Pablo Ramirez

Pablo is a seasoned professional with a rich background in agricultural and supply chain management. His academic journey began in Colombia with a degree in Animal Science, focusing on the Financial Evaluation of Agricultural Projects. This education laid the groundwork for his understanding of the financial dynamics in agriculture. Pablo's early career saw him involved in the coffee, dairy, and aquaculture supply chains through work with international and local NGOs, where he addressed environmental issues and boosted productivity. His expanding expertise led him to pursue further education in the U.S., earning an MBA from the University of Illinois and a Master of Agribusiness from Texas A&M. These qualifications enriched his business skills and deepened his grasp of the agricultural sector. He then gained experience in the U.S. soy and beef supply chains, managing complex networks.

Pablo's career trajectory includes pivotal roles at Starbucks, where he managed ethical sourcing programs, and at Winrock International as the Director of Blended Finance, leading coffee and cacao programs in West Africa and southeast Asia. His tenure at Starbucks was marked by his significant contributions to the development and implementation of sourcing standards, as well as managing the Global Farmer Fund. At Chipotle Mexican Grill, as the Director of Procurement, he oversaw global procurement and responsible sourcing. Pablo's influence was also evident in his leadership in the USDA's Cacao for Development (C4D) project, involving a $25 million investment in Colombia. He managed a team of 69, reaching 74 producer organizations and impacting around 6,000 individuals over 12,000 hectares. His career is distinguished by his deep understanding of agricultural systems, commitment to sustainability, and efforts to improve farmer livelihoods, making him a respected figure in the industry. For more details, Pablo's professional journey and accomplishments can be further explored on his LinkedIn page.