Fair Trade Original (FTO) Foundation invests in the development of fair and sustainable trade value chains and promotes market access for farmers and SMEs in developing countries in order to enable them to realize economically profitable and sustainable growth that contributes to their socio-economic context.
The organization and its legal predecessors have been at the forefront of the fair trade movement ever since its inception in 1959.
Board
FTO Foundation has no employees and is located in Culemborg – the Netherlands. The board of the FTO Foundation is formed by statutory directors (natural persons). The board is a motivated team of professionals, intrinsically driven by the ambition to have meaningful impact on the target groups and societies of the Foundation.
Sanne Steemers
Chairperson
Having twenty years’ experience in corporates and as an entrepreneur, Sanne has worked with many organizations in over fifty countries. Her diverse experience in global supply chains includes impact assessments, agricultural finance, sustainability strategy, in sectors such as banking, insurance, high-tech and commodities trade. She speaks the language of corporates and entrepreneurs, finance and impact, Europe and Africa. Sanne serves on several investment committees and boards.
Frank nagel
Vice-chairperson
Frank Nagel is an experienced retail banker having worked in 50 countries worldwide. His expertise is focused on building strong institutions that are vital in bringing sustainable progress and prosperity. As such he’s currently acting as an advisor on corporate governance especially with regard to international cooperation. His entrepreneurial character and language skills allow him to easily connect to people from different cultures and backgrounds. In his view many economic principles are universal and are a great means for effective cooperation.
Cees van Rij
Secretary
Born and raised on a mixed dairy farm, Cees did not lose track of his farming roots since most of his work experience is related to cooperative business development in rural areas. He made a career at Agriterra and acted until 2020 as Manager Agri-Advice in the C-suite of the company with branches in 20 countries. Next to his current position as Director of AgriGRADE, he pro bono supports several non-profit organisations active in agribusiness development, either as board member or as member of the advisory board.
Kees-Jan Nielen
Treasurer
Kees-Jan Nielen is a chartered accountant and financial advisor with a Big -4 background and more than twenty-five years of experience in audit, advisory services and business development. As founder and partner of a professional services firm, he successfully built and led multidisciplinary teams serving both international companies and mid-sized businesses. His expertise spans financial reporting, valuation-related accounting matters, risk management and sustainable growth. Kees-Jan combines strong technical knowledge and a hands-on approach with an entrepreneurial mindset and believes that sound financial stewardship is essential for creating long-term value and positive impact.
Helen Ligeon-Klann
Board member
Helen Ligeon-Klann is an experienced legal executive with nearly twenty years of international leadership experience in complex, multidisciplinary environments. Aligning governance with long‑term objectives, focusing on progress, risk management and the highest ethical standards, Helen’s expertise spans governance, corporate structuring, commercial legal management, crisis management & compliance, M&A and regulatory affairs across global regions. With deep experience in sensitive and complex supply chains, Helen brings an extensive international network and broad sector knowledge in food & beverage, FMCG, beauty & wellness and fashion.