It’s not easy to say goodbye to someone who’s made such a lasting impact in a short time. After these past few years of her time at Progreso, we’ve said farewell to our Managing Director, Anneke Goede. And while her departure leaves us a little nostalgic, we mostly feel proud and grateful for her leadership, her care, and everything we’ve built together during her time at Progreso.
Anneke stepped in at the start of 2023, a time of transition not only for Progreso but for the entire coffee and cocoa sector. Prices were volatile, new regulations were on the horizon, and the call for resilient, transparent value chains was louder than ever.
Anneke brought calm, clarity, and direction. She helped us grow, not just in numbers, but in confidence, connection, and impact. And this growth was felt by the whole team: in Amsterdam and, especially, in the regions.
More people, more impact
And grow we did! Across Latin America, Africa, Asia, and The Netherlands, we welcomed new colleagues who brought fresh energy, skills, and ideas. Together, we deepened our support to producer organizations, helping them strengthen internal management, improve quality and productivity, and access better markets and finance.
This team expansion created a true spirit of collaboration, something Anneke wholeheartedly encouraged. She also placed a strong emphasis on internal communication, championing tighter feedback loops and stronger connections between our teams across all regions.
A stronger foundation
Behind the scenes, Anneke helped solidify our foundation. She welcomed new members to our Supervisory Board, strengthened our governance, and kept transparency and collaboration front and center. Her eye for professionalism was always rooted in what matters most: people, relationships, and purpose.
Anneke also played a key role in the professionalization of the Progreso Fund. A dedicated Credit Committee was formed, and workflows were redesigned to allow for a streamlined process. This renewed foundation will help us to grow the fund further in the future and serve more producer organizations to meet the demands of the growing missing middle.
Looking forward, with gratitude
There’s so much to be proud of. In seven focus countries, we’re working side-by-side with cooperatives to build stronger, more resilient businesses. We’ve grown as a team, strengthened partnerships, and stayed true to our mission.
So Anneke, from all of us: thank you!!! For your leadership, your trust, and your belief in what Progreso stands for. We’ll miss your presence, your listening ear, and your steady hand—but we know the seeds you’ve planted will keep growing.
And don’t worry, we’ll keep the coffee machine alive 😉
