Fairtrade Foundation CEO Mike Gidney to step down, as it appoints new chair of trustees
The Fairtrade Foundation has confirmed that its CEO, Mike Gidney is set to step down from his role by the end of the year, as the social justice movement appoints Dr Nyagoy Nyong’o as its chair of trustees, writes Neill Barston.
Having led the organisation for the past 12 years, its chief executive (pictured main image) explained that ‘the time felt right’ after its 30th anniversary celebrations come to a conclusion at the end of this year.
As the organisation noted, during his tenure, he steered the Fairtrade Foundation to ensure that Fairtrade in the UK is now firmly on the agenda, with the Fairtrade mark attaining 92% recognition and 88% trust among those who recall seeing it, according to Globescan research.
Make sure to catch our next edition of Confectionery Production for an exclusive interview with him, reflecting on the organisation’s three decades working within a number of market segments including developing key product lines including chocolate, and developing its relationship with cocoa supply chains.
As the movement noted, it is remains strongly associated with paying a fair price to producers and enabling farmers to invest into their communities and futures. British people have stood by Fairtrade, despite economic difficulties, generating £28m in Fairtrade Premium in 2023 alone.
Notably it has recorded encouraging performance figures, with retail sales volumes of cocoa grew by 6% and tea by 5% in 2023 alone. Meanwhile Fairtrade Foundation income grew 5% year on year in 2023 to £13.4m.
Commenting on his time with the movement, Michael Gidney said: “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.
“In our 30th year we have much to celebrate, and we know what’s needed for transformational change. We have an innovative agenda for scaling up, through pre-competitive collaboration, starting with Shared Impact, which will shift entire markets. We are working ever more closely with our producer partners – and we are as ambitious for lasting change as we were on Day 1.
“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. That is what we are celebrating this Fairtrade Fortnight, with our call to everyone across the country to Be the Change.”
New chair appointment
As for its new chair, Dr Nyong’o succeeds Lord Mark Price, and is regarded as one of the most respected leaders in global Fairtrade, having served as CEO of Fairtrade Africa for seven years, then global CEO of Fairtrade International until 2022.
Earlier in her career she was also an auditor for FLOCERT and has a PhD in forestry, so she has in-depth knowledge of Fairtrade, global supply chains and the impacts of the climate crisis.
Nyagoy, a Kenyan by nationality, was born and brought up by a mother who was a small-scale farmer. Witnessing the struggles she bore, she quickly became a skilled and passionate advocate for the rights of farming communities.
Working from Kenya, Nyagoy will take up her role on October 1st, and plans regular visits to the UK, ensuring that the Fairtrade Foundation’s efforts are clearly focused on what matters to farmers and workers, their needs and ambitions.
Dr Nyagoy Nyong’o commented: “I am delighted to take this opportunity to steer the future of Fairtrade in the UK. Having worked with Fairtrade for a long time, we 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.”