A Partner Helping Navigate the World of Today and Tomorrow
Phylleos’s team provides a powerful mix of experience in both academia, government, and industry. Collectively, they hold advanced degrees in economics, engineering, and policy, have worked with more than 30 governments, and have more than 60 years experience in consulting in leading global firms.
Co-Founder and CEO: Taiya Smith, MPP
Taiya Smith is a seasoned policy advisor and analyst with extensive expertise in climate policy, international relations, and energy strategy. As a senior executive at the U.S. Treasury Department under Secretary Hank Paulson, she led high-profile initiatives, including the U.S.-China Strategic Economic Dialogue. Taiya has also held senior positions at the U.S. Department of State, providing strategic guidance on global economic and environmental policies.
As the founder and CEO of Garnet Strategies, she has advised governments, multinational corporations, and nonprofits on climate, clean technology, and geopolitics. Her work spans global initiatives aimed at advancing energy policy and addressing climate challenges. Taiya also serves as a Senior Associate (Non-resident) with the Energy Security and Climate Change Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, cementing her role as a thought leader in shaping global environmental strategies.
Co-Founder and CIO: Ashley Winston, Ph.D., M.Ec. (Hons), B.Ec. (Hons)
Ashley Winston is an internationally recognized economist with deep expertise in simulation, analytical, and empirical modeling frameworks. Over his career, he has advised national governments, multinational corporations, and international organizations across 30 countries on economic strategy, policy reform, and climate-related initiatives. Ashley has received numerous commendations for his work, including recognition from leading universities, research organizations, and government entities such as The White House.
Ashley’s leadership roles have included Founder and CEO of The MacroDyn Group, Chief Economist and Managing Director at Millstein & Co., and senior positions at a Big Four consulting firm. He has also served as a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre of Policy Studies at Monash University (now Victoria University), where he holds an adjunct appointment. His extensive policy advisory experience includes long-term roles with U.S. federal agencies, such as the USITC, the Department of Commerce, and the USDA, as well as appointments to special interagency teams advising Congress and the Administration on critical economic reforms.