MEDIA RELEASE
27 February 2014
New CEO for Fairtrade Australia & New Zealand
- International sustainability expert and former Chair of Fairtrade International announced as new CEO for New Zealand
and Australia’s most recognised ethical label
- Molly Harriss Olson, former environment adviser to Bill Clinton, takes on the leadership role of Fairtrade Australia & New Zealand Fairtrade Australia and New Zealand have announced the appointment of Molly Harriss Olson as Chief
Executive Officer.
Olson, the former Chair of Fairtrade International, joins the organisation at an important time.
Fairtrade Australia and New Zealand, which has seen significant growth since its inception 10 years ago and is now New
Zealand and Australia’s most recognised ethical label, is looking at ways to expand even further.
“We are thrilled to have Molly on board; the depth and breadth of experience that she brings to Fairtrade will be
invaluable,” said Valentina Tripp, Chair of Fairtrade Australia and New Zealand and a Director with KPMG. “In her time
as Chair of Fairtrade International, she has been pivotal in overhauling the governance of the international
organisation and driving change, including the introduction of the new Fairtrade Sourcing Programs.” An internationally
recognised leader in global sustainability, Olson’s experience spans over 30 years. She worked in the White House during
the time of President Clinton as the Founding Executive Director of the President’s Council on Sustainable Development,
developing a national action strategy on sustainable development.
Molly Harriss Olson said: “I am passionate about the Fairtrade movement and the opportunities we have in facilitating
tangible impacts. A particular highlight for me has been overseeing a change to the constitution of Fairtrade
International which has meant that producers and workers in the Fairtrade system are now half owners, enabling them to
have a powerful voice in the system.” After a number of years at the international level of Fairtrade, I am looking
forward to the challenges of working at the national level and leading the organisation to build on its success so far,
and grow the market to even greater levels,” said Ms Olson, who will be based at the Fairtrade regional head office in
Melbourne.
Ms Olson’s appointment comes on top of another new top-level appointment at Fairtrade ANZ.
Valentina Tripp, a leading FMCG specialist and Director with KPMG, was appointed as Chair of the Board of Directors at
the end of 2013.
ENDS