Frank van der Linde has decided to step down from his role as executive director after seven years at the helm of Fairfood International.

The non-profit said van der Linde had shown an “unyielding drive and profound dedication” to Fairfood’s cause.

It added in a statement: “Frank has guided Fairfood through difficult times and financial instability. And because of his efforts, Fairfood has now entered a new, more stable, era. Every phase needs its own leader and Frank has chosen to step down as Executive Director in this phase to take on new challenges.”

Fairfood International is a global movement aimed at making the food and drink supply chain more sustainable and has encouraged more than 1,700 food companies in over 76 countries worldwide to adopt sustainable practices.

Van der Linde said: “Our food system is about to collapse. Now more than ever we are confronted with the unsustainable practices in the food industry and governments all over the world don't take enough responsibility. It is positive that many food companies accept their responsibility, on the other hand many still lag behind.”

The Fairfood supervisory board has initiated the procedure to find a new executive director with van der Linde stepping down once the new executive director starts.