Strengthening the Governing Bodies of Plant-for-the-Planet

The Plant-for-the-Planet Foundation has strengthened its governing bodies by appointing new members. Here, you’ll find out who has joined the Foundation Council, who has taken on a role in the Board of Directors, and what responsibilities these two bodies hold.

The Work of the Foundation Council and Board of Directors at Plant-for-the-Planet

The roles of the Foundation Council and Board of Directors largely mirror those of the Council and the Board of Directors in traditional companies. The Foundation Council appoints the Board of Directors and oversees its work. It also approves the annual budget and financial statements and, together with the Board of Directors, defines the strategic direction of the foundation. The Board of Directors represents Plant-for-the-Planet externally and holds overall responsibility for the foundation’s direction, project activities, and team. It also guides the organization’s three core pillars: empowerment, restoration, and forest conservation.

The New Faces on the Foundation Council of Plant-for-the-Planet

Currently, three people are enriching the work of Plant-for-the-Planet’s Foundation Council with their experience and areas of expertise. We’re pleased to introduce and welcome:

Prof. Dr. Bonnie Waring

As a Professor of Ecology at Imperial College London and a long-time supporter of Plant-for-the-Planet, Bonnie Waring is now joining the Foundation Council. In the past, she supported and advised the foundation on restoration projects. “I strongly believe in Plant-for-the-Planet’s mission to restore ecosystems as a way of achieving climate justice. Having done research at one of Plant-for-the-Planet’s field sites in the past, I am honored and excited to further my relationship with the organization,” she explains.

Bonnie Waring’s main focus lies in the foundation’s scientific activities. In addition, she has served on an external advisory board on forest issues for a major corporation. “Through that experience, I learned how impactful it can be for academics to collaborate with companies and NGOs – there is a lot of opportunity for knowledge exchange!” A collaboration that will now continue with Plant-for-the-Planet.

Michael Durach

He is one of the foundation’s longest-standing supporters: Michael Durach, CEO of Develey Senf & Feinkost GmbH, has been supporting Plant-for-the-Planet for over 15 years – previously also as a voluntary member of the Board of Directors.

One of his biggest priorities is the education of young people as Climate Justice Ambassadors. “I believe that positive change in the future starts with education today,” he says. “The Change Chocolate” is also a matter close to his heart. For years, Develey has supported “The Change Chocolate” through logistics and supply chain coordination. His experience with Plant-for-the-Planet is invaluable to the Foundation Council.

Marcus Vitt

A completely new addition to a Plant-for-the-Planet governing body is Marcus Vitt, managing partner of Vitt4FUTURE GmbH in Hamburg and former co-CEO of Donner & Reuschel Bank. He has been involved in numerous foundations over the years in a variety of roles. Plant-for-the-Planet is not new to him, either.

“With my former team, I supported the foundation’s work and mission for many years and greatly admired the team’s commitment. I’m very pleased to now contribute my experience and skills to the Foundation Council,” he says.

New Member of the Board of Directors Caroline Gusinda

Even before the new Foundation Council convened, the previous board made one last important decision: appointing Caroline Gusinda, the foundation’s long-serving Managing Director, as a new member of the Board of Directors. She has been a part of the Plant-for-the-Planet team for 15 years and will now lead the foundation alongside Jens Waltermann as a full-time Board of Directors member. “During my time at Plant-for-the-Planet, I’ve had the chance to meet so many inspiring and motivated young people. It excites me to see how the organization has contributed to their development,” she explains.

Her focus areas include restoration and forest conservation, digital solutions, and administrative topics such as finance, people & culture, and internal processes. “It’s very important to me that we continue to improve in these areas so we can carry out our work with maximum efficiency and transparency,” says Caroline Gusinda.

The Team at Plant-for-the-Planet: United Against the Climate Crisis

The Board of Directors of Plant-for-the-Planet now consists of the Chairman of the Board Jens Waltermann, Vice-chairman of the Board Bernhard Hannemann, Caroline Gusinda, and Dr. Josep Santacreu. You can learn more about the team here.

We at Plant-for-the-Planet are excited about the new appointments to our Foundation and Board of Directors. We wish Prof. Dr. Bonnie Waring, Michael Durach, Marcus Vitt, and Caroline Gusinda all the best in their new roles and look forward to working together. With fresh energy and proven experience, we continue our fight against the climate crisis!