The Fairtrade Foundation has announced the appointment of Dr Nyagoy Nyong’o as the new Chair of its Board of Trustees. Dr Nyong’o will succeed Lord Mark Price, whose term recently concluded, bringing with her a wealth of experience in global Fairtrade leadership.
Dr Nyong’o, a highly respected figure in the Fairtrade movement, has previously served as CEO of Fairtrade Africa for seven years and as the global CEO of Fairtrade International until 2022. Her extensive background also includes experience as an auditor for FLOCERT and a PhD in forestry, equipping her with deep insights into Fairtrade, global supply chains, and the climate crisis.
Born and raised in Kenya, Dr Nyong’o’s advocacy for farming communities was inspired by her upbringing with a small-scale farming mother. She has since become a dedicated champion for the rights of farmers worldwide.
Taking up her new role on 1st October, Dr Nyong’o will be based in Kenya but will make regular visits to the UK to ensure that the Fairtrade Foundation’s strategies remain closely aligned with the needs and ambitions of farmers and workers.
Speaking on her appointment, Dr Nyong’o said, “I am delighted to take this opportunity to steer the future of Fairtrade in the UK. Having worked with Fairtrade for a long time, I have a vision for Fairtrade to get closer to producers, and for the decision-making and leadership to be increasingly driven from the global South. This is what gives Fairtrade authenticity with the public, but also what enables Fairtrade to be such an impactful partner with companies, as no other ethical label is so closely rooted in the reality of producers’ experience.”
As the Foundation looks to the future under new leadership, it also prepares to say goodbye to its long-standing CEO, Michael Gidney, who will be stepping down at the end of the year after 12 successful years. Gidney has been instrumental in establishing Fairtrade as a trusted and recognised ethical label in the UK, with awareness and trust ratings of 92% and 88%, respectively, according to Globescan.
Under Gidney’s leadership, Fairtrade in the UK has grown significantly, generating £28 million in Fairtrade Premium in 2023 alone, and achieving notable increases in retail sales volumes of key commodities such as cocoa and tea. The Foundation’s income also grew by 11% year-on-year in 2023, reaching £13.4 million.
Reflecting on his tenure, Gidney commented, “There is never a perfect time to leave, but with Fairtrade in good shape, after 12 years as CEO, it feels like the right moment – and an exciting time for my successor to shape the next phase of the Fairtrade Foundation’s future. If Fairtrade has demonstrated anything, it is the power that individuals have – on farms, in businesses, in communities across the UK and supported by the brilliant team at the Fairtrade Foundation – to make a difference.”
As the Foundation celebrates its 30th year, it remains committed to driving transformational change in global markets through initiatives such as Shared Impact, focusing on pre-competitive collaboration and closer engagement with producer partners.
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