28 Mar 2022

Statement on Dr. Nyagoy Nyong’o Departure

Dr. Nyagoy Nyong’o, Interim Global CEO of Fairtrade International, has confirmed she will be stepping down from her leadership role at the helm of the global social justice organization at the end of month.

Appointed as Interim Global CEO on 11 January 2021, Dr. Nyong’o led Fairtrade International during a transitional period which saw the organization unveil its new global strategy and a global brand refresh. Her last day will be 31 March 2022.

“I want to thank Dr. Nyong’o for her selfless dedication to Fairtrade’s global mission and her inspiring leadership during these past 14 months,” said Lynette Thorstensen, Chair of the Fairtrade Board.

Born and raised in Kenya by a mother who was a farmer, Dr. Nyong’o’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of small-scale farmers and agricultural workers was formed early in her life and has deepened over the years.

Over the course of her lengthy career, she has worked in a number of functions within the Fairtrade system, serving as the Executive Director of Fairtrade Africa, from 2013 to 2020, and working as an auditor for Max Havelaar Switzerland and FLOCERT.

“Dr. Nyong’o leaves the Fairtrade system in a stronger and more agile position to achieve its goal of a sustainable and fair future for millions of farmers, agricultural workers, and consumers around the world. We thank her for her service.”

Fairtrade International’s new Global CEO will be announced on 25 April 2022.