World Cocoa Foundation names new president

The World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) has appointed Richard Scobey as its new president, with responsibility for leading WCF’s operations.

Effective 11 July, Scobey will work to promote a sustainable cocoa sector globally. He joins WCF from the World Bank, where he has led public-private efforts focused on natural resources management in Africa, as well as monitoring and evaluation efforts.

Scobey most recently served as deputy director general in the Bank’s Independent Evaluation Group. He has previously held the roles of advisor to the Africa region vice president and director for regional integration in Africa.

The cocoa sector faces challenges to achieve sustainability in the face of threats that include stagnant yields in some of the world’s leading cocoa-producing countries, increasing pest and disease pressure, climate change and declining interest by young people to pursue careers in cocoa farming.

“Rick is a strategic and innovative leader who brings to WCF extensive experience in international and community development,” said WCF chairman Barry Parkin.

“His proven ability to create new partnerships, leverage networks and achieve impact will boost WCF’s mission to achieve sustainability in the cocoa sector, namely through our CocoaAction strategy.”

Scobey succeeds Bill Guyton, who left the organisation at the end of last year and guided WCF from its inception through its first 15 years.