As SAI Platform moves forward with the implementation of its 2025-2030 Strategy, the organisation is strengthening its governance to ensure it remains well positioned to deliver its long-term ambitions. 

Approved by members in 2024, the 2030 Strategy sets a clear direction for SAI Platform and its role in accelerating the transition to more resilient and sustainable agri-food production and sourcing. With the organisation continuing to grow in scale, influence and strategic relevance, its governance is evolving to reflect the needs of the organisation and the objectives set for the upcoming years.  

As part of this evolution, SAI Platform’s Executive Committee has transitioned to a Board with a more strategic and advisory role. Drawing on the experience of senior leaders from across the global agri-food value chain, the Board will provide insight and guidance to help inform SAI Platform’s strategic direction and support the organisation in delivering its 2030 ambitions. 

“SAI Platform has reached an important point in its evolution. We have a clear strategy for 2030, and our focus is on turning that strategy into practical outcomes for our members”, commented Dionys Forster, Director General at SAI Platform. “Our new Board brings together valuable experience from across the food and agriculture sector to provide strategic perspective as we navigate an increasingly complex environment and translate our strategy into action.”  

The new Board is led by Yves Leclerc, Senior Director Global Agronomy and Planet Friendly Practices at McCain Foods, as President, alongside Andre Eitner, Director Regenerative Agriculture and Climate at PepsiCo as Vice President and Andrew Utterback, Director for Global Sustainable and Regenerative Agriculture at Ingredion as Treasurer. 

“The next frontier for regenerative agriculture is turning ambition into accessible, scalable action. As SAI Platform, our goal is to build the common foundations that make that possible by aligning the agri-food sector around shared goals, credible measurement and practical solutions that empower farmers and deliver impact at scale.”

Yves Leclerc, Senior Director Global Agronomy and Planet Friendly Practices, McCain Foods

The Board members are:  

• Pascal Chapot, Group Head of Sustainable Agriculture Development at Nestlé 

• Andre Eitner, Director Regenerative Agriculture and& Climate at PepsiCo 

• Sophie Godier, Chief Sustainability Officer at Soufflet Malt 

• Vanessa Harrer, Senior Director Global Impact Business, Ingredients and Packaging at Mondelēz International 

• Yves Leclerc, Senior Director, Global Agronomy and Planet Friendly Practices at McCain Foods 

• Juliana Meneses, Global Director of Sustainable Sourcing at Griffith Foods 

• Candy Siekmann, Director of Climate Smart Agriculture Origination EMEA at ADM 

• Andrew Utterback, Director, Global Sustainable Sourcing at Ingredion Incorporated 

• Anco van Schaik, Agriculture & Plant Based Director at Danone 

Together, the Board bring a range of expertise from across agricultural production and sourcing, as well as perspectives from different regions and parts of the agri-food value chain. This expertise will support SAI Platform as it works to align the industry and accelerate the adoption of regenerative agriculture globally. 

SAI Platform extends its sincere thanks to the outgoing Executive Committee members for their leadership and contributions over the past two years, which have built a strong foundation for the future.