Meet our team

Cananga odorata

Our management team

Meet our team of change-makers.

Our team works in locations around the world, including Kenya, Belgium, Germany and Australia.
  • Campbell Walter

    Group CEO
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    Campbell Walter

    Group CEO

    Campbell is a well-regarded expert in the cosmetic oil sector and is known for his innovative approach and ideas. For over 20 years Campbell has worked in this industry with extensive hands-on experience and knowledge of organic & ethical farming. This includes all aspects of essential and vegetable oil production, from farming and processing to sales and supply. Campbell offers clients a complete understanding of the raw material supply chain.

    He has been involved in establishing both commercial and out-grower oil projects in Zimbabwe, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, Madagascar and India. Many of these projects involved creating a whole new industry – harnessing farmers’ existing skill-set and directing it into sustainable ways to earn valuable and much-needed additional income, outside subsistence farming. He is passionate about creating ethical and sustainable farming partnerships.

    Campbell has already nurtured the rapid growth of Fairoils to become a market leader. He’s excited about the new opportunities and innovations that lie ahead, and will help Fairoils make an even bigger impact on improving the livelihoods of farming communities in Africa.

  • Peter Okello

    Group Chief Financial Officer
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    Peter Okello

    Group Chief Financial Officer

    Peter began his career as an auditor over 20 years ago and has gone on to hold a number of senior positions in the Finance and Audit Sector across Eastern and Central Africa. This includes in the Banking, Retail and FMCG industries where he has a wealth of experience.

    As Fairoils’ Chief Financial Officer Peter’s goal is to develop and improve processes and systems while streamlining day to day operations for the company – overseeing accurate and timely financial reports.

    Peter enjoys automating and simplifying company processes while ensuring controls and costs are managed to support bottom line objectives. He believes that finance plays a vital role in the growth and survival of any organisation. Peter is passionate about ensuring Fairoils grows as a company so it can continue to strengthen communities in Africa.

    Peter holds an MBA from Heriot Watt University (Edinburgh Business School), Bachelor of Commerce from Kenyatta University and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) of Kenya.

  • David Njeru

    General Manager—Fairoils Kenya
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    David Njeru

    General Manager—Fairoils Kenya

    David has extensive experience in establishing and managing sophisticated factory operations. He brings a wealth of knowledge to the Fairoils’ team, with expertise spanning both essential and vegetable oil processing. In previous roles, David has specialised in the extraction of tannin and oils from plants.

    As Fairoils’ General Manager, David looks after key factory operations in Athi River, and is closely involved with sourcing raw materials from across Africa. He also works with managers responsible for factory and farming operations in Mara, Mount Kenya, Lunga Lunga, Taita Taveta and other parts of Kenya.

    David is a graduate of Egerton University and Management University of Africa. He is married with three children and four grandchildren. David enjoys working with people keen to make a difference in the life of others.

  • Matthias Kindermann

    Chief Operational Officer - Belgium & Madagascar
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    Matthias Kindermann

    Chief Operational Officer - Belgium & Madagascar

    Based in Europe, Matthias has extensive experience in the sourcing of cosmetic oils. He holds a Masters in Agribusiness from the University of Hohenheim in Germany and has worked on research projects in this field, in both the Phillipines and Tanzania. His knowledge of the essential and vegetable oil market is exceptional and this is matched with a thorough, practical approach.

    Matthias previously worked for a major German natural cosmetic company in a sourcing role and it was here he developed his passion for helping farmers from developing countries. Matthias continues this goal through his key role in the strategic sourcing and sales of Fairoils products.

    Matthias has a keen eye for detail and regularly travels to projects in Kenya and Madagascar to ensure Fairoils’ high-quality standards are achieved and maintained. Matthias speaks German, English and French.

  • Jacob Katuva

    Senior Manager, Outgrower Projects—Essential Oils
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    Jacob Katuva

    Senior Manager, Outgrower Projects—Essential Oils

    Jacob has more than 12 years of experience working in the water, agriculture and economic development sector in rural Kenya. He works in Fairoils’ East Africa operations, managing the outgrowers smallholder farmers and the co-impact social development programs.

    Jacob is passionate about the connections between water, energy and food. He is particularly interested in the role of agriculture in poverty reduction and eradication in rural sub-Saharan Africa.

    Jacob holds a Bachelor of Science in soil, water and environmental engineering from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture. He also holds a Master of Science in environmental and biosystems engineering from the University of Nairobi and a PhD in Geography and the Environment from Oxford University.

  • Thierry Hennequin

    Director of Business Development and Group Sales
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    Thierry Hennequin

    Director of Business Development and Group Sales

    Based in France, Thierry has over 20 years of industry experience in the flavour and fragrance field. Thierry loves sharing his in-depth knowledge with clients, helping them source key ingredients that have been responsibility-produced.  Thierry joined the Fairoils team due to his desire to work in the ethical raw ingredient field and to match-make farmers efforts with like-minded clients. Thierry is proud to join Fairoils’ efforts in strengthening communities in Africa through an ethical, viable industry that protects people and the planet. He is also excited about the unique ingredients he gets to deal with in this rapidly-expanding field. Thierry’s CV is extensive from working as a food engineer to managing sales teams, in well-respected French F&F companies.

  • James Kigo

    Senior Manager, Outgrower Projects—Vegetable Oils
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    James Kigo

    Senior Manager, Outgrower Projects—Vegetable Oils

    James has a wealth of expertise in agricultural production in a range of industries. Over 20 years, his experience has spanned fresh produce, essential oils, vegetable oils and coconut oil. James is the Senior Manager for outgrower vegetable crops and also coordinates organic and Fairtrade certification for the smallholder grower group.

    He is passionate about working with smallholder growers, helping them prepare to target markets that require particular crop varieties, product specifications or compliance with specific standards.

    James holds a bachelor degree in horticulture from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. Kenyan by birth, he loves spending time with his family and getting involved in community social activities.

  • Connor Deacon

    Director of Sustainability
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    Connor Deacon

    Director of Sustainability

    Connor is a dedicated advocate of creative thinking and innovation, striving to implement sustainable growth strategies. He firmly believes in the power of collaborative efforts with smallholder producers to combat poverty cycles and foster a positive impact on both people and the environment.

    Connor is based in Kenya, where he is responsible for supervising Fairoils’ sustainability certifications and spearheading the group’s sustainability strategy.

    Previously, Connor played an integral role at The Body Shop, contributing to the brand’s acclaimed Fair Trade program. Here he was an inaugural member of the forward-thinking ‘Youth Collective’ (Junior Board), ensuring youth voices were heard in the company’s decision-making processes.

    With a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in International Horticulture from Nottingham Trent University and a certificate in strategic roadmapping from the University of Cambridge, Connor combines academic expertise with practical experience.

  • Susan Omondi

    Director of Quality & Regulatory Affairs - Kenya, Madagascar & Belgium
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    Susan Omondi

    Director of Quality & Regulatory Affairs - Kenya, Madagascar & Belgium

    Susan has over 15 years’ experience in supply chain operations, mostly in the manufacturing sector. As the Director of Quality and Regulatory Affairs for Fairoils, Susan oversees quality, safety and regulatory compliance in Kenya, Madagascar and Belgium.

    Susan started her career as a part-time lecturer of Food Engineering, Microbiology and Analysis and then third-party laboratory testing, before moving to the manufacturing industry. She has extensive experience in manufacturing of edible oils, food packaging, confectionery, beverage, and water.

    Susan believes in continuous improvement through problem solving, preventive and corrective actions. Susan’s focus at Fairoils is on building a strong quality and food safety culture to ensure a sustainable, future while pursuing excellence in operations.

    Susan holds an MBA in Strategic Management from Moi University and Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science and Technology from Egerton University. Susan enjoys music and traveling.

  • Brigitte Rzafimahery

    Operations Manager, Antananrivo, Madagascar
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    Brigitte Rzafimahery

    Operations Manager, Antananrivo, Madagascar

    With 20 years of experience in the essential oil industry in Eastern Africa, Brigitte brings a wealth of knowledge to her role as General Manager of Fairoils Madagascar. Her intricate understanding of the supply chains in the diverse and remote locations of this region is exceptional and she always has a great story to tell. Brigette manages both quality control and export of our products and this requires detailed coordination due to its remoteness. Brigitte has a chemical and agricultural engineering degree from the Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium.

  • Julie Planchin

    Sales Manager
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    Julie Planchin

    Sales Manager

    Originally from Paris, Julie is now based in Stuttgart, Germany where she helps clients across the globe find just the product they are looking for! Julie has a Master of International Business and has worked in business development for a variety of industries – where she gained valuable insight and realised her strength as a customer-driven salesperson. This is backed up by her meticulous attention to detail and friendly adaptability.

    Julie has a personal interest in natural cosmetics and aromatherapy and it was an organic progression to find herself in the essential and vegetable oil field. Julie is also very passionate about affecting change and is committed to helping small-scale growers in Eastern Africa find markets for their products. In her role, Julie gets to focus on what is truly important to her – people and the planet. Julie is fluent in English and German and is a native French speaker. She is happy to support you for any enquiry related to our products and activities.

  • Mike Samuels

    Operations Manager Mananjary, Madagascar
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    Mike Samuels

    Operations Manager Mananjary, Madagascar

    Mike has been involved in development projects throughout Africa and the Middle East since 2004, in both government and non-profit sectors. He is enthusiastic about using his extensive project management and leadership experience to lead his team to work effectively with community leaders and local farmers in Madagascar.

    Mike believes that empowering individuals is the key to achieving lasting impact on farming communities and their quality of life.

    Mike holds a Master’s degree in International Affairs and Global Enterprise from the University of Utah. He speaks French and Spanish and is currently learning Malagasy.

  • Taylor Mackay

    Management Consultant - Kenya
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    Taylor Mackay

    Management Consultant - Kenya

    Taylor has a passion for social impact strategy and believes in the power of small-scale agriculture to transform livelihoods in the most disadvantaged communities. Taylor has worked in the non-profit and for-profit social impact sectors for over 14 years having previously lived and worked in The United States, Uganda, Paraguay and India before coming to Kenya where he was Chief Operating Officer For Fairoils. Taylor now acts as a consultant to Fairoils’ sharing his expertise to help build and improve their operations in East Africa.

    Taylor holds an accounting degree from Brigham Young University, a certificate in social impact strategy from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from the University of Oxford.

Meet the Fairoils group.

The Fairoils group brings together four companies, operating in different countries.

Fairoils EPZ and Fairoils SPL lead our production and distribution. Kutoka Ardhini and Fairoils Madagascar are focused on farming, processing and working directly with small-scale farmers.

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Fairoils EPZ Ltd (Kenya)
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Fairoils SPL (Belgium)
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Kutoka Ardhini Ltd (Kenya)
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Fairoils Madagascar SPL

Campbell Walter

Managing Director

Campbell has led organic and ethical cosmetic oil projects for more than two decades, building a reputation for his expertise and innovative approach. Campbell has hands-on experience with all aspects of natural oils production, from farming and processing to sales and supply.

Campbell has already nurtured the rapid growth of Fairoils to become a market leader. He’s excited about the new opportunities and innovations that lie ahead, and will help Fairoils make an even bigger impact on living standards in Africa.

Wayne Barratt

Director – Operations

Born and raised in Africa, Wayne grew up in a farming family. He has many years’ experience in both farming and managing large teams of people. Wayne is ‘on the ground’ for Fairoils in Africa, overseeing farming operations and production.

Wayne imparts his knowledge and skill to ensure best farming practices and efficient production. His expansive knowledge ranges from machine press operation and distillation processes to the smooth running of the factory.

David Njeru

General Manager – Fairoils Kenya

David Njeru has extensive experience in establishing and managing complicated factory operations. He brings a wealth of knowledge to the Fairoils team.

As General Manager, David looks after the key factory operations in Athi River. He leads the teams that source products from across Africa, as well as Fairoils’ commercial farming operations on the Kenyan coast.

Matthias Kindermann

General Manager – Fairoils Belgium

Based in Germany, Matthias has extensive experience in the sourcing of cosmetic oils. He plays a key role in the strategic sourcing and sales of Fairoils products.

Matthias has a keen eye for detail and regularly travels to projects in Kenya and Madagascar to ensure Fairoils’ high-quality standards are achieved and maintained. Matthias speaks German, English and French.

Pure and Natural.

Work with us to source pure, natural oils produced to the highest ethical standards.