IDH
Mark Birch has extensive work experience in sustainable procurement and sustainable sourcing. Mark is currently the Program Director for Sustainable Procurement at IDH. Prior to this, they worked at Symrise AG, where they held various roles such as Sustainability Director and Director of Sustainable Business Development. At Symrise, they led and implemented the sustainable sourcing program for the Flavours Division and supported the supplier development program in line with the company's sustainability strategy. Before joining Symrise, Mark worked at Unilever for many years, where they held positions such as Supplier Development Manager and Sustainable Sourcing Manager. Mark also has experience in coordinating global supplier development teams and leading projects related to smallholder engagement and farmer livelihood improvement. Mark's career in the industry dates back to their time at Lipton Export Limited and Unilever, where they worked as a Development Technologist and Research Assistant respectively.
Mark Birch attended Castell Alun High School from 1978 to 1984. Mark then went on to attend the University of the South Bank - London from 1992 to 1995, where they earned a BSc in Food Science.
IDH
IDH drives sustainability from niche to norm; by convening companies, civil society organizations, governments and others in public-private partnerships. Together with partners, IDH designs, co-funds and prototypes new economically viable approaches to realize green & inclusive growth at scale. Our approaches are designed to drive sustainability in commodity sectors and sourcing areas, while delivering impact on the Sustainable Development Goals. IDH is supported by multiple European governments, and we work together with 735 partners around the world, including 275 private sector actors, governments and others to implement 70 programs in 13 sectors