The World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) has appointed Martin Short as its new President to lead efforts by cocoa and chocolate companies to make the cocoa supply chain sustainable by raising farmer incomes, fighting child labor, and ending deforestation.  

A British national, Short joins WCF after holding leadership positions in the non-profit and private sectors. His most recent position was as Chief Executive Officer at The Power of Nutrition, a United Kingdom and U.S.-based non-profit. It works in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia to improve nutritional welfare and the care of children under five-years old as well as for mothers of a birthing age.

WCF Chairman Barry Parkin, who led the search process, noted that Short’s appointment comes at an important time for sustainability efforts by cocoa and chocolate companies. Cocoa prices are under pressure amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and this has undermined farmer incomes. “I am both honored and delighted to be joining the World Cocoa Foundation at this decisive moment as there is a great opportunity to make important strides in bringing sustainability to all aspects of the cocoa supply chain,” Short said.