IGC Chairperson for 2024/25
Hamed Oussama Salhi was appointed Chairperson of the IGC in June 2024. He is First Secretary at the Embassy of Algeria in London in charge of Agriculture and Relations with the International Grains Council. He was in charge of several legal and bilateral and multilateral dossiers at the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He was previously posted in Spain where he served as Vice Consul. Before joining the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Salhi was Deputy Director at the Algerian Employment Agency ANEM, in charge of training and skills development, and before that, Administrator at the Algerian Ministry of Interior and Local Authorities where he held several positions, including legal affairs and public relations.
Mr Salhi is a graduate of the National School of Administration of Algiers (ENA) and of the Diplomatic and International Relations Institute of Algiers (IDRI), and holds a Master's degree (Magna Cum Laude) in International Public Law from the Faculty of Law of the University of Algiers.
Session 1: Dialogue
Director General, Agriculture and Food Authority, Kenya
Dr. Bruno Linyiru, OGW holds Doctor of Philosophy (Entrepreneurship) from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting Option) both from University of Nairobi. He is the Director General, (DG) of the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA)
Session 1: Dialogue
Deputy Minister for Development of Economy, Trade and Agriculture, Ukraine
Mr. Taras Kachka was appointed as the Deputy Minister for Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture – Trade Representative of Ukraine on 6 September 2019.
Mr. Kachka is an expert in international law with extensive experience in the private sector, international environment and government. He was a member of Ukrainian negotiating team for Ukraine – EU Association Agreement.
Previously, he worked as a Deputy Executive Director and a Strategic Advisor at the International Renaissance Foundation (2016-2019).
In 2014-2015, he was Vice President for Strategic Development at the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine.
He started his career as a public servant in 2001 at the Ministry of Justice taking office of the First Deputy Director of the State Department for Legal Approximation. He also served as Director for Foreign Economic Relations at the Ministry of Agricultural Policy and Food.
Mr. Kachka is a lawyer; he graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv with a Master’s degree in International Law and the National School of Public Administration in Warsaw (Poland).
Session 3: Regional snapshot Near East Asia
Senior Economist, FAO Investment Centre
Dr. Dmytro Prykhodko is a Senior Economist at the FAO Investment Centre, specializing in supporting investment projects, grain markets and trade in Europe, Central Asia ECA, and the Middle East and North Africa MENA. With over 25 years of experience and a background in agricultural economics, he has worked extensively with USDA, a private sector grain trader and then with FAO’s Investment Centre in major grain producing, exporting and importing countries, including Ukraine, Russia, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Egypt and, most recently in Tunisia. He works closely with FAO’s investment partners from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, World Bank and others to lead public-private policy dialogues on specific sector grain sector issues to de-risk investment in grain trade and infrastructure development.
Session 3: Regional snapshot Near East Asia
Founder & CEO, Golden Wheat for Grain Trading
Malak Al Akiely is Founder and Managing Director of Golden Wheat for Grain Trading, Ltd., supply Grains to Jordan with over 18 years of experience in commodity trading with focus on food security, Sustainable Agriculture, and Business Development. Golden Wheat works to meet the regional expanded demand of grains commodities in MENA; Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, & Saudi Arabia.
Malak is Co-Managing Partner in Golden Kayan for Marketing Consulting Co. for Oil, Energy & Renewable Energy, Jordan.
She is a Founding & Board Member of the “Jordan Economic Forum”, a forum consisting of prominent economic figures & parliament members to foster economic growth and moving towards the objectives of sustainable development goals, Green Circular Economy and Jordan`s Economic Modernization Vision.
Partner and Business Development consultant on Oil and Aviation investment projects in East Africa (Nigeria).
Malak holds an MBA in Management Business Administration from the German-Jordanian University.
Session 6: Ports efficiency
Technical Officer, Climate Change and Clean Air Section, International Maritime Organization
Aideé Saucedo Dávila is a Technical Officer at the UN International Maritime Organization where she focuses on global regulations for shipping decarbonization and their potential impacts on States.
Session 6: Ports efficiency
Chief Operating Officer Logistics, DP World GCC
Raveen Guliani was appointed Chief Operating Officer Logistics for DP World GCC in August 2023, overseeing trade and logistics in the UAE and the wider Gulf region.
Previously, Raveen was Vice President Trade Development & Logistics of DP World UAE with responsibility for logistics operations at Jebel Ali Port and the flagship free zone of Jafza.
Since joining DP World in 2010, Raveen has held a number of senior leadership roles, heading up the Trade & Business Intelligence, Business Development, and Marketing & Communications functions.
Raveen has more than 20 years of management and leadership experience across the logistics, shipping and maritime sectors, with proven expertise in developing trade and enabling efficient supply chain solutions.
Prior to joining DP World, Raveen was the Regional Sales Manager at Dubai Maritime City, with responsibility for sales and business development in Asia Pacific. He has also held several commercial and operational roles with Maersk across Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
Raveen holds an Executive MBA from the IE Business School in Madrid and a Postgraduate Certificate in Business from the University of Wales. He also holds a Diploma in Port Management from Lloyds Maritime Academy and a graduate degree in Engineering.
Session 1: Wheat workshop: Production outlook and market prospects in 2025/26
Meteorologist, Aura Commodities LTD
Tom Whittaker is head of Weather at Aura Commodities based in London. He leads a team that provides regular in-depth analysis and commentary on weather disruption risk across agricultural commodities to a variety of market participants. Tom expertise is on translating the impact of short, medium, and long-term weather/climate patterns and events on agricultural production. He holds a MSc in Applied Meteorology from the University of Reading.
Session 1: Wheat workshop: Production outlook and market prospects in 2025/26
CEO, Founder & Senior Broker, Agricore, Bulgaria
Petar Dimitrov is Founder and Senior Broker of Agricore, the first independent commodity brokerage company in Bulgaria, GAFTA member and recognized worldwide as ? first class counterparty. Besides its leading position as a commodity brokerage house, Agricore has also developed the most reputable and successful online market information media for farmers and traders in Bulgaria – agroportal.bg and in Romania – agriportal.ro.
He is the founder of Grain Academy and EuroGrainExchange annual events. With his extensive experience and knowledge of the Balkans and Black Sea grains and oilseeds markets he will bring extra value to the IGC Grains Conference
Session 1: Wheat workshop: Production outlook and market prospects in 2025/26
Head of Agri Commodities Market Research, Rabobank
Carlos Mera heads Rabobank’s Agri Commodity Market Research team (ACMR) out of London. He joined Rabobank in 2015, having spent over seven years at a large physical commodity trading house. Carlos has visited over a thousand farms in several countries and is an experienced crop forecaster.
Carlos supervises Rabobank’s global S/D estimates of several agri commodities, forecasts prices and carries specific research projects like crop and stock surveys. Carlos’ research assists Rabobank’s extensive commodity client base, that extends from farmers and cooperatives to traders, food processors and supermarkets. He and his team support Rabobank rural, trade and large corporate lending, commodity sales and trading, M&A and stock finance, among other relevant services for the food & agri industry.
BSc Economics from University of Buenos Aires; MSc Finance from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Session 1: Wheat workshop: Production outlook and market prospects in 2025/26
Managing Director & Chief Agriculture Economist, HnyB Tech Incubations Pvt. Ltd.
Deepak Pareek is a visionary in the agriculture trade and policy domain, renowned for his unparalleled expertise as a serial entrepreneur, investor, and ecosystem builder. With a rich tapestry of 25 years of diverse experience spanning 34 countries. His accolades speak volumes about his impact and dedication. Honored as one of the Top 10 Agropreneurs of 2019 by Future Agro Challenge, Greece, and recognized as a Technology Pioneer in 2018 by the World Economic Forum, Switzerland, Deepak’s contributions are globally acknowledged. His advisory roles with various private, public, and multilateral organizations have driven significant advancements in agriculture and technology.
Session 2: Sustainability
Global Head Climate Change & Sustainability Solutions, SGS
Francesca Cerchia is the Global Head of Climate Solutions with SGS. In her role she is responsible for the global development and management of services that promote and support the transition to greener, smarter, and safer industries & societies. She leads SGS work on GHG emissions and energy transition. Francesca holds an MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management (USA), an MA in Economics from the College of Europe (Belgium) and a BA in Political Science from the Università degli Studi di Roma, La Sapienza. She is fluent in English, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and French.
Session 2: Sustainability
Adviser, panterra
Graeme is a seasoned public affairs and communications professional with over 20 years of experience in government relations, diplomacy, sustainability, food, and agriculture. He has led public affairs for trade associations and major multinationals, and has a proven track record of influencing policy at UK, EU, and global levels.
Session 2: Sustainability
International Strategic Partnership Developer, 3Bee
Martina Costantino is in charge of creating Strategic Partnerships in XNatura, the 3Bee division dedicated to biodiversity, nature, and climate monitoring.
Martina’s technical expertise has been further strengthened by her Master’s degree in Strategies Against Climate Change from Cambridge, equipping her with the skills to design and implement science-based solutions for environmental resilience.
Throughout her career, she has been invited as a speaker at international events, sharing her knowledge on biodiversity and nature conservation. She was selected to speak at the World Living Soils Forum, co-organized by LVMH and ChangeNOW, where she emphasized the importance of monitoring biodiversity health to develop concrete regeneration actions. Additionally, at Smart City Expo 2024 in Barcelona, she highlighted the urgent need to prioritize biodiversity conservation in urban environments, stating that "we talk so much about technology for cities, but we should care more about preserving biodiversity in the cities we suppose to live in."
Her passion for the natural world is deeply rooted in first-hand experiences. During her career, she had the unique opportunity to work in the Maldives, an environment that deepened her love for marine ecosystems. Her time there fueled her commitment to coral restoration projects, traveling extensively to engage in conservation efforts. Those 10 months in the Maldives were a turning point—she realized just how much we are losing and why it's worth protecting what remains of our planet’s biodiversity.
Martina has also contributed to shaping biodiversity policies at the international level. She participated in a session at the Spanish Chamber of Deputies in Madrid, addressing the impact of renewable energy on biodiversity, advocating for solutions that balance sustainability and conservation.
With an International, technical background and a passion-driven approach, Martina is committed to leveraging science, technology, and advocacy to create a more resilient and biodiverse future."
Session 3: Regional snapshot: The African Union
Executive Director, Eastern African Grain Council (EAGC)
Gerald is the Executive Director of EAGC since 15th March 2011. He is the former Managing Director of Kenya Wines Agencies Limited (KWAL) and the Kenya Planters Cooperation Union (KPCU). He has also worked for British American Tobacco, New Kenya Cooperative Creameries (NKCC) and Acumen Business Consultants. Gerald holds a Master of Science Degree in Agricultural Economics –Marketing Major and a Bachelor of Arts Degree both from Egerton University, Kenya.
SESSION 5: Digitization in the grains value chain
Commodities Products and Business Development Manager, EURONEXT
Alexandre Bobylov has more than 15 years of experience in the commodities space with knowledge of derivatives, investment, finance, and financial markets. He joined Euronext, the pan-European leading market infrastructure in September 2022 as Commodities Products and Business Development Manager to further develop the Euronext MATIF franchise.
Prior to joining Euronext Alexandre gained experience of physical and derivatives commodities markets working at S&P Global Platts, Linhope Commodities and CME Group in London and Agritel in Paris.
Early in his career, Alexandre worked in commodities structured finance at Société Générale and BNP Paribas Corporate and Investment Banking.
Alexandre Bobylov graduated from Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris with a Master degree in Finance and Strategy.
SESSION 5: Digitization in the grains value chain
Head of Technical Analysis & Senior Markets Analyst, ADM Investor Services International Limited
Eddie started in the markets in 1980 and has worked on trading desks in Bullion, Energy, Agricultural, Softs, Metals Futures & Options. In the late 1980’s he added FX, Equities and Fixed Income to his abilities and by 1990 he’d managed desks in all of these. He joined Esprit Brokers (precursor to ADMISI) in 1991 to develop FX business & started the 24 Hour FX Desk. By 2018, after 27 successful years as Head of FX he moved over to a new role as Head of Technical Analysis and Senior Markets Analyst. Eddie is Chairman of The Society of Technical Analysts in the UK (the ‘STA’). He’s also a Member of ACI-UK (the FX dealers association) and most recently became a Director of the International Federation of Technical Analysts (‘IFTA’), the oversight body for all Technical Analysis Societies in the World. Eddie publishes ‘Eddie’s Crayons…’ Technical Analysis reviews on FX and commodity futures markets. He regularly speaks at conferences and on TV & radio. ADM Investor Services International Limited (ADMISI) is a full service brokerage company with a 100+ year history in London & international markets. ADMISI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Archer Daniels Midland (UK) Limited & indirectly a wholly-owned subsidiary of Archer Daniels Midland Company of the U.S.
SESSION 5: Pulses workshop
SESSION 5: Digitization in the grains value chain
President, India Middle East Agri Alliance (IMEAA)
Sudhakar Tomar, President of the India Middle East Agri Alliance (IMEAA) & Bharat Subcontinent Agri Foundation, is an agri-commodities and food systems entrepreneur with three decades of experience. IMEAA, a multilateral agri-industry venture builder and funding initiative, is mandated to promote agricultural trade, startups, and investments in South Asia and the Middle East. The objectives are to increase farmers' income and secure food and nutrition security. Championing the issues of Food & Nutrition security, Climate Smart regenerative Agri Crops and Sustainable AgriFoodFarmTech Startups, Sudhakar Tomar was involved in the advocacy of the UN-declared International Year of Pulses in 2016. An advisor to various governments, he is a globally recognized keynote speaker and has been listed among Forbes Top 100 Indian Leaders in the Arab World from 2016 to 2020. He has received numerous accolades, including the GPC President’s Award (2024), the Global Agriculture Award (2019) from the Indian Council of Food & Agriculture, Business Leader of the Year (2016) from the Government of Dubai and the Outstanding Contribution Award (2017) from the Government of India
