Call for Independent Members of the EIT Food Supervisory Board

EIT Food is looking for several independent members for its Supervisory Board. Application deadline: 15 November

The Organisation

EIT Food was created in 2016 and is today a consortium of some 71 core partners and 53 network partners  from leading food and agri businesses, research centres and universities, as well as 70 Rising Food Stars, across 20 countries. EIT Food’s vision is to put Europe at the centre of a global revolution in food innovation and production, and its value in society. EIT Food will engage consumers in the change process, improve nutrition and make the food system more resource-efficient, secure, transparent and trusted.

EIT Food is funded by EIT (European Institute of Innovation and Technology) and its Partners. EIT Food is an Association under Belgian law and has its head office in Leuven, Belgium, and has regional hubs (CLCs) in London, Madrid, Munich and Warsaw. It has a permanent staff of around 75 people. More information can be found here.

Role of the Supervisory Board in EIT Food

The Supervisory Board has a supervisory and non-operational function, overseeing the activities of EIT Food and monitoring the definition, approval and fulfilment of the Strategic Agenda. It appoints the CEO and COO, supervises their work and discusses and approves strategic decisions that guide the organisation, which are developed and proposed by the Management Board.

It is elected by the Partner Assembly and in its new composition will be composed of five representatives of the Partners and five independent board members with complementary skills and experiences. The future Chair of the Supervisory Board will have to be appointed from amongst the independent members.

The Supervisory Board meets five times a year virtually or face to face for board meetings. Furthermore, work on specific topics may be performed.

The Supervisory Board Members are appointed for a term of two years, which can be renewed twice by the Partner Assembly (so maximum of 6 years).

Profile

EIT Food now wants to attract several independent members for its Supervisory Board. Candidates should fit the following profile:

• Proven track record in the agro or food sector in Europe, ideally with a strong international dimension and a relevant network
• Preferably with already existing board experience
• Excellent communication skills, a passion for innovation & entrepreneurship as well as the willingness and motivation to become a forceful ambassador for EIT Food
• Excellent command of English
• Neither directly nor indirectly holds an interest in a Member, does not act for a Member and is not a representative of a CLC of EIT Food.

In order to complete the mix of backgrounds in the Supervisory Board, there is a preference for candidates with one or more of the following backgrounds:

• Leading commercial growth: people who have been managing and leading food businesses at international scale
• Financial and fundraising expertise: venture capitalists/investors/investment bankers in the agro/food industry, including start-ups or people with financial management background with a major player in the sector.
• Innovation/scientific credibility: people who have a passion for food science and technology in food, who are considered top notch in the scientific community in the food sector.
• Successful product launches: people who have successfully developed category breakthrough innovations from the initial concept that leverages new science to deliver market appeal.
• Public policy: people that understand how the institutions of the European Union function and have experience in advocacy and regulatory aspects within the food industry.

The Supervisory Board of EIT Food needs to be diverse, not only in terms of experience and professional backgrounds, but also in terms of geographic spread, generational connection and gender.

Expenses and offered compensation

Board members are entitled to an annual stipend of EUR 10,000. The Chair is entitled to an annual stipend of EUR 20,000. Additional advisory activities may be compensated on a per diem basis. Any travel and other expenses are reimbursed.

Equal opportunities

EIT Food applies a policy of equal opportunities and accepts applications without discrimination on any grounds.

To apply for this position, please submit your CV and a cover letter explaining your motivation and highlighting the quality of your application to our advisors Egon Zehnder at  eitfood@egonzehnder.com no later than 15 November 2021.