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
President
Roopa is a graduate with a major in Economics and holds a Master degree in Business Administration from the University of Delhi. She has additional qualifications in Social Communication. In her earlier career graph, Roopa has worked in the Hospitality and Merchandising sectors. Currently she is heading a Fair Trade Enterprise, Sasha Association for Craft Producers.
A chance meeting with the founder of a Fair Trade Enterprise in Calcutta drew Roopa to the alternative business model which assured artisans their rightful place in the supply chain and sustainable livelihoods with dignity while respecting their traditions, culture and inherent generational skills.
Roopa speaks Hindi and English fluently. When not working, she is an avid reader, listens to Indian and Western Classical Music, meditates, devours films and enjoys spending time with her family.
Sophie Tack
president
Sophie works as a director in Oxfam-Magasins du monde, leading the department focused on research, campaigns, partnerships, education and communication. She is also a member of the board of Directors of the Fair Trade Advocacy Office, and chaires the Fair Trade group in Oxfam-International. She studied International Politics and Development Cooperation at the University of Ghent (Belgium).
Sophie has been working in Fair Trade for more than 20 years. To her, inequalities and injustices need to be tackled, and Fair Trade is a wonderful tool to make a difference. She is just passionate about people and planet.
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
Treasurer
WFTO Africa And Middle East Board Regional Representative
Pieter has been working in the development field for over 30 years with a specific focus on entrepreneurship and social enterprise development. Pieter is also the co-owner of Turqle Trading, a WFTO Fair Trade Enterprise.
Pieter is a firm believer in “being the change you want to see in the world”. Fair Trade Enterprises provide the perfect home where this philosophy can be put into practise on a daily basis.
Outside of work, Pieter’s other passions are food and wine – cooking and sharing with family and friends. He also loves watching sports and participating in extreme endurance events.
Luis Heller
WFTO Latin America Board regional representative
Luis is the Sustainability Manager at Allpa, a Peruvian WFTO-verified Fair Trade Enterprise. Luis is also part of the WFTO LA Board and represents the WFTO Global board in the International Fair Trade Towns Steering Committee. As an administrator in the private sector, he decided to move in 2003 to the Fair Trade sector to apply his expertise on it and show how Fair Trade products and artisans can compete in the global market.
Luis believe strongly in equality and justice in the world and the need to confront the lack of them uniting people to get it. He believes that Fair Trade is a positive answer to this struggle.
In his free time, Luis enjoys reading, listening to music and collecting art with his companion and mascots.
Sunil chitrakar
WFTO Asia Board Regional Representative
Sunil had 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 is one of the best ways of empowering people economically and socially to brings sustained change.
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.
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
Board Member (Independent)
Giorgio graduated in Modern History and because of his experience as a trainer for adults on social, environmental and intercultural issues, he decided to get back to university to deepen his studies and obtain a second Degree in Education Sciences. After many years working in International Cooperation, he then decided to move from training to practise, and that’s why he chose to work in Fair Trade.
Giorgio’s youthful interest in cultures and travels quickly became a passion for International Cooperation. His studies and field experience made him aware of the root cause of global injustice and unfair economy. When in 1992 he met Fair Trade, he understood that it was the right way to work on them.
Giorgio’s free time is for travel, hiking in the mountains, reading, friends and of course family. Giorgio speaks English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and naturally Italian, most of them learned on the road.
Swapan Kumar Das
BOARD MEMBER (INDEPENDENT)
In today’s global landscape, it is imperative that both producers and consumers embrace ethical and equitable production and consumption practises alike. This commitment is vital to foster a sense of shared responsibility and mutual care among individuals and communities worldwide. As a dedicated advocate for fair trade principles, I have studied business and am committed to actively promoting and practicing these values to contribute to the creation of a more just and sustainable global marketplace.
Nearly two decades ago, I embarked on a journey in the fair trade industry with the mission of effectively promoting an alternative trading system. My commitment to this cause has remained steadfast ever since.
Getting involved in sectoral associations and networking. There are three languages those are required to be used.
Indro Dasgupta
Board Member (Independent)
Indro is Director of Craft Resource Center (CRC), India and previously served as Principal Economist for 17 years at Mary Kay Inc., Dallas, Texas. Indro earned his Ph.D. in Economics from Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, where he also teaches as Adjunct Professor in Economics. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from University of Calcutta and a Master’s degree in Economics from the Delhi School of Economics.
Indro’s passion for Fair Trade started in 1993 when he did a study on the impact of “Alternative Trade in Rural India” as part of his Master’s degree. Seeing the positive impact of Fair Trade, since then Indro has been an ardent supporter and practitioner of Fair Trade.
Outside of work, Indro loves watching movies and listening to world music. He speaks English, Bengali and Hindi fluently, and he hopes to be fluent in Spanish some day.
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 EUROPE
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WFTO REGIONAL OFFICES
- WFTO ASIA
- WFTO AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST
- WFTO LATIN AMERICA
- WFTO EUROPE
COUNTRY PLATFORMS
- Ecuador
- Peru
NETWORKS
- 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.
- Monitoring OfficerView PDFMonitoring Officer
Consultancies
There are currently no vacancies available.
- Chalet Coordinator for Christmas MarketView PDFChalet Coordinator for Christmas Market
- Consultancy Offer - MADE51 East Africa Project Management ConsultantView PDFConsultancy Offer - MADE51 East Africa Project Management Consultant
- MADE51 Buying & Merchandising ConsultantView PDFMADE51 Buying & Merchandising Consultant
- MADE51 Public Relations freelance consultantView 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.
- Communications Student - InternshipView PDFCommunications Student - Internship
WFTO Asia
There are currently no vacancies available.
- Communications Student - InternshipView PDFCommunications Student - Internship
WFTO Europe
There are currently no vacancies available.
- Internship in Communication & AdvocacyView PDFInternship in Communication & Advocacy
- Internship in Project Management & FundraisingView 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.
- Startup Lions Assets Kenya: Financial DirectorView DetailsStartup Lions Assets Kenya: Financial Director
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Jobs and internships
There are currently no vacancies available.
- Monitoring OfficerView PDFMonitoring Officer
Consultancies
There are currently no vacancies available.
- Chalet Coordinator for Christmas MarketView PDFChalet Coordinator for Christmas Market
- Consultancy Offer - MADE51 East Africa Project Management ConsultantView PDFConsultancy Offer - MADE51 East Africa Project Management Consultant
- MADE51 Buying & Merchandising ConsultantView PDFMADE51 Buying & Merchandising Consultant
- MADE51 Public Relations freelance consultantView PDFMADE51 Public Relations freelance consultant
WFTO Africa & Middle East
There are currently no vacancies available.
- Communications Student - InternshipView PDFCommunications Student - Internship
WFTO Asia
There are currently no vacancies available.
- Communications Student - InternshipView PDFCommunications Student - Internship
WFTO Europe
There are currently no vacancies available.
- Internship in Communication & AdvocacyView PDFInternship in Communication & Advocacy
- Internship in Project Management & FundraisingView PDFInternship in Project Management & Fundraising
Job Openings of WFTO Members
There are currently no vacancies available.
- Startup Lions Assets Kenya: Financial DirectorView DetailsStartup Lions Assets Kenya: Financial Director
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Contact
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- +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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