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 1: Dialogue
AMIS Chair, Director General / Directeur général Sector Development and Analysis Directorate / Direction du développement et analyse du secteur Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada / Agriculture et agro-alimentaire Canada
Donald joined Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in 2008 and has held various positions related to international trade policy, sectoral policy and sectoral development. Donald currently holds the position of Director General, Sector Development and Analysis. In this capacity he assists the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector in taking advantage of economic opportunities, both domestically and internationally. As such, he engages with a wide range of stakeholders and plays a lead role in providing sector advice for the development of policies, programs and regulations impacting the agriculture and agri-food sector. His current responsibilities include those as Chair of the Agricultural Market Information System for 2024-25, an initiative of the G20.
Donald holds a bachelor degree in agronomy as well as a master degree (sciences) both from Laval University.
Session 1: Dialogue
Secretary-General of the Commonwealth
Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey was appointed by Commonwealth Heads of Government at their biennial meeting in Apia, Samoa in 2024. She assumed office on 1 April 2025, bringing more than 20 years of leadership experience in diplomacy, international relations, governance, and public service to the position.
Prior to her appointment, she served as Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration from January 2017 to January 2024 and was a member of Ghana’s National Security Council. Her tenure was marked by significant reforms in foreign policy delivery, which strengthened Ghana’s diplomatic footprint and introduced transformative improvements in consular services through digitisation and innovation.
During her time as Foreign Minister, she chaired the Council of Ministers of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) from 2020 to 2022, leading strategic responses to security crises, democratic transitions and regional institutional reform. She played a key role in the passage of landmark UN Security Council Resolution 2667 in 2022, enabling the financing of African Union-led peace operations — a historic achievement during Ghana’s tenure as a non-permanent member of the Council.
She also helped secure UN Resolution 2634 addressing piracy and maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea and was instrumental in shaping Ghana’s high-profile “Year of Return” and “Beyond the Return” initiatives, strengthening cultural and economic ties with the global African diaspora.
Earlier in her career, she served as Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Information, and Trade and Industry, during President John Agyekum Kufuor’s administration (2001–2009). From 2005 to 2021, she was a Member of Parliament for the Weija and later Anyaa-Sowutuom constituencies, representing the largest population base in Ghana’s legislature across four consecutive terms.
Session 2: IGTC dialogue
President, International Grain Trade Coalition
Pat is the CEO of Grain Trade Australia, which is the leading trade organisation in the Australian grains industry.
Pat has vast industry experience in trading, risk management, policy and government relations, having spent more than 25 years in the grains industry in Australia and USA. He has a diverse experience across the entire value chain, working for trade houses, financial institutions and customer advisory businesses.
He currently serves as President of the International Grain Trade Coalition (IGTC
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
CEO of Al Ghurair Resources Oils and Proteins (AGROP) and Al Ghurair Foods (AGF)
Since 2009, Djamal has served as CEO of Al Ghurair Resources Oils and Proteins (AGROP) and Al Ghurair Foods (AGF). Under his leadership, these businesses have grown into major supply chain providers for flour, wheat, maize, barley, and oil seeds in the GCC, Southeast Asia, and Africa.
In 2020, AGROP achieved a milestone by crushing over 1 million tons of canola seeds in one year. Djamal actively participates in organizations like the US Wheat Association and the Global Grains Association to enhance food security and safety globally.
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 3: Regional snapshot Near East Asia
Chief Executive Officer, Kuwait Flour Mills and Bakeries
Mr. Mutlaq earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Concordia University Wisconsin in 1985. The following year, he embarked on his professional journey with Kuwait Bakeries Company.
Throughout his career at Kuwait Flour Mills and Bakeries Company, Mr. Mutlaq held leadership roles across multiple departments. He began in the Marketing and Distribution Department, later advancing to the Sales Department, and subsequently the Bakery Department. His exceptional leadership culminated in his appointment as Deputy Managing Director in 2005. In 2013, he assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer, a position he continues to hold to the present day.
In May 2021, Mr. Mutlaq was elected as a Board Member of the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources, a role he has maintained since. Additionally, he has served as a Member of the Board of Directors of The Industrial Bank of Kuwait since 2023, further demonstrating his expertise in governance and strategic oversight.
Between 2010 and 2019, Mr. Mutlaq played a pivotal role in the leadership of Kuwait Supply Company. He served as a Member of the Board of Directors from 2010 to 2012, before being appointed Chairman from 2012 to 2019.
His extensive experience in chairing and participating in the boards of directors of government entities underscores his significant contributions to both the public and private sectors.
Session 4: Soyabean workshop
Managing Director Northeast Asia Regional Director U.S. Soybean Export Council
Rosalind (Roz) Leeck is the Managing Director for the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) as well as the Regional Director for Northeast Asia. She oversees strategic program development and implementation including trade and market access issues; membership and industry relations; and communications and marketing efforts. As the Regional Director for Northeast Asia, she is responsible for Korea and Japan.
Roz has more than 10 years of experience in the grain trade field with previous positions at Archer Daniels Midland Co. and Demeter L.P. She has also worked for Indiana Corn Marketing Council (ICMC), Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA), and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture.
Roz is involved in numerous industry activities and is currently serving as Secretary of the International Grain Trade Coalition (IGTC) and Chair of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and United States Trade Representative (USTR) Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Grains, Feeds, Oilseeds, and Planting Seeds. Additionally, she serves on the Board of Trustees at Millikin University.
Originally from southern Illinois, Roz remains a partner in her family’s grain and livestock farm. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics from Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois, a Master of Business Administration from Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana and a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.
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.
Closing remarks
President and CEO, CropLife International
Emily Rees is the President and CEO of CropLife International, a role she has held since March 2023. As global advocate of the plant science industry, CropLife International champions innovative technologies that enable farmers to sustainably increase productivity while managing the critical challenges facing our climate and the environment. Spearheading the association’s three pillars of ambition to bring workable solutions to increase food security, tackle climate change and protect biodiversity, Emily leads the organization in its regulatory and policy-driven dialogues. Through advancing science-based approaches to regulation, and fair and equitable global trading rules, Emily helps bring together diverse partners with cutting-edge research and development to effect positive change.
Emily joined CropLife International with an extensive pedigree in EU affairs and economic diplomacy. Prior to joining CropLife International, she held posts as a Senior Fellow at the European Centre for International Political Economy, and Managing Director of Trade Strategies, a consultancy specialized in international trade policy.
A specialist in EU-Latin American relations, she is fluent in English, French and Portuguese.
Session 4: 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 4: 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 4: 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 4: 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, XNatura
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 2: Sustainability
EMEA Agricultural Affairs Manager, Bayer
Christian works at Bayer as EMEA Agricultural Affairs manager with focus on Integrated Crop Management, Sustainable Food Systems, EU Taxonomy and Sustainable Finance. He also contributes to WBCSD’s work on nature-positive production and supervised sustainability field trials on two of Bayer’s German ForwardFarms.
He joined the German Foreign Office in 2001, studying administrative law and international private law. After graduation with a diploma in foreign affairs, he extended his knowledge by studying Biology at the Philipps-University in Marburg with a focus on biodiversity management, botany and nature conservation (B.Sc.) and gained practical experiences during internships at the local nature conservation authority and the UNEP joined secretariats of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and the Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic, North East Atlantic, Irish and North Seas (ASCOBANS).
He subsequently studied at the Technical University in Munich (M.Sc.) and the ENS Lyon/France with an interest in microbiology, soil sciences and the protection of soils. He later received his doctoral degree from the University of Bielefeld for the investigation of microalgae for biofuel production. Afterwards he worked with Dr. Knoell Consult as expert for metabolism studies and as global regulatory project manager.
He then joined Bayer’s environmental safety department in 2017, taking up the work in the expert function focusing on the ecotoxicology of non-target terrestrial plants. From 2019 to 2021 he took the role of a global policy advocacy manager, and since 2021 works in the EMEA Agricultural Affairs team focusing on EU and global agricultural and environmental policies.
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 3: Regional snapshot: The African Union
Founder & CEO, Granos Oros for Global Agribusiness Solutions and Export
Nouran Ezzeldin is the Founder and CEO of Granos Oros for Global Agribusiness Solutions and Export, a company specializing in grain market development and trade across Egypt and the Middle East. With a passion for building global agri-solutions and a deep knowledge of grain trade dynamics, Nouran works to bridge international markets with the region’s growing demand for strategic commodities.
Session 3: Regional snapshot: The African Union
Phytosanitary Affairs Manager, International Seed Federation (ISF)
Dr. Rose Souza Richards has been the Phytosanitary Affairs Manager (prev. Seed Health Manager) at ISF since March 2020. In this role, she liaises with the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and coordinates industry-wide responses to World Trade Organization (WTO) notifications on national phytosanitary regulations. She oversees key ISF initiatives such as the Systems Approach, the Regulated Pest List Initiative, and the International Seed Health Initiative.
Dr. Souza Richards holds a BSc in Agronomic Engineering from the State University of Bahia, Brazil, an MSc in Plant Pathology from the Federal University of Viçosa, Brazil, a second MSc in Plant Diversity from the University of Reading, UK, and a PhD in Plant Molecular Virology from the University of Nottingham, UK.
In addition to her role at ISF, Dr. Souza Richards is the Chair of the ePhyto Industry Advisory Group (IAG). She collaborates with the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) and the WTO to enhance global phytosanitary measures and facilitate international trade in seeds. Her extensive experience includes roles at the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) in New Zealand and Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) in England demonstrating her expertise in plant health and regulatory affairs.
Session 3: Regional snapshot: The African Union
President and CEO, U.S. Wheat Associates
Vince Peterson joined U.S. Wheat Associates, Inc. (USW) in 1985 and was appointed by the USW Board of Directors to his current position as President and CEO in July, 2017. Peterson had served since 2004 as USW’s Vice President of Overseas where he was responsible for the operations of all 15 foreign offices staffed by 65 employees which conduct wheat export market development activities in more than 100 countries.
His four decades of service to USW include nearly eleven years residing in Rotterdam, The Netherlands where he directed USW’s operations in Europe, the Former Soviet Union and Israel; and, three years residing in Cairo, Egypt managing export market development programs in the Middle East and East Africa. Peterson also served as USW's Vice President of Marketing in Washington, DC from 1988 to 1993.
As an executive and export grain merchandiser with Garnac Grain (Andre & Company of Lausanne, Switzerland) and a domestic grain procurement manager and merchandiser with General Mills (USA) before joining USW, Vince brought a dozen years of practical trade and commercial experience to USW. Additionally, his past industry leadership positions include having been elected President and Member of the Board of Directors of both the Portland Merchants Exchange and the Pacific Grain Export Association.
Peterson has presented testimony as an expert witness before Congress, USTR/USDA and the U.S. International Trade Commission and served on the CFTC investigative subcommittee for cash and futures market convergence. Peterson has served since 2017 as a member of the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee to the USDA Secretary of Agriculture and the USTR Trade Ambassador.
Peterson’s major bachelor degree studies were in Industrial (Business) Administration (Finance) and Economics at Iowa State University.
USW’s mission is to “develop, maintain, and expand international markets to enhance the profitability of U.S. wheat producers and provide value to their customers.” USW activities in more than 100 countries are made possible through producer checkoff dollars managed by 19 state wheat commissions and cost-share funding provided by USDA/Foreign Agricultural Service. USW maintains 16 offices strategically located around the world to help wheat buyers, millers, bakers, wheat food processors and government officials understand the quality, value and reliability of all six classes of U.S. wheat.
Session 1: Maize workshop
Vice President of Corporate Affairs, POET
Doug Berven joined POET in March 2003 and has served the organization in several key roles since then. In his current role as Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Berven promotes the corporate objectives of POET, the importance of agriculture, and the benefits of biofuels domestically and internationally.
Berven currently sits on the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance Executive Committee and Board, the Fuels Institute Advisory Board, is a Senior Advisor to Solutions From the Land, is the Executive Director of the South Dakota Ethanol Producers Association, is team leader on the U.S. Grains Council Ethanol Advisory Team and serves on several other industry associated work groups, committees and associations. He has also served on several of POET’s plant Boards of Directors. Berven also manages strategic corporate relations for POET, promotes state, national and international policy objectives for the industry, and is a recognized authority on biofuels, renewable energy and agriculture.
Prior to joining POET, Berven held various roles in banking, real estate development and medical consulting. Berven received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D., where he currently resides with his wife and two children.
Session 1: Maize workshop
Director General, ePURE - European renewable ethanol
David Carpintero joined ePURE as Director General in June 2022. Previously he worked as Director General for a Brussels-based food trade association and has a long international experience with a multinational in the agricultural sector with postings in Europe and America. He started his career as a management consultant with Kearney. David earned an MBA at IESE Business School and a Master’s in Agronomic Engineering at Polytechnic University of Madrid.
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
SESSION 6: Ports efficiency and connectivity
Global Account Manager- Shipping, Global Spatial Technology Solutions (GSTS)
Ed joined GSTS in 2025 as part of the newly formed shipping commercial team, focussing on the deployment of GSTS’ SaaS solution OCIANA to the wider shipping industry. OCIANA is designed to optimise the collaboration with between ship and shore stakeholders, through environmental, operational and situation efficiency.
Ed has over 15 years of maritime shipping experience, mainly focussed in the commercial and operation’s arena. He is also a qualified Deck Officer, having qualified from Warsash Maritime Academy in 2012, working onboard General Cargo vessels before moving shoreside to Gibraltar, working for the Gibunco Group.
Previously to joining GSTS, Ed relocated back to the UK in 2015, working in the commercial department for VesselsValue, the world’s first automated vessel valuation platform. He has worked with some of the largest shipping companies predominantly in the dry bulk and container space, as well as charterers, finance and governmental organisations.
Based on the Isle of Wight, Ed holds a degree in Marine Operations from Southampton Solent University.
