Ambassadors
Ward has a passion for sustainability and supply chains. After working for Ahold Coffee Company, Ward decided to start his own company for Sustainability Consultancy and Interim Management in 2009.
Ward worked for years in the coffee business as Buyer, Manager of the Buying and Sourcing, Product Group Manager and, finally, as CEO. In 2001, Ward founded Utz Certified together with Nick Bocklandt. Founding Utz Certified and bringing certified coffee successfully to mainstream consumers has contributed to his experience and knowledge in sustainable concepts and their professional implementation.
Ward is very enthusiastic about the People 4 Earth initiative and is committed to introduce this new sustainability program to the community and to companies. "It is about time that consumers know where and how goods are produced. Transparency, full traceability and honest information for all people will lead to a sustainable earth". www.warddegroote.com
Mark has been involved in sustainability initiatives for over 15 years. He served as the first Program Director for CERES where he helped launch the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). He led the conservation campaign in Massachusetts that protected a record amount of land from commercial development and has helped as an advisor to Greenpeace US.
Wilko, an executive search manager, is always looking for the sustainable match between people's personal and business objectives. He specializes in food and agriculture.
