throughout his career in operations, engineering, and high-tech, Adnan has been committed to delivering impactful solutions that are not only effective but also environmentally responsible and sustainable.
As Vice President of Strategic Capital at a major Canadian renewable energy company, Adnan was responsible for leading climate impact initiatives, overseeing capital projects, and developing new strategic opportunities. His efforts helped drive significant improvements in efficiency while ensuring projects were completed safely and responsibly. Under his leadership, the company successfully completed hundreds of millions of dollars in projects, including building new manufacturing facilities and enhancing existing operations to benefit local communities.
Adnan’s focus on sustainability began early in his career as an automation and controls engineer. He has consistently championed innovative technologies that minimize environmental impact—ensuring resources are used responsibly and waste is reduced. For example, he contributed to award-winning work that turned significant industrial challenges into cost-effective, environmentally sound solutions.
Adnan’s diverse international experience allows him to understand the importance of building strong, trust-based relationships with the communities and stakeholders he works with. A Professional Engineer registered in Canada, he is bound by Canadian engineering, environmental and anti-corruption laws. He holds a Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Victoria, specializing in Industrial Automation and Robotics, along with a Diploma of Electronics Technology, specializing in Industrial Automation and Instrumentation, from the British Columbia Institute of Technology.
COO
aboUt us/ people
Robert McCurdy
Rob McCurdy is a seasoned executive with over 30 years of international leadership experience across the resource, energy, and infrastructure sectors. He is best known for his role as CEO of Pinnacle Renewable Energy, where he led the company to become the world’s second-largest producer of sustainable wood pellets—establishing a global footprint across Canada, the United States, Europe, and Asia. His work earned him the EY Entrepreneur of the Year (Pacific) award and the Canadian Bioeconomy Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to decarbonization and renewable energy innovation.
Rob’s career has taken him across four continents, including senior executive roles in North America, Europe, and India. At Lafarge, he oversaw complex operations through critical periods such as post-Hurricane Katrina reconstruction and large-scale industrial turnarounds. Throughout his career, he has remained focused on building strong, diverse teams, fostering a culture of safety, and navigating complex environments with clarity and purpose.
As Chairman of the Palkovsky Group, Rob brings steady, strategic guidance to the company’s development in Serbia and abroad. He sees the Company’s projects in Valjevo as landmark initiatives which will generate lasting value for the local community, the country, and the environment.
Guided by the principle to always “do what’s right—for the planet, for people, and for the communities around you,” Rob continues to shape projects that deliver both global relevance and positive local impact.
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD