The World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) today announced the appointment of Mariette Verbruggen as its new VP Corporate Affairs.
Abidjan, 21 September 2023 — Mariette brings a wealth of experience and expertise in corporate communications, sustainability and stakeholder engagement within the cocoa sector, making her a valuable addition to the WCF team.
Prior to joining the World Cocoa Foundation, Mariette served as the Director of Global Communications at Cargill, one of the world's leading food companies. During her time at Cargill, she played a pivotal role in shaping the global communication strategies for its cocoa and chocolate business.
Commenting on Mariette Verbruggen's appointment, Chris Vincent, President of the World Cocoa Foundation, said, "We are delighted to welcome Mariette to the World Cocoa Foundation. Her extensive communications experience in the cocoa sector signifies a significant step forward in strengthening WCF’s ability to drive positive sustainability change in the cocoa and chocolate sector. Mariette will also play an important role in strengthening our stakeholder engagement programme”, Vincent concluded.
At the World Cocoa Foundation, Verbruggen will lead the Corporate Affairs team in advancing the organisation's mission to create an equitable and thriving cocoa sector. She will be responsible for overseeing WCF's global communications strategy and stakeholder engagement; articulating a vision for sustainability in the cocoa sector and driving the strategy priorities of the WCF.
In expressing her feelings about her new appointment Verbruggen states that, "I am honoured and humbled to be a part of the World Cocoa Foundation. Driving change in a sector as complex as cocoa can only happen through an informed debate about the challenges we face. I hope that WCF continues to be a leading industry voice for cocoa sustainability while contributing to achieving meaningful impact across the cocoa value chain.”
In addition to her corporate accomplishments, Mariette also serves as a Board Member of the Royal Netherlands Tennis Association and is part of the Gender Equality in Tennis committee of Tennis Europe. Her contributions to the sports community underscore her commitment to fostering collaboration and organisational growth on both local and international levels.
About the World Cocoa Foundation:
The World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) is an international membership organisation representing the global cocoa and chocolate sectors. Its members include farmer cooperatives, cocoa processors, chocolate manufacturers, supply chain companies and other companies worldwide.
WCF’s vision is to be a catalyst for a thriving and equitable cocoa sector that is collaborating to improve farmer income, reverse deforestation and combat child labour. WCF’s unique position at the centre of the cocoa and chocolate sector enables it to create strategic relationships and collaborative programmes with cocoa farming communities, governments and civil society, which deliver transformative impact and systemic reform.
For more information, visit www.worldcocoafoundation.org or contact Nikole Ottolia, email: media@worldcocoa.org
