Fairtrade International Appoints Lisa Prassack as New CEO
April 1 - 2025
Coffee Geography Magazine
Fairtrade International, the global non-profit multistakeholder organization advancing equitable trade for farmers and workers worldwide, has announced Lisa Prassack as its incoming Chief Executive Officer, effective 7 April 2025.
With over two decades of leadership experience optimizing global agrifood and fiber supply chains, Prassack brings expertise in sustainability, digital innovation, and stakeholder engagement. Her career includes transformative collaborations with industry leaders such as Bayer, Danone, Dole, and The Nature Conservancy, as well as retail innovators like Trader Joe’s.
“I am honored to join Fairtrade International at this pivotal moment,” said Prassack. “Together with our dedicated members, we will advance a bold global strategy to empower farmers and workers, strengthen resilient supply chains, and drive meaningful progress toward equity in trade.”
Prassack succeeds Melissa Duncan, who has served as Managing Director since December 2024 under Fairtrade’s streamlined leadership model. Duncan will support Prassack during the transition period to ensure continuity.
Laurence Tanty, Chair of the Fairtrade International Board, praised the appointment: “Lisa’s proven ability to navigate complex global systems and deliver results aligns perfectly with our mission. Her strategic vision and passion for sustainable solutions position Fairtrade to lead the next era of ethical trade.”
A U.S. national, Prassack holds a bachelor’s degree from The Pennsylvania State University and pursued graduate studies at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business.
The executive search was led by Eric Salmon Partners and Charvet & Co., firms specializing in global sustainability and nonprofit leadership recruitment.