Earlier this week, Ignacio Gavilan officially began a new role as Senior Director of Food Systems Partnerships for Global FoodBanking Network.

“After a rigorous search process, we are delighted to announce Ignacio’s selection as Senior Director of Food Systems Partnerships,” said Lisa Moon, President and CEO of GFN, in a statement. 

In the role, Gavilan will be responsible for cultivating multinational and multistakeholder partnerships that increase food recovery and mitigate food loss and waste and expand the diversity of products recovered across the food system. 

Gavilan will be the principal strategist and thought partner responsible for achieving the food recovery, food distribution, and nutritional diversity targets set forth in GFN’s Strategic Plan.

By 2030, GFN’s goal is to improve food access for 50 million people facing hunger.

“The global food system is buckling under the weight of a growing global population, geopolitics and social inequality, poor health outcomes and a serious environmental crisis,” said Gavilan in a statement.

He continued, “After years working on sustainability, the issue that has concerned me the most is the loss and waste of food fit for consumption throughout the value chain. I look forward to accelerating the food banking model and impact of The Global FoodBanking Network through existing food systems partnerships and those to come.”

Gavilan brings more than 20 years of experience in advising businesses on sustainable supply chains, corporate relations, and environmental social governance to his new role. 

He arrives at GFN after 9 years at The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) in a number of different roles, most recently serving as Director of Sustainability.

With GFN, he worked to position the consumer goods industry as a leader in protecting against climate change and reducing waste.

Prior to that, Gavilan was the Founder and Principal Consultant at sustainability advisory service Accipiter, where he helped create sustainability roadmaps for small and medium enterprises working in international markets.  

Other previous roles include serving as Head of Government Relations of the Americas at Anglo American; Global Sustainability Strategy Manager at BP; and Director of Social Responsibility at McDonald’s. 

“With his expertise, I am confident that he will spearhead transformative initiatives that will strengthen sustainable food systems and ensure access to nutritious food for more vulnerable communities worldwide. We look forward to witnessing the impact of Ignacio's visionary leadership,” said Moon. 

Gavilan is a graduate of Universidad de Alcalá, where he earned a bachelor degree in law & business management.