EIT Food appoints new CEO

In a major announcement for 2024, EIT Food has appointed Richard Zaltzman as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

The Supervisory Board of EIT Food unanimously appointed Zaltzman who will be stepping up to the role on 15 January. Previously, Dr Andy Zynga held the position but announced that he would be stepping down after five years in the role.

Commenting on his new role, Zaltzman said: “EIT Food brings together an amazing team, with a community of partners, entrepreneurs, students and organisations who are dedicated to food systems transformation.

“It is an incredible privilege to lead the organisation as we build on everything our community has achieved, and bring our focus and energy to tackling some of the biggest issues we face, from achieving net zero to making healthy food available to all and improving food system resilience. I am delighted to be taking the role, building on the fantastic legacy Andy has created, and continuing to work in the EIT KIC ecosystem, which is a unique and very special place within Europe’s innovation community.”

Bringing a “wealth of experience” to the role, EIT Food has defined Zaltzman as an integral part of EIT Food’s journey since joining the organisation in 2021. Previously, he served as Chief Impact Officer.

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Prior to working for EIT Food, Zaltzman held leadership roles with EIT Climate-KIC, Microsoft, as well as a range of organisations across the innovation and sustainability sectors.

“Richard is ideally placed to strengthen EIT Food’s position as a mission-led, multi-funder organisation, that drives impact across food systems,” the company shared.

As CEO, Zaltzman will be working closely with the EIT Food leadership team to develop the organisation’s mission-led, portfolio-driven approach.

“On behalf of the Supervisory Board, I am very happy to welcome the appointment of Richard, after an extensive selection process in which a large number of candidates were interviewed and evaluated. I am looking forward to working with Richard and the Executive Team, along with our partners, to accelerate the transition of the food system towards net zero, resilience and improved consumer health,” said Michiel de Ruiter, Chairperson of the EIT Food Supervisory Board.

“At the same time, I want to thank Andy for his outstanding tenure in the last 5 years in which he was instrumental to build EIT Food into the ecosystem it is today. The Supervisory Board wishes him good luck in his further career as he continues to drive impact in the food system and beyond.”

Also congratulating Zaltzman on his new role, Zynga said: “I am delighted that Richard has been appointed as our new CEO – coming from within the organisation, Richard’s deep understanding of the needs of EIT Food and our key stakeholders will ensure a smooth leadership transition in the next stage of our critical mission.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to lead EIT Food successfully for the past 5 years, and I wish Richard every success as he takes over the helm as the new captain of our ship,” concluded Zynga.