The Future of Food Needs Fresh Leaders – Meet the New Changemakers
As climate, health and sustainability converge, the food industry stands at a turning point. What’s clear? We need a new kind of leadership.
At every level – from commercial teams and compliance managers to nutrition leads and sustainability champions – people across the food system are stepping up. They know that business as usual isn’t enough.
Future Food Movement’s Healthy Sustainable Diets & Food Systems Accelerator brings these changemakers together in a 7-week upskilling programme, designed to inspire action, build confidence and drive system-wide impact.
Meet a few of the brilliant minds in our latest cohort – and hear why they joined the movement.
Ana Aragon, Sustainability and Nutrition Global Manager, Nestlé Professional
Ana joined the Accelerator to deepen her impact at the intersection of sustainability and health. Inspired by her farming roots and driven by a desire to build a better future for the next generation, she sees integrated action on climate and nutrition as essential to building resilient, future-proof food systems. The programme offers a chance to learn, connect and collaborate with others equally committed to people, planet and purpose.
Advice to CEOs: Embrace sustainability with an open mind – it’s not just good for the planet, it’s good for business. Use insights to stay ahead, align with societal values, and actively promote healthy, sustainable diets across all channels. Collaboration and bold leadership will drive long-term success.
Danielle Callaby, Development Manager, Fenmarc
Danielle joined the Accelerator because she’s passionate about ensuring a healthy and sustainable future and is eager to deepen her knowledge to make the biggest possible impact. She wants to be equipped with the tools and resources to influence product development and strategy at Fenmarc. Inspired by leaders like Ella Mills, Danielle believes the food industry must drive change that benefits both public health and the planet – and that these goals are intrinsically linked.
Advice to CEOs: Act with future generations in mind and keep sustainable health at the heart of your strategy.
Nicola Currie, NPD & Innovation Director, 2 Sisters Food Group
Nicola joined the Accelerator to learn how she can drive meaningful change in product development and influence her team to embed sustainability into everyday decisions. She’s passionate about improving mass-produced food for future generations and wants to develop the tools and space to lead with purpose. Inspired by innovative businesses like Wildfarmed, she believes that sustainable, commercially viable solutions are possible – and that the food sector must pursue Net Zero and health together, without compromising either.
Advice to CEOs: Make your sustainability pledges meaningful at every level. Too often, teams don’t see the role they play. Give every individual a clear KPI and connect their day-to-day work to the bigger picture — sustainability isn’t just the responsibility of one person or team.
Gillon Dobie, Impact Director, Growup Farms
Gillon joined the Accelerator to strengthen his ability to turn ambition into action. He believes building a resilient food system isn’t just about setting climate targets – it’s about giving leaders the confidence and knowledge to deliver them. Inspired by changemakers like Andy Cato, Gillon wants to help scale practical, profitable solutions that benefit people, planet and farming livelihoods. For him, it’s about navigating complexity with clarity and pushing innovation to reduce trade-offs in our food system.
Advice to CEOs: Better food, grown better. The opportunity is too big to ignore. The food industry has the power and responsibility to drive change that improves health, climate and nature – and can still deliver profit. It’s time to act collectively, make bold choices, and lead the shift the system needs.
Solene Alderson, Technical Controller, Human Rights Lead, Premier Foods
Solene joined the Accelerator to broaden her understanding of the complex, interlinked challenges facing food, health, climate and human rights. A lifelong advocate for planetary protection, her passion began in childhood, inspired by Jacques-Yves Cousteau and later by the work of WWF. Now a senior leader with a strong background in human rights, she believes sustainability demands system-level thinking and a willingness to engage across topics and sectors. For Solene, this programme is about staying connected to evolving movements – and embracing the responsibility to lead with awareness, courage and care.
Advice to CEOs: Be bold, be genuine, and aim to do the right thing for the greater good of all.
Why These Voices Matter
The Accelerator creates space for professionals across the system to think beyond silos, challenge outdated mindsets, and lead in ways that feel practical, grounded and human.
This isn’t just about learning – it’s about transforming how we lead.
With expert coaching from Kate Cawley, William Clare, Lara Hanlon, Dr Pippa Gibson, Emma Chow and Lucy Wager, each cohort builds the confidence, clarity and community needed to shift the system – from the inside out.
Want to meet the next generation of food leaders? You just did. Ready to join them? Book now.
