Rainforest Alliance Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Rainforest Alliance has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, and human resources.

Driven by a mission to create a sustainable world, Rainforest Alliance transforms agriculture through regenerative practices, protecting forests and improving farmer livelihoods globally.

Leadership Roles at Rainforest Alliance

  • Chief Executive Officer, Rainforest Alliance’s - Santiago Gowland
  • Chief Financial Officer - Daryl Mintz
  • Chief Operating Officer - Adam Cox
  • Chief People Officer (Interim) - Jean-Pierre Smiet
  • Santiago Gowland - Chief Executive Officer, Rainforest Alliance’s

    Santiago Gowland, the Chief Executive Officer, Rainforest Alliance’s, directs the organization's overarching strategy and global operations. Gowland champions the mission to create a sustainable world by fostering regenerative agriculture and protecting forests. This leadership role involves guiding corporate advisory services and technical assistance programs that empower businesses to adopt sustainable practices. By collaborating with diverse stakeholders, Gowland drives impactful change across farming and forestry sectors worldwide. The Chief Executive Officer ensures the Rainforest Alliance certification seal promotes products that benefit both people and nature. Santiago Gowland's strategic vision solidifies the organization's commitment to improving the livelihoods of farmers and local communities through certified products and sustainable business models. This executive oversees the integration of conservation efforts with economic development, ensuring long-term viability and positive environmental impact across all initiatives.
    Santiago Gowland

    Daryl Mintz - Chief Financial Officer

    Daryl Mintz, the Chief Financial Officer, manages Rainforest Alliance's financial health and strategic resource allocation. Mintz oversees all fiscal operations, including budgeting, financial planning, and reporting, ensuring the organization's economic sustainability. This role is critical for supporting the certification programs and technical assistance services that drive the company's mission. The Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with financial regulations and optimizes financial performance to maximize the impact of sustainability initiatives. By providing financial insights, Mintz enables informed decision-making across departments, supporting the transformation of agriculture through regenerative practices. Daryl Mintz's expertise guarantees that financial resources are effectively deployed to protect forests and enhance the livelihoods of farmers and communities globally. This executive's responsibilities extend to managing investments and securing funding to advance the organization's goals in the farming and forestry sectors.
    Daryl Mintz

    Adam Cox - Chief Operating Officer

    Adam Cox, the Chief Operating Officer, directs the operational execution of Rainforest Alliance's global programs and services. Cox oversees the implementation of certification standards and the delivery of technical assistance, ensuring efficient and effective support for businesses pursuing sustainability. This leadership position is vital for scaling regenerative practices that protect forests and improve farmer livelihoods. The Chief Operating Officer manages cross-functional teams to drive operational excellence and achieve strategic objectives in the farming and forestry sectors. By optimizing internal processes, Cox enhances the organization's capacity to collaborate with stakeholders and promote products with the certification seal. Adam Cox's operational leadership ensures the seamless integration of conservation and community development efforts worldwide. This executive's focus is on streamlining operations to maximize the positive impact of the Rainforest Alliance's mission on a global scale.
    Adam Cox

    Jean-Pierre Smiet - Chief People Officer (Interim)

    Jean-Pierre Smiet, the Chief People Officer (Interim), leads Rainforest Alliance's human capital strategy and organizational development. Smiet oversees talent acquisition, employee engagement, and the cultivation of a supportive work environment that aligns with the organization's sustainability mission. This role is essential for building and retaining a high-performing team dedicated to transforming agriculture and protecting natural resources. The Chief People Officer (Interim) ensures that HR policies and practices foster a culture of innovation and collaboration, crucial for driving impactful change in the farming and forestry sectors. By focusing on employee well-being and professional growth, Smiet strengthens the organization's ability to deliver technical assistance and certification services effectively. Jean-Pierre Smiet's leadership ensures that the people behind Rainforest Alliance are empowered to advance the goal of creating a sustainable world for people and nature.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Rainforest Alliance Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Rainforest Alliance?
    Rainforest Alliance is led by Santiago Gowland (Chief Executive Officer, Rainforest Alliance’s), along with executives such as Daryl Mintz (Chief Financial Officer) and Adam Cox (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Rainforest Alliance’s executive team?
    The executive team of Rainforest Alliance includes leaders such as Santiago Gowland (Chief Executive Officer, Rainforest Alliance’s), Daryl Mintz (Chief Financial Officer), Adam Cox (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Rainforest Alliance have?
    Rainforest Alliance has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Rainforest Alliance’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Rainforest Alliance includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Rainforest Alliance’s, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief People Officer (Interim).