Message from the Chair
A message from IFEAT’s newly elected Executive Committee Chair, Dr Geemon Korah.
It is with immense gratitude and excitement that I write to you as the newly elected Chair of IFEAT. I am deeply honoured by the trust placed in me by our esteemed Members and Directors, and I look forward to serving this vibrant global community with dedication and vision.
My first IFEAT Conference was almost 30 years ago and I have never missed any since, barring the Vancouver Conference. When I first came to be part of the IFEAT family, I was young, inexperienced and enthusiastic about our industry. That I have continued to be part of this wonderful industry of ours is also a testimony to the role of IFEAT, and how it has contributed to both personal and professional growth to all those involved.
This year in Göteborg, as I was witnessing the Young IFEATians session, it took me back to those early days. The positive energy and vibes of this session should leave us all with the satisfaction that the future of our industry is in good hands…
The 2025 IFEAT Conference in Göteborg was a resounding success, bringing together 1,720 industry leaders, innovators, and passionate professionals from across 64 countries. The energy, insights, and camaraderie shared during the event reaffirmed the strength and unity of our global network. The Göteborg Conference is now the most successful IFEAT Conference ever held in Europe. Thanks to the wonderful team lead by Zahra Osman Guelle from the Executive Committee and Shaehzad Chaudhry from IFEAT Staff team supported by our Company Secretary, Louise Kapor, and our able team of Ronit Meier from Finance, Simon Frost from Communications, Lindsay Smith and Sheila Russell from Education, Divya Sara Mammen from Study Tour, and Jisha Das from Socio-Economic.
I would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Catherine Crowley, our Immediate Past Chair, for her outstanding leadership over the past three years. Her commitment and strategic guidance have left a lasting impact on IFEAT. There are quite a few projects that were initiated over the last three years which will continue to drive our industry agenda going forward.
Special appreciation also goes to Csaba Fodor, who stepped down from the Executive Committee after two decades of selfless service, recently completing a Co-option role. His contribution has helped shape the foundation of our organisation with significant contributions in Finance and Education. Likewise, we honour Hussein Fakhry, our Past Chair, for over 20 years of dedicated service and for continuing to lend his expertise through the Socio-Economic Committee.
The New Members’ Forum and Young IFEATians in Göteborg were a highlight, fostering fresh connections and ideas. We were thrilled to welcome Agnes Gendry-Hearn from Lush UK to the Executive Committee, bringing new perspectives and energy to our leadership team with her expertise in the consumer side of the business.
Sustainability remains a core focus for IFEAT. The launch of the Sustainability Awards in Göteborg marks a significant milestone in our journey toward a cleaner, greener future. We hope this initiative inspires all Members to contribute meaningfully to environmental stewardship.
On the advocacy front, IFEAT continues to engage with EU policymakers to ensure our industry’s voice is heard and supported. This work is vital to safeguarding the future of our sector. We shall keep you updated on all developments on this front on a regular basis. It is vital that everyone understands and contributes to this exercise.
The Australia Study Tour, due to take place in March 2026, sold out in record time, reflecting the enthusiasm and commitment of our Members to continuous learning and exploration. Study Tours have now become one of the most rewarding experiences that IFEAT provides our Members. This is today ably co-ordinated by Stephen Pisano – and I’d like to give a special thanks for his fantastic work, having taken over from the most knowledgeable and fun-loving Peter Greenhalgh, who we still reach out to for guidance. We look forward to more such enriching experiences.
Finally, I invite you all to look ahead to the IFEAT 2026 Conference to be held at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi – a destination that promises to blend tradition with modernity in a truly spectacular setting. It will be an event to remember.
Thank you once again for your trust and support. Together, we will continue to build a stronger, more sustainable, and inclusive future for our industry.
Warm regards,
Dr Geemon Korah
Chairman, IFEAT