Former Farm Africa CEO and Barry Callebaut sustainability executive brings more than two decades of experience across global agricultural supply chains 

NEW YORK, September 14, 2026 — The Rainforest Alliance today announced the appointment of Nicolas Mounard as Chief Commercial Officer, joining the organization’s Executive Leadership Team and leading its global commercial strategy, partnerships, and market engagement. 

Mounard brings more than two decades of experience spanning the private sector and international development, with a career focused on making agricultural supply chains more sustainable while creating value for farmers and businesses. 

Most recently, he served as Vice President of ESG, Sustainability & Traceability at Barry Callebaut, where he led the company’s global sustainability agenda, including its Forever Chocolate program, and its work on sustainability regulations and supply chain traceability. He joined Barry Callebaut in 2019 and previously served as Global Director of Farmer Services and Vice President of Sustainability & Farming. 

“Nicolas brings a rare combination of commercial experience, sustainability leadership, and a deep understanding of agricultural supply chains from farm to market,” said Santiago Gowland, Chief Executive Officer of the Rainforest Alliance. “He understands both the realities facing farmers and the pressures facing companies, and he has spent his career building partnerships that connect the two. As we look to expand our impact, his leadership will be critical to strengthening the market relationships that can turn sustainability ambition into change at scale.” 

Before joining Barry Callebaut, Mounard was Chief Executive Officer of Farm Africa, where he led the organization’s work supporting farmers and sustainable agricultural development across eastern Africa. Earlier in his career, he served as Managing Director of Twin & Twin Trading and Chief Executive Officer of Alter Eco, building partnerships across both the private sector and institutional donors. 

At the Rainforest Alliance, Mounard will lead the organization’s commercial work at a time when companies are navigating increased reporting requirements, regulatory challenges, and increasing pressure to build more resilient and transparent supply chains. He will oversee ongoing efforts to deepen existing partnerships, develop new market opportunities, and connect the Rainforest Alliance’s work with farmers and forest communities to the companies and markets that can help drive change at scale. 

“I have always looked for opportunities that bring together three things: growth, transformation, and impact,” said Mounard. “I can think of few organizations where those three come together as clearly as they do at the Rainforest Alliance. The organization has a unique ability to connect what happens on farms and in forests with the companies and markets that can help transform entire sectors. I’m excited to join the team and work with our partners to grow that impact.” 

Nicolas is based in Paris and holds an MBA from ESSEC Business School. 

The Rainforest Alliance is an international nonprofit organization working to protect nature and improve the lives of farm and forest communities. Active in 64 countries, we bring together local communities, companies, governments, civil society, and consumers to tackle deforestation, advance sustainable and regenerative agriculture, strengthen livelihoods, and build more resilient global supply chains. Our work spans certification, landscape and community programs, and advocacy, connecting action on farms and in forests with change in global markets. 

The Rainforest Alliance Certified seal now appears on 66,000 products across 172 countries, giving consumers around the world confidence that their purchases support thriving landscapes and communities where people and nature live in harmony. 

Christopher Kiernan
Senior Manager, Global Media Relations
Rainforest Alliance
[email protected]