Fair Trade USA Names New CEO
Fair Trade USA has taken the interim tag off of Felipe Arango’s title as he assumes the position of the organization’s chief executive officer.
Arango has served as interim-CEO since September of 2024.
For the past eight years, he has served the organization as a fair trade auditor and trainer. Arango has partnered with the World Bank Group, International Finance Corporation, the United Nations, and advised corporate partners and leading global brands on sustainable development and supply chain management. He has advanced global frameworks aimed at shifting finance toward nature-positive outcomes and designed green taxonomies for sustainable investment across the Americas.
"I am thrilled to have the trust of the board, the staff, and all of our partners in taking on the CEO role for such an impactful organization,” Arango said. “As we move into the future, we will do so committed to walking alongside farmers, workers, and fishers to eliminate poverty and protect nature. They are the protagonists of the Fair Trade movement, and along with our conscious consumers, business partners, and funders, we are enthusiastic about the future of Fair Trade Certified."
Arango also served as global CEO at BSD Consulting, an international network of consultancy firms partnering with industry and brands to advance solutions for sustainable development and innovative models of responsible business globally. His direct knowledge of the experience of producers, coupled with his credibility in partnering with leading industry experts, brands, and retailers, will be instrumental as he leads FTUSA into its next chapter, officials with the organization said.
"As both a board member and former president of Fair Trade USA, I couldn't be prouder to support Felipe as he steps into the CEO role,” said Larry Ruff, FTUSA board member. “Felipe’s passion and deep expertise in designing models that invest in both people and planet promise to keep the organization on the front lines of solving the most pressing issues of our time."
