Our Team and Governance
Our Team and Governance
Guided by passion and expertise, our diverse team drives our mission with unwavering dedication. Transparent governance and democratic decision-making, are at the heart of our organisation, ensuring that every member's voice is heard and valued.
Our team comprises individuals with a wide range of skills and backgrounds, coming together with a shared purpose: to advance our mission of advocating for a new economic system that puts people and planet before profit. We celebrate diversity and actively seek perspectives that challenge and enrich our thinking.
Our Team
THE BOARD
WFTO is democratically run by its members on a one-(full guaranteed)member-one-vote basis. The Board and President are elected by the members, who also vote on the strategy, budgets and updates to our Fair Trade Principles, together with any other major change to the organisation.
Roopa Mehta
Sophie Tack
president
During her free time, Sophie likes to dance, walk, do yoga, listen to music, read books, and enjoy spending time with family and friends.She speaks Dutch, French and English, and she is working on her Spanish skills.
Chris Solt
Vice-president
WFTO Pacific Board Regional Representative
Chris works as the Executive Director for the Fair Trade Federation, a network member of the WFTO in the US and Canada. Beforehand, he worked for Ten Thousand Villages for 10 years as a Regional Director, Training Manager, and finally the Director of Training and Development. He completed a Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Social Science at Cleveland State University, and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership with a Graduate Certificate in Human Resources from Southern New Hampshire University.
Chris originally developed a passion for Fair Trade on a trip through Canada in 1998, where he was introduced to Ten Thousand Villages, which led him to develop a strong passion for alternative economies rooted in restorative justice.
Chris is a lifelong musician and plays many instruments. He loves playing tennis, hiking, bicycling, hiking, kayaking, cooking, gardening, traveling, and spending time with his dog, Teddy the Carin Terrier.
Swapan Kumar Das
Treasurer
Board Member (Independent)
Swapan Kumar Das (MBA Finance and Accounting) began his career with the Mennonite Central Committee in the mid-1980s, working in agricultural extension services to motivate grassroots farmers in Bangladesh to cultivate soybeans and other new crops. Later, he transitioned to MCC’s employment creation program, where he held leadership roles in financial management, auditing, fund and grant management, administration, and human resource management. Since late 2010, Mr. Das has been working with Prokritee, a renowned Fair Trade Enterprise in Bangladesh.
Throughout his career, he has been actively involved with associations focused on social, ethical practices, and MSMEs. He served as the Chairperson of ECOTA Fair Trade, the country network, for nine consecutive years, as Vice-President of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) Asia for three years, as a Director of the Industry Skills Council (ISC) of the National Skills Development Authority (NSDA) in Bangladesh, and as an Independent Board Director on the WFTO Global Board.
Sunil Chitrakar
Secretary
WFTO Asia Board Regional Representative
Sunil started his career facilitating SMEs in their capacity building and later completed a PhD from Tribhuvan University in Entrepreneurship and Marketing. He runs Mahaguthi Craft with Conscience, a WFTO-verified Fair Trade enterprise as MD/CEO, and provides leadership to the Fair Trade Group Nepal as Chairperson. He has also been teaching social entrepreneurship at Nepal Open University and School of Management, Tribhuvan University.
He believes that Fair Trade as a social enterprise is one of the best ways of empowering people economically and socially to bring sustained change. He has been engaged in creating rural enterprises in Nepal.
His family name Chitrakar means painter and his traditional profession is ritual painting. During his free time, Sunil enjoys painting and cycling. He speaks Newari as his mother tongue along with Nepali and English.
Caterina Occhio
WFTO Europe Board Regional Representative
Caterina is an ESG and Sustainability Advisor specializing in luxury and fashion. She works with clients like Maison Alaïa, Chloé, and Aspesi, including supporting Chloé in becoming the first luxury brand to achieve B-Corp certification.
With a background in Geopolitics and International Relations, Caterina is a former EU and UN Development Aid Manager with over 15 years of experience. In these roles, she advised several EU and UN initiatives, including coordinating the UN social enterprise programs for the Mediterranean and the UN Ethical Fashion Initiative. Currently ESG advisor for UNIDO and partnership coordinator for UNHCR’s Made51 initiative.
Caterina is also a social entrepreneur and founder of SeeMe, an ethical jewelry brand employing women survivors of violence, and EthicaRei, the first certified ethical supplier network for fashion.
She has been a speaker at major conferences, including Condé Nast Luxury Conference and the Social Enterprise World Forum. Besides being a member of the Global Board of Directors of WFTO, Caternia is a Contributor to BoF, Harper’s Bazaar NL, and Vogue Italia.
Jette Lore Ladiges
Board Member (Independent)
As CEO of El Puente, Jette leads a Business committed to advancing Fair Trade practices and changing the rules of the economy. She also serves on the board of Forum Fairer Handel, advocating for Fair Trade and alternative business models in Germany.
Previously, Jette was the Partnerships Manager at the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), where she forged key partnerships and expanded global market opportunities for Fair Trade enterprises. Her earlier experience with TradeAid in New Zealand focused on product development and sales, giving her valuable insight into Fair Trade operations.
Falianja Manoarivelo Sariaka
WFTO Africa And Middle East Board Regional Representative
FALIANJA Manoarivelo Sariaka is a 32-year-old sustainable development activist based in Madagascar. She began her journey with WFTO by implementing the 10 Fair Trade Principles in the company where she works. Before becoming a member of the Global Board of Directors, she served as First Vice President of the Africa, Middle East and Turkey Region Board of Directors. Her journey began with an eight-month internship at Akanjo Madagascar, focusing on biodiversity inventory, which sparked her passion for corporate social responsibility (CSR). Recognized for her dedication, she was appointed CSR Manager, reinforcing her commitment to sustainable practices.
Currently a PhD student at the University of Antananarivo, her research explores how CSR approaches can effectively contribute to local development in Madagascar. As CSR and Compliance Director of a textile company in Antananarivo, she integrates social, environmental, and economic responsibility into the company’s DNA, advocating for the well-being of its 4,100 local employees.
In addition to her roles within WFTO and GEFP, she is involved in an innovative CSR Master’s program in the Indian Ocean region, enabling young professionals to learn sustainable management.
Selyna Peiris
Board Member (Independent)
Selyna Peiris (Attorney-at-Law) is a social entrepreneur and is Director of Business Development at Selyn, Sri Lanka’s only fair trade handloom company and one of the country’s largest social enterprises. She is also Director – Selyn Foundation and co-creator of the #BleedGood movement, a multi-stakeholder collaborative platform to end period poverty in Sri Lanka.
As a policy specialist and proven development practitioner, she is also Co-Founder and Partner at Positive Impact Consultancy and The Institute for Future Creations. She has previously worked for the Government of Sri Lanka and continues to sit in many high-level advisory committees for government, international organizations, and private sector entities.
As a youth activist, she has spear-headed and worked along many movements working towards a racism free Sri Lanka and continues to be a strong advocate for equitable development especially for the women of Sri Lanka.
Sugel Rocio Chavez Ugarte
WFTO Latin America Board regional representative
Sugel is a psychologist with a specialization in human resources and training in project management. She works as the project coordinator at Raymisa SAC and is a member of the regional board of WFTO Latin America.
With 12 years of experience in Project and Sustainability Coordination, she oversees projects developed by Raymisa in collaboration with artisan producers. Through her work, she has become actively involved in the Fair Trade movement, where she has discovered that ethical business practices are not only possible but are fundamentally rooted in the work with producers
In her free time, Sugel enjoys listening to music, running, going to the beach, and spending time with her family. She is a native Spanish speaker and also speaks English.
Swapan Kumar Das
Treasurer
Board Member (Independent)
Swapan Kumar Das (MBA Finance and Accounting) began his career with the Mennonite Central Committee in the mid-1980s, working in agricultural extension services to motivate grassroots farmers in Bangladesh to cultivate soybeans and other new crops. Later, he transitioned to MCC’s employment creation program, where he held leadership roles in financial management, auditing, fund and grant management, administration, and human resource management. Since late 2010, Mr. Das has been working with Prokritee, a renowned Fair Trade Enterprise in Bangladesh.
Throughout his career, he has been actively involved with associations focused on social, ethical practices, and MSMEs. He served as the Chairperson of ECOTA Fair Trade, the country network, for nine consecutive years, as Vice-President of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) Asia for three years, as a Director of the Industry Skills Council (ISC) of the National Skills Development Authority (NSDA) in Bangladesh, and as an Independent Board Director on the WFTO Global Board.
Pieter Swart
WFTO Africa And Middle East Board Regional Representative
Luis Heller
Sunil chitrakar
Chris Solt
Vice-president
WFTO Pacific Board Regional Representative
Chris works as the Executive Director for the Fair Trade Federation, a network member of the WFTO in the US and Canada. Beforehand, he worked for Ten Thousand Villages for 10 years as a Regional Director, Training Manager, and finally the Director of Training and Development. He completed a Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Social Science at Cleveland State University, and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership with a Graduate Certificate in Human Resources from Southern New Hampshire University.
Chris originally developed a passion for Fair Trade on a trip through Canada in 1998, where he was introduced to Ten Thousand Villages, which led him to develop a strong passion for alternative economies rooted in restorative justice.
Chris is a lifelong musician and plays many instruments. He loves playing tennis, hiking, bicycling, hiking, kayaking, cooking, gardening, traveling, and spending time with his dog, Teddy the Carin Terrier.
Giorgio Dal Fiume
Swapan Kumar Das
BOARD MEMBER (INDEPENDENT)
Indro Dasgupta
WFTO REGIONAL OFFICES, NETWORKS & Platforms
WFTO Global works closely with regional representation to ensure a strong and inclusive Fair Trade movement at both global and local levels. Recognising the diverse contexts and challenges faced by Fair Trade Enterprises across different regions, WFTO collaborates with regional networks and organisations to address specific regional needs and promote the values represented by our 10 Fair Trade Principles worldwide.
WFTO LATIN AMERICA
Weltladen - Dachwerband
THE ORGANISATION OF SWEDISH FAIR TRADE RETAILERS
SCOTTISH FAIR TRADE FORUM
KOREA FAIR TRADE ORGANIZATION(KFTO)
FORUM FAIRER HANDEL
FORUM FAIR TRADE INDONESIA (FFTI)
FINNISH ASSOCIATION OF WORLDSHOPS
FEDERATION ARTISANS DU MONDE
FAIRTRADE CZECH REPUBLIC AND SLOVAKIA
FAIR-BAND-BUNDESVERBAND FUR FAIREN IMPORT UND VERTRIEB
FAIR TRADE GROUP NEPAL(FTGN)
FAIR TRADE FEDERATION
FAIR TRADE DENMARK
FAIR TRADE ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND (FTAANZ)
EUROPEAN FAIR TRADE ASSOCIATION (EFTA)
EQUO GARANTITO
ECOTA NATIONAL FAIR TRADE NETWORK OF BANGLEDESH
COORDINADORA ESTATAL DE COMERCIO JUSTO-CECJ
COMMERCE EQUITABLE FRANCE
BELGIAN FAIR TRADE FEDERATION (BFTF)
BAFTS - BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR FAIR TRAD SHOPS AND SUPPLIERS
ASSOCIAZIONE BOTTEGH DEL MONDO ITALIA
ASSOCIATION ROMANDE DES MAGASINS DU MONDE(ASRO)
FAIR TRADE FORUM INDIA(FTFI)
ARBEITSGEMEINSCHAFT ZUR FOERDERUNG DE WETLAEDEN (ARGE)
WFTO EUROPEVisit Website
- WFTO ASIA
- WFTO AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST
- WFTO LATIN AMERICA
- WFTO EUROPE
- Ecuador
- Peru
- ARBEITSGEMEINSCHAFT ZUR FOERDERUNG DE WETLAEDEN (ARGE)
- FAIR TRADE FORUM INDIA(FTFI)
- ASSOCIATION ROMANDE DES MAGASINS DU MONDE(ASRO)
- ASSOCIAZIONE BOTTEGH DEL MONDO ITALIA
- BAFTS - BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR FAIR TRAD SHOPS AND SUPPLIERS
- BELGIAN FAIR TRADE FEDERATION (BFTF)
- COMMERCE EQUITABLE FRANCE
- COORDINADORA ESTATAL DE COMERCIO JUSTO-CECJ
- ECOTA NATIONAL FAIR TRADE NETWORK OF BANGLEDESH
- EQUO GARANTITO
- EUROPEAN FAIR TRADE ASSOCIATION (EFTA)
- FAIR TRADE ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND (FTAANZ)
- FAIR TRADE DENMARK
- FAIR TRADE FEDERATION
- FAIR TRADE GROUP NEPAL(FTGN)
- FAIR-BAND-BUNDESVERBAND FUR FAIREN IMPORT UND VERTRIEB
- FAIRTRADE CZECH REPUBLIC AND SLOVAKIA
- FEDERATION ARTISANS DU MONDE
- FINNISH ASSOCIATION OF WORLDSHOPS
- FORUM FAIR TRADE INDONESIA (FFTI)
- FORUM FAIRER HANDEL
- KOREA FAIR TRADE ORGANIZATION(KFTO)
- SCOTTISH FAIR TRADE FORUM
- THE ORGANISATION OF SWEDISH FAIR TRADE RETAILERS
- Weltladen - Dachwerband
Careers
At WFTO, we are committed to reshaping the global economic landscape and promoting fair business practises with an environmental- and people-centric approach. Whether you consider yourself a passionate advocate for social justice, a skilled professional seeking purposeful work, or a visionary seeking to make a difference, we want to hear from you! Please check the open vacancies available below.
Work with us
Join us in creating a world where trade is a force for transformation in the current economic system.
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WFTO Global office
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Jobs and internships
There are currently no vacancies available.
- View PDFMonitoring Officer
Consultancies
There are currently no vacancies available.
- View PDFChalet Coordinator for Christmas Market
- View PDFConsultancy Offer - MADE51 East Africa Project Management Consultant
- View PDFMADE51 Buying & Merchandising Consultant
- View PDFMADE51 Public Relations freelance consultant
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WFTO Regional offices
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WFTO Africa & Middle East
There are currently no vacancies available.
- View PDFCommunications Student - Internship
WFTO Asia
There are currently no vacancies available.
- View PDFCommunications Student - Internship
WFTO Europe
There are currently no vacancies available.
- View PDFInternship in Communication & Advocacy
- View PDFInternship in Project Management & Fundraising
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WFTO Members
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Job Openings of WFTO Members
There are currently no vacancies available.
- View DetailsStartup Lions Assets Kenya: Financial Director
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Jobs and internships
There are currently no vacancies available.
- View PDFMonitoring Officer
Consultancies
There are currently no vacancies available.
- View PDFChalet Coordinator for Christmas Market
- View PDFConsultancy Offer - MADE51 East Africa Project Management Consultant
- View PDFMADE51 Buying & Merchandising Consultant
- View PDFMADE51 Public Relations freelance consultant
WFTO Africa & Middle East
There are currently no vacancies available.
- View PDFCommunications Student - Internship
WFTO Asia
There are currently no vacancies available.
- View PDFCommunications Student - Internship
WFTO Europe
There are currently no vacancies available.
- View PDFInternship in Communication & Advocacy
- View PDFInternship in Project Management & Fundraising
Job Openings of WFTO Members
There are currently no vacancies available.
- View DetailsStartup Lions Assets Kenya: Financial Director
ANBI Non-Profit Status
Contact
- Parallelweg West 9A, 4104 AX Culemborg, The Netherlands
- +31649086439
- info@wfto.com
If you want to contact any of our staff members (not Board) please write to the First Name (ex: Paul)@wfto.com
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