“Connections create energy.  Without energy, nothing moves, grows or transforms.”

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hi! I’m a curious marketeer with a passion for food, innovation, technology and sustainability.  I’ve worked in and around food for over 20 years and been fortunate to gain experience in Marketing, Sales and IT teams within B2B and B2C organisations in the USA and EMEA.  I have led marketing teams in the food business and seen the food business from both sides of the desk - as a brand owner and packaging supplier.  Most recently I served as Chief Product Officer for Ricola, Switzerland’s most trusted brand.      

Made and raised in the USA, I moved to Switzerland in 2011, ‘caught the bug’ and haven’t left.  At times it’s been wonderful and other times the ultimate test of resilience, but I believe growth rarely comes from the comfort zone. 

What motivated you to work for the Valley?

Early in my career I worked for a dot-com startup in Silicon Valley, New York City at the height of the dot-com boom in 2001. I loved it! I learnt by being very hands-on in roles from CEO to secretary and everything in between.  It was rewarding to be able to make a direct impact and influence change.  The energy, challenge and sky high opportunities made me look forward to Monday mornings.     

Looking ahead, I am eager to bring these unique experiences together to nourish an ecosystem where all Valley partners can see benefit in raising and growing successful, sustainable businesses to last for generations.  

Switzerland is known around the world for a focus on quality, trust and respect for each other and the environment, which makes it a special place…and a strong brand unto itself.

What are you working on at the moment?

I'm currently working on tools that will make it easier for Valley partners to connect and develop with one another and find needed resources in Switzerland.

Switzerland is unique not only for its pristine majestic vistas but also as THE most fertile soil to start a business thanks to its healthy, stable economy and political system. And we know from agriculture, it’s the soil that counts! Add the Valley, an eclectic ecosystem of like-minded individuals and businesses all focused on designing the future of sustainable food production and human nutrition.  

Gentle sun and regular watering creates real magic!  Bright, ambitious, creative talents from the worlds of scientific research, higher education, multinational corporations, accelerators and startups to think, do and solve together.  I look forward to being a catalyst for that magic needed to create change.

What is your now-not-so-secret super power?

I’ve been told I am a good listener. (After all that’s why we’re given 2 ears and 1 mouth…no?)   

Tell us something else we still don't know about you.

I have 3 kids...and I'm a secret Lego fan.

<< Find out more about Chris' Valley team members

"I’m fascinated by the question of how we can leverage our food systems to make them more future-proof."

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Trained as an economist with a PhD in geography, I’ve been working on food systems for over 14 years, as a researcher, lecturer and consultant for profit and nonprofit institutions in EU and Switzerland. I’m fascinated by the question of how we can leverage our food systems to make them more future-proof. Based in Zurich since 2016, I love travelling, playing music and enjoying the great outdoors with my dog.  

What motivated you to work for the Valley?

I believe that Switzerland can be a hub for experimenting around how we can build a more sustainable food system through innovative approaches, multi-stakeholder collaboration and cutting-edge science. The Valley embraces all this by actively engaging a wide range of food businesses. I couldn’t miss the opportunity to play a role in reshaping the way we eat at a national and international level!

What are you working on at the moment?

I’m exploring how to make our food consumption more sustainable by focusing on the role of sustainable proteins – including cultured, fermentation-based and plant-based proteins.

What is your now-not-so-secret super power?

I like to think that I can effectively bridge science and action. I love to navigate complexity and my north star is always focused on bringing about a positive impact.

Tell us something else we still don't know about you.

My passion for food has led me to study health and nutrition – this is one of my next career goals!

<< Find out more about Marta's Valley team members

"I choose my work based on the value it can bring to the world"

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’ve been working in the events and communications industry for over 20 years. I started my career delivering campaigns and events globally for large corporations. But as time went on, I felt increasingly driven by purpose. I now choose my work based on the value it can bring to the world. I like to think that I’m positive, optimistic and a “go out there and get them” type of person. I’m always ready for a challenge!

What motivated you to work for the Valley?

I believed in Christina as a leader. I enjoy working with passion-driven people who love what they do. Her vision and drive is contagious. Then I got to know the Valley and its higher purpose and mission. I absolutely love to activate collaborations and add value for positive impact - so working at the Valley was a great match for both of us!

What are you working on at the moment?

I’m putting the Valley’s big ideas into motion. Together as a team, we’re cooking up the events plan for 2023 & 2024 including a big summit, more Valley After Hours with our partners, a workshop on future farming and cultured foods…the list goes on!

What is your now-not-so-secret super power?

It’s being the fairy dust that helps bring people together, connecting them and spotlighting their good work. When we have events, my mission is to make sure that people get value. Not only do I welcome them with all my Valley heart but I also like to make sure they feel like a valued partner. We listen to them, follow up and let them know they matter.

Tell us something else we still don't know about you.

I’ve worked on death row with prisoners in Jamaica and was particularly close to a case where we saw two innocent people walk free after 6 years of injustice. That was my “Erin Brokovich” moment. 

I’m also a trained Ashtanga & Vinyasa flow yoga teacher and I’ve run two marathons - a half in Mumbai and a full 42km in London. I actually ran the marathons to understand the relationship between body, mind and spirit. To start with I thought I’d never be a good runner but it ended up becoming really meditative!

<< Find out more about Suki's Valley team members