Fairtrade International, the global non-profit, multistakeholder organisation that makes trade fairer for farmers and workers throughout the world, is pleased to announce the appointment of Lisa Prassack as its new Chief Executive Officer effective 7 April 2025.

Lisa has more than 20 years of experience in leading global agrifood and fibre companies to optimize engagement, sourcing, trade flows, and digital and sustainable supply chains. She has worked with clients such as Bayer, Bosch, BP, Danone, Dole, Eurofins, Manulife, Nutrien, The Nature Conservancy, and Trader Joes. 

Lisa also has a passion for advancing the future of agriculture and serving farmers and their member cooperative organisations.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to join Fairtrade International in Bonn and lead the organisation and its members into the next era as we develop and implement our new global strategy,” Lisa said.   

Lisa will succeed Melissa Duncan, currently serving as Managing Director of Fairtrade International since December 2024 when Fairtrade implemented a single leadership model. Melissa will work with Lisa during her induction period.   

“Lisa is a result driven leader with a strong strategic vision who will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to Fairtrade,” said Laurence Tanty, the Chair of the Fairtrade International Board. “Her ability to navigate complexity and problem solve in global supply chains makes her the ideal candidate to lead Fairtrade now and in the future.” 

Lisa is an American citizen. She earned a bachelor’s degree from The Pennsylvania State University and attended the MBA program at the University of Chicago.

Fairtrade would like to thank Hagen Schweinitz and Astrid Jakubass for their contribution in supporting Fairtrade’s global recruitment process.