Our spokespeople

We can provide expert commentary and interviewees on international trade and development.

We can also put you in touch with Fairtrade producers, campaigners or commercial organisations.

Please contact the media team on tel: +44 (0)20 7440 7692 or via email: media@fairtrade.org.uk.

Michael Gidney, Chief Executive

Michael has worked in international development for 20 years, with a particular focus on reducing poverty and developing small enterprise by helping producers identify and access markets.

This has led him to believe that there is no better model for ending poverty than through enabling fairer trade and that Fairtrade, when it works well, can be transformational.

Before joining the Fairtrade Foundation in 2009, Michael spent eight years as Director of Policy at Traidcraft. At Traidcraft he led their research and advocacy programme on issues including international trade policy, corporate accountability, competition and responsible sourcing.     

Kerrina Thorogood, Director, Partnerships

Kerrina has over 15 years’ experience of securing and stewarding award-winning strategic partnerships in the charity sector. As a creative and strategic thinker, she has a track history of challenging businesses to think about where they are uniquely placed to have an impact in partnership.

She joined Fairtrade Foundation from WWF-UK, where she led a team delivering successes for the private sector and the planet, including partnerships with Coca-Cola, John West, Reckitt, Aviva, Sky and Tesco.

Previously Kerrina worked at Breakthrough Breast Cancer securing strategic, sponsorship and marketing partnerships. Her work in the charity sector was preceded by a career working for the Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, promoting Japan to British multinationals as a market for foreign investment.

Other spokespeople

A variety of Fairtrade Foundation spokespeople are also available to speak on a range of themes relating to Fairtrade and our work.

Their areas of expertise include: Fairtrade supply chains; sustainable sourcing; trade justice; human rights and environmental due diligence; climate policy; commercial partnerships; UK campaigns; and international programmes.

Campaigns and groups

Spokespeople from the Campaigns Team are available to talk about national and regional campaigns and events, as well as Fairtrade towns, schools, faith groups and organisations.

Please contact the media team on tel: +44 (0)20 7440 7692 or via email: media@fairtrade.org.uk.