Responsible Sourcing Summit: Sustainability Leadership

In GSF's 2025 Keynote Opening, Nutreco CEO Bastiaan van Tilburg stated: “Sustainability equals profitability.” This raises an important question: what does sustainability leadership in the shrimp industry look like today?

Sustainability expectations in shrimp have evolved over time—from mangrove protection, antibiotic use, and climate action to animal welfare, traceability, and human rights. Companies face ongoing pressure to meet regulations and stakeholder expectations while maintaining profitable growth. This session explores how sustainability leadership in the shrimp industry is changing and how organizational structures and sustainability talent can strengthen risk management and competitiveness.

Adam Brennan, CSO of Thai Union Group, will share how and why the company is integrating sustainability into its business strategy. How can sustainability support business performance rather than compete with it?

Next, Catherine Harris, Executive Director and Head of Sustainable Business at Acre Americas, will discuss changing sustainability leadership trends from a recruiter's perspective.

The session concludes with a panel featuring the speakers alongside representatives from Puul (TBC), Albert Heijn, and Rabobank. Together, they will examine the costs and benefits of sustainability initiatives, how companies are organizing themselves, and the differences between larger and smaller organizations. Practical lessons on operating models, skills, and return on investment across the value chain—from producers to retailers—will be highlighted. The panel will also look ahead at the capabilities companies will need as buyer expectations, regulation, and investor scrutiny continue to shape the industry.

This session challenges companies to view sustainability as a driver of resilience, differentiation, and long-term growth.