EFI welcomes Gonzalo Martinez de Vedia as new Executive Director

Equitable Food Initiative's board of directors unanimously selected Gonzalo Martinez de Vedia as the organization’s next executive director following a rigorous, five-round recruitment process that attracted more than 200 applicants.

Martinez de Vedia brings extensive global expertise in philanthropy and agricultural labor practices across the fresh produce and dairy sectors. His career includes serving as country program director for the Solidarity Center in Brazil, along with senior roles in organizations advancing labor rights, supply-chain accountability, and philanthropic initiatives.

He has collaborated with the organization since 2018 and served on the board since January 2025.  

“I was drawn to EFI because of my commitment to building effective and scalable solutions for farms and farmworkers through multistakeholder collaboration,” Martinez de Vedia said. “I have long admired the way EFI brings everyone to the table, and I look forward to the chance to lead the organization into the next decade.”

The succession at EFI

Martinez de Vedia assumes the role this month, succeeding Peter O’Driscoll, who is concluding over 14 years of influential leadership. 

With the organization nearing the conclusion of its current five-year strategic plan and preparing to shape its 2027–2030 blueprint, O’Driscoll saw this as the ideal moment to shift to new leadership that will guide the organization’s next phase of impact. 

“Gonzalo is exceptionally well-suited to lead EFI into its next chapter. His deep knowledge, integrity, and long-standing engagement with EFI mean he can hit the ground running. I’m confident he will strengthen each of our program areas while bringing fresh energy and perspective, and I look forward to supporting a smooth transition,” said the executive.

O’Driscoll will continue supporting the organization through June 2026 and will remain available for advisory work and special projects thereafter.

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