Join us on February 24, 2026 as we celebrate the power of diversity, equity and inclusion within the food and agriculture sector. Join us in Amsterdam to uncover how these essential values, combined with innovation, are revolutionizing your industry.
Tuesday 24 February, 2026
Hotel Okura, Amsterdam
2026 Agenda
Tuesday 24 February, 2026
4:00 pm
4:00 pm | Registration opens
Collect your badge ready for the start of WFA: Summit!
4:30 pm
4:30 pm | Movie Night: “World Without Cows”
6:00 pm
6:00 pm | WFA Welcome reception
Join fellow delegates for a celebratory drink to kick-off the start of the WFA: Summit
09:15
09:15 | Chair’s Opening Remarks
Jamie Chadwick
Managing Editor – Protein
Expana
09:30
09:30 | Inspirational stories from a food and ag leader
Hear from a renowned C-suite Executive that brings to life their career story and how they have overcome challenges to rise to the top.
Join to be inspired and empowered to envision and drive your career forward as well as meaningful change in agrifood.
Belinda May Ball
Managing Director Global Sourcing
ALDI SUD
10:05
10:05 | Leadership Exchange: Is DEI Worth It?
Leaders increasingly demand clear, measurable returns from DEI efforts. This session brings together industry experts to explore how organisations are harnessing data to evidence DEI, creating culture change and benefiting business performance.
Attend to gain the ideas and evidence you need to push through change in your business.
Hélène Kovalevsky
Head Of HR For Operations
Nestlé Global
Dr. Meir Shemla
Professor Of Organizational Behavior
EBS Business School, EBS University
Dr. Esha Mendiratta
Associate Professor Of International Business
Vlerick Business School
Denise van Wijk
Principal, Retail And Consumer Goods
Oliver Wyman
Kunal Mehta
Global Head – Marketing, Communication And Brand
dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition and Health
10:50 am
10:50 am | Meet Your Neighbour 1-2-1 Networking
Start the conference by connecting with fellow delegates and speakers in a fast‑paced, one‑to‑one format designed to break the ice and spark meaningful conversations. Set the tone for collaboration and knowledge sharing throughout the event so you can build relationships, nurture new perspectives, and address your unique challenges
11:10
11:10 | Networking break
11:40
11:40 | Progress your Career – What It Takes to Thrive as a Senior Leader
From mastering networking dynamics and navigating corporate politics to leveraging relationships to drive influence and impact, this session will provide practical advice on how to progress your career.
Examine different coaching and management styles to meet the needs of individual team members and how this will elevate your leadership effectiveness.
Linda Reddy
Group Head Of Supply Chain
Nando's Limited
12:10
12:10 | Strategic Conversation: How to Build Diverse Teams That Stay and Succeed
Explore how leaders can attract and build effective, high performing teams. Gain practical advice on how to maintain employee loyalty, as well as implement a value-based culture, tailored leadership and inclusive policies like equitable parental leave, to foster true belonging.
We will also discuss strategies for recruiting the next generation of agrifood leaders and how to enhance retention to make you a more effective manager and ensure your organisation can become the employer of choice.
Mark Ashworth
CFO & COO
Expana
Anne-Kristine Øen
Chief Strategy And Development Officer
Kvaroy Salmon
Tatiana Pires
Global Head Of Regulatory Affairs ANH
dsm-firmenich
13:00
13:00 | Networking lunch
14:00
14:00 | Level Up Workshop Sessions
Join one of our interactive workshop sessions for a discussion on a topic of interest that will develop your skills and career. Learn from other members of the WFA community around you and share your views and experiences while networking and meeting new people.
Attendees will choose one of the following:
14:00
14:00 | Finding your voice in the workplace
How to overcome self‑doubt and be heard with clarity and confidence.
Amel Hocini
Strategy And Business Development Director
Adisseo
Caroline Vernier
Managing Director EU
Adisseo
14:00 | Building effective business relationships
How to begin and cultivate meaningful and beneficial relationships.
Lorena van de Kolk
Managing Partner, EU Affairs & Communication
Schuttelaar & Partners
14:00 | Creating a work / life balance
How to better manage your personal life whilst also progressing your career.
Eleonore de Montjoye
Supply Chain & Procurement Director
Yum Brands – Pizza Hut UK & Europe
15:00
15:00 | Networking Break
15:30
15:30 | How AI is Going to Revolutionize the Sector
Think AI is already reshaping food and agriculture? Here’s your next-level deep dive
Discover how AI is transforming life both in the field and behind the scenes in the office. Walk away with real strategies to harness its power as a career defining advantage for you and how to best implement in your workplace.
Prof. Anna Fensel
Artificial Intelligence Group Chair
Wageningen University & Research
Lori Edwards
Head Of IT, Europe
Syngenta
Vinay Kapoor
Chief Product Officer
Expana
16:10
16:10 | Career Advice Conversation: How to Grow Your Career
Discover real-world career journeys from women in agrifood as they share candid insights into building fulfilling careers, exploring practical strategies to conquer imposter syndrome and overcome industry biases.
This dynamic conversation offers actionable advice and inspiration, empowering attendees to forge their own paths with confidence and resilience.
Van Tran
Global Marketing Director
FrieslandCampina
Fatma Tek
Global Innovation Director
Pladis
Christine Maziero
Global Strategic Marketing And Technology Director – Poultry
Cargill
Dr Lilian Weber
Country Manager
Alltech Germany
Jamie Chadwick
Managing Editor – Protein
Expana
17:00
17:00 | The Women in Food and Agriculture Awards Ceremony
Join us as we celebrate the remarkable people transforming the food and agriculture industry. This award ceremony honours their dedication, innovation, and leadership in driving change across the sector. Accolades to be awarded include:
- Mentor of the Year Award
- Mentee of the Year Award
- Male Ally of the Year Award
- Initiative of the Year Award
- Leader of the Year Award
17:30
17:30 | End of Conference and Networking Drinks Reception
Raise a glass with us at the Networking Drinks Reception. Celebrate standout winners from the WFA awards, reflect on the day’s insights, and mingle with fellow delegates in a warm, rewarding atmosphere.