2023

Al is a strategy consultant advising businesses and brands within the health and wellbeing sector.  He headed up the buying function at Planet Organic from 2012 to 2022, evolving them from an organic focused supermarket to a retail leader at the forefront of wellbeing innovation and new health foods. He also supervised Planet Organic’s own label development, drove their sustainability agenda and was the launch-pad partner to hundreds of small brands and international brands entering the UK for the first time. He has worked with start-up incubators supporting and advising new brands from concept to shelf and has spoken at national and international conferences on wellness trends, sustainability initiatives and the changing retail landscape.

Ruben has a background in human rights, multilateral diplomacy and responsible business. He joined the RSPO in August 2021 to lead the market transformation division for Europe, Middle East & Africa. He has both the supply and the demand side of the value chain within his remit and engages with members, policymakers and other stakeholders to promote sustainable palm oil production and uptake.  He is also a highly experienced moderator and speaker on various sustainability topics.

Ruben uses his broad international personal experience, as a Colombian-born, Indonesian bred, Dutchman living in Sweden, and professional background to connect with stakeholders throughout the sustainable palm oil value chain.