chris claes

Chris Claes is a seasoned professional with 25 years of experience in sustainable agriculture, supply chains, and food initiatives, currently serving as the Executive Director of Rikolto International, a global organization focusing on future-proofing food systems with a particular emphasis on supporting smallholder farmers.

Chris holds a background in agricultural sciences, having studied engineering at Ghent University and pursued further studies at KU Leuven, showcasing his commitment to education and expertise in the field.

Throughout his career, Chris has been actively involved in various organizations such as KAMPANI NV, Alterfin, Fairtrade Belgium, among others, leveraging his expertise as a Board Member and Strategic Advisor in promoting agri-finance, fair trade, and sustainable agriculture.

His extensive experience spans regions like Latin America, Europe, Africa, and South-East Asia, contributing to diverse initiatives that aim to drive positive change in the agricultural sector globally.

Aside from his executive role at Rikolto, Chris is also a co-founder of Kampani, an equity investment fund dedicated to supporting farmer organizations, highlighting his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to fostering sustainable practices in agriculture.