The Good Food Institute (GFI) has announced that its CEO, Ilya Sheyman, will be departing from the company, effective from 2 June.
Sheyman expressed his confidence in GFI’s ability to “thrive through this transition and the vital work that lies ahead,” adding that he will now begin “a new chapter of service” focused on “addressing urgent challenges impacting vulernable communities close to home”.
He commented: “Over the past three years we’ve catalysed hundreds of millions of dollars in investment into critical R&D efforts, advanced collaboration across sectors, launched a new affiliate in Japan and continued to build a world class organisation – bringing us a step closer to a world where alternative proteins are no longer alternative.”
“The need to reimagine protein remains critical: to reduce emissions, support healthy ecosystems, safeguard public health and bolster food security. I’ll continue to be this team’s biggest cheerleader – because the stakes couldn’t be higher.”
GFI’s senior vice president of policy and government relations, Jessica Almy, will serve as interim CEO while the organisation conducts a nationwide search for its next chief executive.
Almy brings deep knowledge of GFI and expertise in public health, environmental law and food policy. She currently heads up GFI’s office in Washington, DC, leading a team focused on leveraging federal and state legislation, regulation, litigation and other policy mechanisms to accelerate progress toward widespread alternative protein adoption.
Prior to beginning her work with GFI eight years ago, Almy advanced public health through policy at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a non-profit food policy organisation.
Commenting on her appointment and experience with GFI, she said: “What drew me in, and continues to inspire me every day, is GFI’s bold vision of a food system that’s resilient, sustainable and built to ensure abundance. Our global team is united by a shared commitment to ‘do the most good,’ a core value that enables us to catalyse scientific, policy and private sector solutions.”
Almy added: “What’s so powerful about GFI is that our shared work brings us closer to a far more vibrant future – whether we’re motivated by food security, sustainability or innovation. I’m honored to serve as interim CEO and to help steward GFI’s work during this pivotal time. Together, we’ll keep building a better food future for all.”
Bruce Friedrich, GFI founder and president, praised Almy as a “trusted and experienced” leader, adding that Sheyman’s leadership as CEO was “remarkable” and expressing gratitude to them both.
“Under [Sheyman’s’] guidance, GFI has continued to champion its important mission, bringing alternative proteins closer to becoming a mainstream solution for climate, biodiversity, food security and public health,” Friedrich said. “We are indebted to him for steering GFI with a truly exceptional level of strategic guidance, competence and focus.”
