The Fairtrade Foundation is pleased to announce that it has appointed two industry leaders, Sarah King and Sean O’Neill, to its Board of Trustees.
Sarah King brings with her many years of experience in brand strategy, marketing and communications for FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods), retail, not for profit and other sectors.
Sean O’Neill’s career spans more than 25 years working across public policy, government and regulatory affairs and sustainability, as well as corporate, brand and financial communications at C-suite and Executive Leadership Team level within major international corporations.
Welcoming the new Trustees, the Chair of the Fairtrade Foundation’s Board of Trustees, Lord Mark Price, said: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Sarah King and Sean O’Neill to our Board of Trustees. Both Sarah and Sean bring with them a wealth of experience, and have enormously valuable skills and expertise to offer to the Board. Their appointment comes at an exciting time for the Fairtrade Foundation, as we prepare to celebrate 30 years of the FAIRTRADE Mark in the UK, next year. We look forward to working alongside them.”
Sarah King: expertise in brands
Sarah has a formidable background in advertising and strategic insight from leading agencies working on global and local business. She offers expertise in brands and branding, having worked with brand owners, large and small, throughout her career. In addition, she brings understanding of social, political, economic and environmental change, and is committed to sustainability.
Sarah says: “My interest in sustainability has led me to seek out clients who understand the importance and interconnectedness of social and environmental issues in creating a more sustainable world. I admire Fairtrade as a movement that drives a more just and secure future for producers and I am delighted to be joining the Fairtrade Foundation here in the UK.
“I look forward to bringing the understanding I have gained of these issues and how people respond to them, along with my experience of brands, to the ongoing development of the Fairtrade Foundation.”
Sean O’Neill: leading sustainability frameworks
Throughout his career, Sean has been responsible for establishing and leading sustainability frameworks which has included the creation of partnerships and engagement models with a diverse range of organisations reflecting key ESG focus areas.
A key element of these sustainability frameworks has been local sourcing initiatives across Africa, Asia and the Caribbean, providing a first-hand view of the incredible impact this approach to sourcing has on individuals and communities.
Commenting on his appointment, Sean said: “The first mile of the supply and value chain is the most critical part of a product’s life but is too often the least recognised and rewarded. Supporting producers, their families and the communities in which they live is not only fundamental to our food security but is essential in helping to mitigate the impact of climate change and alleviating poverty. There is much still to do and I am looking forward to working with my Board colleagues to support the incredible work of the whole organisation in growing the scale, scope and impact of Fairtrade.”
Alongside his executive roles, Sean has been Chair of the global drinks industry’s two main bodies, served on international investment groups and acted as Trustee of local and international charities.
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For more information please contact Tomilola Ajayi, senior media and communications manager: Tomilola.ajayi@fairtrade.org.uk