Micheal Gidney is to step down as chief executive of the Fairtrade Foundation at the end of the year.

After 12 years in the role, he is leaving to take up a new role “which will be announced shortly”, according to the charity, which runs the Fairtrade ethical production mark and launched 30 years ago.

“There is never a perfect time to leave, but with Fairtrade in good shape, after 12 years as CEO, it feels like the right moment – and an exciting time for my successor to shape the next phase of the Fairtrade Foundation’s future,” he said.

Dr. Nyagoy Nyong’o will be Fairtrade Foundation's new Chair as we prepare to say farewell to CEO Michael Gidney.@fairtrademg: “There is never a perfect time to go, but with Fairtrade in good shape, after 12 years as CEO, it feels like the right moment.”https://t.co/MRVGU3c3yN

— Fairtrade Foundation (@FairtradeUK) August 30, 2024

Meanwhile the charity has also announced a new chair of its board of trustees.

Former chief executive of Fairtrade International and Fairtrade Africa Nyagoy Nyong’o is taking over from Mark Price, whose term has ended.

Nyong’o is Kenya based and will take on the role from next month, with regular visits planned to the UK.

“I am delighted to take this opportunity to steer the future of Fairtrade in the UK,” she said.

“Having worked with Fairtrade for a long time, I have a vision for Fairtrade to get closer to producers, and for the decision-making and leadership to be increasingly driven from the global South.

“This is what gives Fairtrade authenticity with the public, but also what enables Fairtrade to be such an impactful partner with companies, as no other ethical label is so closely rooted in the reality of producers’ experience.”

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