Bonsucro Governance

Bonsucro is a global non-profit, multi-stakeholder organisation - find out here about how we're governed.

We’ve put in place a robust governance structure alongside strong procedures to ensure that Bonsucro is in the best position to work towards its vision – to collectively accelerate the sustainable production and uses of sugarcane.

Bonsucro’s governance structure. Ex-officio Directors sit on the Board due to their roles in other governing bodies.

Bonsucro’s current governance structure was formally approved by a vote of the Members at an Extraordinary General Meeting of the members 2015. The review process was led by the Governance Committee and was an inclusive and consultative process giving all members the opportunity to provide input and to vote on the final proposals.


Bonsucro Limited

Bonsucro is constituted as a company limited by guarantee in England & Wales. This means that it is a company registered in England & Wales and operates in compliance with the laws of England & Wales.

Bonsucro’s Secretariat carries out the day-to-day work of Bonsucro. The main offices are based in London with regional staff around the world.

> See current Bonsucro secretariat staff

> Articles of Association

> 2022-23 Audited Annual Financial Statements


Bonsucro Board of Directors

Bonsucro is formally governed by a Board of Directors. The Board is ultimately responsible for all actions and activity of Bonsucro, although for practical purposes it delegates day-to-day responsibility of managing the organisation to the CEO and Secretariat team. It also has the power to convene committees to support it in its work and to which it can delegate responsibility for certain activities. Currently it delegates responsibility (through clearly defined terms of reference):

  • to the Finance & Risk Committee (FRC), for financial oversight – Terms of Reference
  • to the Governance & Nominations Committee (GNC), for governance oversight Terms of Reference
  • to the Technical Advisory Board (TAB), for the technical aspects of the Standard and verification processes – Terms of Reference
  • to the HR & Remuneration Committee, for oversight of Human Resources (HR) policies and processes, including remuneration policies – Terms of reference
Melanie Rutten-Sülz
Chair, Governance Committee
Ruben Faust
Chair, Finance & Risk Committee
Alex Bjork
Chair, Members' Council
Beatriz Milliet
Vice-Chair, Members' Council
Kiran Wadhwana
Isabella Tonaco
Emerson Vontobel

Members’ Council (MC)

The Members’ Council has been created as the representative body for Bonsucro members. The MC comprises up to 25 members, 15 of which are elected from the 5 membership classes (3 from each), and up to 10 that are co-opted by the MC itself so as to ensure a balanced membership from amongst a range of sectors, interests and geographies involved with sugar cane. The Chair and Vice Chair of the MC both also sit on the Board of Directors and so can ensure a cross flow of information and views between the bodies.

Terms of Reference – Members’ Council

Alex Bjork
Chair
Organisation: WWF USA Membership Class: Civil Society
Beatriz Milliet
Vice-Chair
Organisation: Copersucar S.A Membership Class: Intermediary
Anna Bexell
Organisation: Proforest Membership Class: Civil Society
Jason Glaser
Organisation: La Isla Network Membership Class: Civil Society
Maurice van Beers
Organisation: CNV International Membership Class: Civil Society
Paula Freitas
Organisation: Solidaridad Network Membership Class: Civil Society
Carly Griggs
Organisation: Coca-Cola Membership Class: End-user
Julian Fox
Organisation: Tetra Pak Membership Class: End-user
Robyn Page
Organisation: Danone Membership Class: End-user
Sarah Mercadante
Organisation: PepsiCo Membership Class: End-user
Sonja Frommenwiler
Organisation: Barry Callebaut Membership Class: End-user
Anthony Edmonds
Organisation: Donovale Farm Membership Class: Farmer
Acacio Masson Filho
Organisation: Assobari Membership Class: Farmer
Miguel Tejada Iraizoz
Organisation: Hacienda San Isidro Membership Class: Farmer
Rafael Bordonal Kalaki
Organisation: Socicana Membership Class: Farmer
Andre Valente Werneck
Organisation: Raizen Membership Class: Industrial
Mario Francisco Amador Rivas
Organisation: CNPA Membership Class: Industrial
Ines Amenabar Corden
Organisation: Ingenio Pantaleon Membership Class: Industrial
Dr. Shanmugasundaram
Organisation: EID Parry Membership Class: Industrial
Roshan Tamak
Organisation: DCM Shriram Ltd Membership Class: Industrial
Andrew Hassell
Organisation: West Indies Rum Distillery Membership Class: Intermediary
Diane Stevenson
Organisation: CSC Sugar Membership Class: Intermediary
Jean-Baptiste Lescop
Organisation: SUCDEN Membership Class: Intermediary
Julia Clark
Organisation: Sidul Acucares Membership Class: Intermediary
Meredith Smith
Organisation: ED&F Man Membership Class: Intermediary

Technical Advisory Board (TAB)

The TAB has been created as the body that provides the Board of Directors with advice and recommendations regarding the Bonsucro Standards, assurance mechanisms, and measurement of impact. It comprises up to 15 individuals, each of whom brings a specific skill set to the TAB covering industrial productivity, farm productivity, supply chain, social impact and environmental impact, and also strive to include someone from a ‘peer’ standards organisation. The TAB must meet at least annually.

The TAB is a delegated committee of the Board and so must report to the Board. The Board can ask for the TAB’s specific advice and the TAB shall respond to the Board, and also it can make proactive recommendations to the Board in relation the Standards, assurance mechanisms and impact measurement. The TAB may seek the views and advice of the MC in order to provide proper context to its recommendations.

Terms of Reference – Technical Advisory Board

Priyanka Singh
Scientific Officer Uttar Pradesh Council of Sugarcane Research
With over 25 years of research experience in the sugar industry, Priyanka has focused on cane quality, post-harvest management, and eco friendly approaches. Her expertise lies in finding sustainable cultivation and production practices. She also has numerous publications and recognitions in the field.
Biography
Trish Madsen
Analyst & Agronomist Green Pool Commodities
Trish has worked across different areas of agriculture including research into soil-plant microbiology (CSIRO), rehabilitation of coal mines (University of Queensland) and for the past 17 years as analyst and agronomist for Green Pool Commodities. Trish earned her PhD and Bachelor of Agricultural Science from the University of Queensland.
Biography
Michael Butterfield
Data Science and Scientific Affairs Manager CTC - Centro de Tecnologia
With over 30 years of experience in sugarcane research and development across multiple countries, Michael has held leadership positions in renowned organisations and chaired prominent committees. He is the current Chair of the ISSCT Molecular Biology committee. With a strong educational background, including a PhD in Plant Biotechnology, he is also fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.
Biography
Luiz Iaquinta
Certification Manager Instituto de Manejo e Certificação Florestal e Agrícola (Imaflora)
Luiz Carlos Iaquinta Filho is an economist and accountant professional with expertise in certification, environment, health and safety, governance, internal control, and compliance. Previously, he held roles at Brookfield Asset Management as the Director of ESG, responsible for implementing and maintaining responsible production standards, and at Brookfield Incorporações as the Director of Finance, Governance, and Compliance, overseeing governance and compliance structures. Luiz's experience also includes project management and consultancy roles at Protiviti Inc., EY, and PRG Schultz, focusing on risk management, internal audit, and Sarbanes-Oxley (Sox) projects for multinational companies and retailers. Additionally, he has actively contributed to global initiatives such as Bonsucro and Round Table Responsible Soy (RTRS).
Biography
Dr. Raúl O. Castillo
Ph.D. in Plant Breeding and Plant Genetics, Plant Biotechnology
Dr. Castillo is an accomplished professional in the field of agricultural sciences, with a focus on plant breeding, sustainability, and genetic resources. He holds an impressive academic background, including a Ph.D. in Plant Genetics and Plant Breeding. Throughout his career, Dr. Castillo has held various key positions, including Director of the Sugar Cane Research Center (CINCAE) in Ecuador, where he established a successful breeding program for sugarcane. He has extensive experience in managing genetic resources and breeding programs for diverse crops, including quinoa, potatoes, and Andean root and tuber crops. Dr. Castillo has actively participated in international organizations, conferences, and research collaborations, further contributing to the field of crop production and sustainability.
Biography
Henk Gilhuis
Manager Science & Impacts Rainforest Alliance / UTZ
Henk Gilhuis, a senior-level international development professional, has made significant contributions to sustainability initiatives with Rainforest Alliance / UTZ as the Manager of Science & Impacts. He has initiated and managed impact evaluations, communicated results to diverse audiences, and collaborated with companies and researchers to promote the effectiveness of voluntary standards and certification systems. Henk's expertise in monitoring and evaluation, policy influencing, and human rights has played a crucial role in advancing sustainable practices and improving the lives of marginalized communities worldwide.
Biography
Fabio Beltrame Magalhães
Managing Director BRAC Consulting
Fábio Beltrame Magalhães, a professional in corporate sustainability and agribusiness, holds a post-graduation in Corporate Sustainability and an MBA in Business Administration. With experience as a Manager Director at BRAC Consulting, Fábio focuses on sustainability strategy and policies. As a former Certification Manager Director at Control Union Certificates, he oversaw global operations, closed deals with multinational companies like Nestlé, and developed sustainability programs. Fábio's career also includes roles as an agronomist, auditor, and consultant in various organizations, both in Brazil and internationally. He possesses language proficiency in English and Spanish.
Biography
Dr. Rajpal Singh
Agriculture Technical Expert International Finance Corporation (IFC), World Bank Group, & Solidaridad
Dr. Rajpal Singh is an accomplished Sugarcane/Agriculture Technical Expert with extensive experience in sustainable sugar production, research and development, and capacity building. He holds a Ph.D. in Agronomy and has a strong educational background in agriculture. Dr. Singh has worked with renowned organizations such as the International Finance Corporation (IFC), World Bank Group, and Solidaridad, where he has provided technical expertise in sustainable sugar production, covering smallholders in countries like India, Nepal, and Pakistan. Dr. Singh's notable achievements include improving sugarcane productivity, enhancing sugar recovery rates, and promoting certification standards for smallholders. He has received prestigious awards for his contributions to the Indian sugar industry and knowledge sharing.
Biography

Finance and Risk Committee (FRC)

The FRC was created to monitor and advise the Board of Directors on issues relating to the financial performance and corporate risk to Bonsucro. It has between three and five members, with the requirement that the Chair and at least one other member must also be a member of the Board of Bonsucro, and meets on a monthly basis. On behalf of the Board, the FRC maintains an overview of Bonsucro’s finance and risk management processes, ensuring that the system of internal control is satisfactory to deliver compliance, financial probity and value for money. It also reviews and challenges financial plans and performance in the interest of the long-term financial sustainability of Bonsucro and deliver of value to Bonsucro’s members and other stakeholders.

> Terms of Reference – Finance & Risk Committee

Bonsucro’s financial accounts are independently reviewed every year. You can review the latest independently reviewed accounts here.


Data Governance 

Data governance provides the ability for Bonsucro to manage the life cycle of data in accordance with all applicable laws and our overall strategy. The Data Governance Committee (DGC) is an internal committee that looks after data governance and Data Strategy and is accountable to the Board of Directors. The Bonsucro CEO appoints DGC members, who include representatives from all Bonsucro teams. The DGC may create further subcommittees and task forces as needed.

The Bonsucro Data Governance Policy  demonstrates how Bonsucro will achieve data governance and sets out the policies, processes and rules that will be implemented to achieve this. 

 

Published records

Our Annual Financial and Governance Reports and company accounts are available to view here.