16 Aug 2023

Fairtrade International is pleased to welcome Laurence Tanty as Chair of the Fairtrade International Board

Laurence T website article 2

A seasoned international executive with over 30 years of experience in the Industrial and Consumer goods industries, Laurence Tanty has been a member of the Fairtrade International Board for over two years, and also sits on Fairtrade Belgium’s Board.

Laurence has worked for a variety of organisations including family and listed businesses, NGOs, as well as private equity, delivering on sustainable growth strategies and leading innovative business turnarounds. Laurence brings a multi-cultural perspective to senior leadership, which she developed over years of living and working across Europe and the Americas. She speaks fluent English, Spanish, German, French and Dutch.

“I am honoured to take on the role as Chair, and to play my part to serve this organisation and the two million Fairtrade certified farmers and workers across the world. In these challenging times of spiralling living costs, fast-changing economies and the increasingly devastating effect of climate change on farming communities, Fairtrade’s work is more relevant than ever. My ambition is that, in line with our global strategy, we build a world where fairness becomes the norm, where decent livelihoods are a reality, and where farming communities are able to thrive”, said Laurence.

Laurence’s appointment was made during a meeting of the Fairtrade International Board on 3 August, following the decision of former Chair, Lynette Thorstenson, to step down from the Board due to personal and professional circumstances.

“We thank Lynette for the dedication and commitment to the Fairtrade movement over the past three years. At the same time, we are delighted to welcome Laurence as our Board Chair, and look forward to benefitting from her leadership and expertise as we work to deliver a fairer future for all,” said Sandra Uwera Murasa, Fairtrade International’s Global CEO.