Farm Africa CEO Nicolas Mounard announces resignation

25 September 2019

Nicolas Mounard has announced that he is stepping down as chief executive at Farm Africa to take up the role of Global Director of Farmer Services for Barry Callebaut, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products.

Announcing his resignation, Nicolas said:

“After almost four years, it’s time for me to take a new challenge and to go back to the world of cocoa that I love. I will look at the last years with a deep feeling of pride, not only for the dramatic growth of our programme portfolio, not only for the new projects, new country, or the impact generated by that growth, but first and foremost a feeling of pride for the amazing work delivered by our team in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, DRC and the UK.

“I will take what I’ve learnt with me and will try my best to make the most of it in my future work with cocoa farmers. A massive thank you to the trustees for their continuous support, to the team for their dedication and to our donors and supporters for their trust.”

John Reizenstein, chair of Farm Africa, said:

“On behalf of Farm Africa’s board of trustees, I extend huge thanks to Nicolas for his contribution and leadership during his tenure as CEO. Nicolas developed Farm Africa’s inspirational strategic plan covering the period 2016 to 2020, based on the three pillars of agricultural expertise, management and preservation of ecosystems, and the power of business to drive prosperity.

“Under Nicolas’ leadership the organisation has deepened its technical expertise and achieved significant increases in its geographic footprint, the number of farmers reached and income. Nicolas has played a vital role in developing innovative market-led approaches to enabling marginalised communities to increase their incomes, sustainably manage natural resources and build their resilience to climate change. He leaves Farm Africa in a strong position for future growth in driving agricultural and environmental change to improve lives.”

Nicolas will remain in post until 1 November, after which time Farm Africa Director of Resources Mike Saxton will assume the position of Interim CEO.

Farm Africa’s board of trustees has appointed Odgers Berndtson to manage the recruitment of a new CEO.