Roberto Velez Vallejo Elected FNC CEO
Roberto Velez Vallejo Elected FNC CEO
The Colombian Coffee Growers Federation (FNC) unanimously elected Robert Velez Vallejo c.e.o. replacing long-serving executive Luis G. Muñoz who resigned in May.
Vallejo was one of eight candidates from a field of 19 applicants selected by committee of The National Congress of Coffee Growers. He was elected Aug. 12 at the extraordinary gathering presided over by Josué Martínez.
"We have once again confirmed the characteristics of a strong and important organization; one that is democratic, transparent and participatory," said Martinez following the vote.
Velez Vallejo told the audience he is committed to working with coffee growers for the sustainability of the coffee-growing industry.
"We will continue moving forward to achieve our objectives,” said Vélez Vallejo. “Colombian coffee growers can rest assured that every day we are working toward improving their livelihood – coffee growers are the driving force behind all of our actions.”
He made a special point of thanking the Colombian government for its support of the coffee sector. The Colombian Minister of Finance and Public Credit, Mauricio Cardenas, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to FNC succeed, expressing his confidence that Vallejo knows both the foundation of coffee growing and its institutional value.
Velez Vallejo is an economist trained at the Universidad del Rosario in Colombia, with postgraduate degrees from University in Brighton in England, and New York University. He worked at the FNC as chief commercial officer and FNC’s Asia director.
STiR Tea & Coffee Industry International will publish a Q&A with Velez Vallejo in the October-November issue.