Fairtrade Foundation appoints new chairman
The Fairtrade Foundation has appointed Michael Jary, the co-founder and senior partner of OC&C Strategy Consultants, as the new chair of its board of trustees.
Jarey is chair of Duchy Originals Ltd and a non-executive director of Nationwide Building Society. A regular speaker and commentator in the retail and consumer sector, he has written several books including the best-selling Retail Power Plays. He also has experience within the charitable sector as chair of The HRH The Prince of Wales’s Social Enterprises.
Commenting on his appointment Jary said: “It is now increasingly acknowledged by the food industry that the era of cheap food and unsustainable supply chain practices is coming to an end. The Fairtrade model is even more relevant than ever. Rather than being a choice, I am convinced that fair trade will become a necessity for ensuring food quality and security.”
Jary will work closely with Michael Gidney, chief executive of the Fairtrade Foundation, who recently unveiled the foundation’s new three-year Unlocking the Power strategy.
Never Miss a Retail Update!Gidney said: “Fairtrade will celebrate 20 years of products carrying the Fairtrade Mark in the UK next year. Whilst Fairtrade has made real progress in building consumer demand and business engagement in tackling poverty through trade, we are now calling on companies to take a step further through innovation and new strategies that put producers at the heart of their supply chains.
“There couldn’t be a better time for Michael, as a highly experienced strategist, to bring his leadership into our thinking. I look forward to working with him to deliver our ambitious business plans that will unlock the potential of Fairtrade to deliver even greater impact for millions of farmers and workers around the world.”
Jary replaces the outgoing chair, David Clayton-Smith, who is standing down after completing his six-year commitment as a trustee. Clayton-Smith will continue to play a role in the foundation as a recently elected member of the Board of Fairtrade International.
