GFAiR and Partners are pleased to announce the appointment of a new Chair and Vice Chair as a result of a competitive process.
Dr. Ravi Khetarpal was re-elected in November 2024 as GFAiR Chair and you may find his short presentation here.
Dr. Romano De Vivo was elected as GFAiR Vice Chair in November 2024 when the terms of office of Dr. Ross Mc Leod expired.
Romano De Vivo has over 20 years of experience in sustainability and agriculture, working closely with businesses, governments, and communities to promote responsible farming and environmental solutions. He holds a doctorate in agricultural economics, an MBA, and a master’s in environmental governance, which equip him to tackle complex sustainability challenges.
Romano has held key leadership roles, including Vice President of Sustainability at a global agricultural technology association in Brussels, Global Head of Sustainability for a leading ingredients company in Geneva, and Global Head of Environmental Policy for a major agricultural technology company in Basel. In these roles, he has spearheaded initiatives that have significantly advanced corporate sustainability efforts, reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable agriculture practices.
Beyond his corporate career, Romano is actively involved in academia, serving as an Adjunct Professor at UCSC Piacenza and a University Research Fellow in Zurich and Fribourg. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge and driving innovation in the field of sustainability.
In addition to his professional roles, Romano supports various organizations. He serves as a Board Member at a startup academy in Lugano, a Committee Member of a global rating initiative in Rome, the Founder of an NGO focused on food waste reduction in Piacenza, and an Advisor for an NGO working on poverty alleviation in Basel.
He leverages his extensive expertise to guide these organizations in their strategic initiatives. Romano holds both Italian and Swiss citizenship and resides with his family in Basel. With a lifelong commitment to sustainability, he continues to drive impactful solutions at the intersection of agriculture, environmental policy, and social responsibility.