Fairtrade CEO Lisa Prassack to step down in October

GLOBAL – Fairtrade International announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Lisa Prassack, will step down from her role effective 7 October 2025.

The Board of Fairtrade International confirmed the transition and emphasized that the organisation’s commitment to ensuring secure and sustainable livelihoods for producers remains unchanged.

The Board has appointed Marike Runneboom de Peña as interim CEO. De Peña is no stranger to the Fairtrade system, having worked with small producers in the Dominican Republic for more than 35 years. She has also served in governance roles across Fairtrade organisations worldwide.

In a statement, Fairtrade International noted its trust in her leadership. “We are confident in her knowledge and ability to guide the organisation during this transition,” the Board said. 

The statement also expressed gratitude to Prassack, who has served as CEO since April 2025. “We thank Lisa for her contributions and service to Fairtrade International and its members.”

Prassack’s exit comes after only six months at the helm. Although brief, her time in office coincided with a period of heightened global attention on sustainable sourcing and the need to protect producer incomes amid fluctuating market conditions.

De Peña’s appointment signals continuity during a sensitive moment. She has worked closely with farmer cooperatives in Latin America, where Fairtrade has deep roots. Her experience is expected to provide reassurance to producers, many of whom rely on Fairtrade certification for market access.

Similar leadership changes have occurred in other international certification bodies in recent years. For instance, Rainforest Alliance went through a leadership reshuffle in 2023 as it sought to strengthen its market position and expand farmer support programs. 

Analysts note that such transitions reflect the growing complexity of sustainability standards and the rising expectations from both producers and global buyers.

 Fairtrade International now faces the challenge of maintaining trust with its network while also adapting to fast-changing trade dynamics. Industry watchers argue that strong leadership will be critical. 

“The credibility of certification bodies rests not only on their standards but also on their ability to deliver stability for farmers and workers,” said one sustainability analyst.

The organisation has assured stakeholders that its long-term vision will not shift despite the leadership change. With De Peña stepping in, Fairtrade expects to provide stability until the Board makes a permanent appointment.

As the October transition approaches, many producers and partners will watch closely. The leadership shift comes at a time when global supply chains remain under pressure, making Fairtrade’s role in protecting farmers more important than ever.

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