The World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) today confirmed that its president, Chris Vincent, informed the WCF board in the summer of 2025 of his intention to step down in summer 2026.  

At the board’s request, he has agreed to continue as president through to the end of 2026 to lead the full implementation of WCF’s refined strategy and ensure continuity during this critical delivery phase for the cocoa sector.  

Over the past five years, Vincent has led a significant transformation of the organization, strengthening WCF’s strategic focus, credibility, and role as a convener across business, government, and sustainability stakeholders.  

The board has full confidence in Chris’s leadership and is committed to a structured, well-governed and orderly succession process at the appropriate time, it says.

Tricia Brannigan, World Cocoa Foundation chair, says: “The board is deeply grateful for Chris’s leadership and the role he has played in strengthening WCF’s strategy, credibility, and convening power over the past five years. Succession planning is a core responsibility of the board, and this transition reflects normal, healthy governance and long-term planning. With Chris’s continued leadership through the end of 2026, we are confident in WCF’s ability to deliver its refined strategy and support members  and partners through a critical period for the cocoa sector."

WCF remains firmly focused on delivering its refined strategy, maintaining strong support for members and partners, and driving collaborative action to strengthen the long-term resilience and sustainability of the cocoa sector, it says.

Related: WCF Partnership Meeting opens in Amsterdam