“
I’ve always felt at home on a farm.
“Even as I grew up surrounded by a family legacy built over generations in fragrances, flavors, science, and innovation, it was the rhythm of the land, the seasons, the soil, the animals that called to me most.
After years in corporate banking and working within my family company, I realized it was time to follow a different path, one that aligned more closely with who I am. I wanted to create something meaningful, something rooted in values and built to last. That’s how Kielder was born, with a few close friends who believed in this vision as much as I did.
Kielder Agro Group is more than a company. It’s a way to bring together my passion for business and agriculture, my respect for nature, and a belief that food, when grown with care and integrity, has the power to transform lives.
Through Kielder Agro Group, we work every day to farm responsibly, add real value to what we grow, and make a positive impact in the communities we touch.
This isn’t just business. It’s purpose.”
Antoine De Bourgknecht
CHAIRMAN ➜Antoine De Bourgknecht
Chairman
He has broad experience managing businesses in the food and consumer goods industry. He began his career at HSBC Bank Argentina in commercial banking, then held managerial roles at Firmenich, a leading flavors and fragrances company, where he was vice chairman of the holding group. He’s been a farming investor for over 15 years.
Eduardo Pablo Pares
GROUP CEO ➜Eduardo Pablo Pares
Group CEO
He has over 30 years of experience in international business expansion, venture development, and sustainable growth in the food and ingredients sector. He has participated in multiple M&A projects and served on boards of companies and educational institutions globally. He is a Food Engineer with an MBA from Universidad Torcuato Di Tella.
Mateo Lopez Saubidet
GROUP CFO ➜Mateo Lopez Saubidet
Group CFO
He has over 15 years of experience in investment banking, managing institutional client portfolios and advising family offices across Latin America. He holds an MBA from Columbia Business School, a Master’s in Finance from Universidad Torcuato Di Tella, and an Engineering degree from Universidad Católica Argentina.
José “Pepe” Zervino
Head of Kielder UruguayJosé “Pepe” Zervino
Head of Kielder Uruguay
He is an agronomist with 50 years of experience, licensed by the Universidad de la República in Montevideo. After a career in agribusiness banking, he moved into managing agricultural companies. He is a member of CREA and a former director of the Instituto Plan Agropecuario, promoting sustainable cattle production.
Ekko Oosterhuis
Head of Kielder TanzaniaEkko Oosterhuis
Head of Kielder Tanzania
Agricultural entrepreneur with 30+ years of experience in sustainable farming and agribusiness in East Africa. Founded and led Quality Food Products Ltd, developing export markets and a network of 10,000 farmers. Held leadership roles in industry associations and secured funding for maize production. Holds a BSc in International Agriculture Trade and speaks Dutch, English, and Swahili.
Felipe Colombo
Head of Kielder ArgentinaFelipe Colombo
Head of Kielder Argentina
He is an Agronomist from the University of Buenos Aires with experience in crop and livestock operations. Raised in a farming family, he joined Glocal Terra in 2024 to manage production at San Enrique, a 1,500-hectare site combining dryland farming, irrigation, cattle finishing, and pasture-based systems. He brings strong field execution skills and a commitment to sustainable agriculture.
Nicolaas Roodt
Head of Kielder South AfricaNicolaas Roodt
Head of Kielder South Africa
He is an olive farmer and qualified electrician, blending technical knowledge with hands-on agriculture. Over the past four years, he has developed a high-quality olive operation and serves as a Director on the SA Olive Association. He focuses on sustainability, innovation, and grower advocacy, bringing practical insight and fresh ideas to the industry.
Alejandro Brancato
Head of Kielder ParaguayAlejandro Brancato
Head of Kielder Paraguay
He is an agronomist with over 35 years of experience, graduated from Universidad de la República in Uruguay. He has managed mixed farming and dairy operations in Uruguay and Paraguay, where he has worked for over 13 years. He currently oversees 17 agricultural estates across both countries, with a focus on efficiency and sustainable production systems.
Palo Hawken
CEO JotXPalo Hawken
CEO JotX
He is an industrial designer and entrepreneur with 20 years of experience in the functional beverage industry. He co-founded Bossa Nova and REBBL, pioneering the use of herbal ingredients like reishi and maca in beverages. He now leads Jot Labs, a vertically integrated coffee and botanical extraction company.
Rafael Leguisamo
Head of Trading DivisionRafael Leguisamo
Head of Trading Division
Agribusiness specialist with 20+ years in Latin America, focused on sustainable, value-added agri-food chains. Led operations and branded beef development at Ingleby Farms, aligning production with quality and export goals. Now advises on investments, blending technical expertise with strategic insight.
Riccardo Accolla
Scientific AdvisorRiccardo Accolla
Scientific Advisor
He is a Sensory Neuroscientist and Food Tech entrepreneur with 20+ years of experience in innovation and product development at the intersection of life sciences and technology. His work spans ingredient innovation, sensory evaluation, and digital tools for traceability and sustainability. He holds a PhD in Neuroscience from EPFL and a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering from the Polytechnic
Guillermo Zorroaquin
Livestock ProductionGuillermo Zorroaquin
Livestock Production
Agricultural Technician and Psychologist with experience in sustainable, innovative livestock ventures in Argentina. Co-founded PACTA and serves on the CREA board. Combines strategic focus with hands-on management and team development.
Francisco Lynch
Seed ProductionFrancisco Lynch
Seed Production
He is an agronomist and seasoned agribusiness executive with 35+ years of global experience in seed production and supply chain. He has led large operations and teams at Corteva, Limagrain, AgReliant, and Pioneer, with expertise in CAPEX projects, operational excellence, and strategic leadership across EMEA and the Americas.
Ron Skiff
Coffee ProcessingRon Skiff
Coffee Processing
He is a chemical engineer with 40+ years in food and flavor innovation, including 25 years at Firmenich and 22 at Kraft. His work includes beverage technologies, natural extraction, and post-merger product development. He holds multiple patents and helped commercialize major innovations. Now retired from dsm-firmenich, he consults on flavor and extraction projects.
Eduardo Aguero
Olive Oil ProductionEduardo Aguero
Olive Oil Production
Agricultural Engineer with 25+ years in olive, vine, and woody crops. Specialist in high-density fruit crops and mechanization. Consultant in Spain, Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. Manages family vineyard and owns a harvesting services company.
“
I’ve always felt at home on a farm.
“Even as I grew up surrounded by a family legacy built over generations in fragrances, flavors, science, and innovation, it was the rhythm of the land, the seasons, the soil, the animals that called to me most.
After years in corporate banking and working within my family company, I realized it was time to follow a different path, one that aligned more closely with who I am. I wanted to create something meaningful, something rooted in values and built to last. That’s how Kielder was born, with a few close friends who believed in this vision as much as I did.
Kielder Agro Group is more than a company. It’s a way to bring together my passion for business and agriculture, my respect for nature, and a belief that food, when grown with care and integrity, has the power to transform lives.
Through Kielder Agro Group, we work every day to farm responsibly, add real value to what we grow, and make a positive impact in the communities we touch.
This isn’t just business. It’s purpose.”
Antoine De Bourgknecht
CHAIRMAN ➜Antoine De Bourgknecht
Chairman
He has broad experience managing businesses in the food and consumer goods industry. He began his career at HSBC Bank Argentina in commercial banking, then held managerial roles at Firmenich, a leading flavors and fragrances company, where he was vice chairman of the holding group. He’s been a farming investor for over 15 years.
Eduardo Pablo Pares
GROUP CEO ➜Eduardo Pablo Pares
Group CEO
He has over 30 years of experience in international business expansion, venture development, and sustainable growth in the food and ingredients sector. He has participated in multiple M&A projects and served on boards of companies and educational institutions globally. He is a Food Engineer with an MBA from Universidad Torcuato Di Tella.
Mateo Lopez Saubidet
GROUP CFO ➜Mateo Lopez Saubidet
Group CFO
He has over 15 years of experience in investment banking, managing institutional client portfolios and advising family offices across Latin America. He holds an MBA from Columbia Business School, a Master’s in Finance from Universidad Torcuato Di Tella, and an Engineering degree from Universidad Católica Argentina.
José “Pepe” Zervino
Head of Kielder UruguayJosé “Pepe” Zervino
Head of Kielder Uruguay
He is an agronomist with 50 years of experience, licensed by the Universidad de la República in Montevideo. After a career in agribusiness banking, he moved into managing agricultural companies. He is a member of CREA and a former director of the Instituto Plan Agropecuario, promoting sustainable cattle production.
Ekko Oosterhuis
Head of Kielder TanzaniaEkko Oosterhuis
Head of Kielder Tanzania
Agricultural entrepreneur with 30+ years of experience in sustainable farming and agribusiness in East Africa. Founded and led Quality Food Products Ltd, developing export markets and a network of 10,000 farmers. Held leadership roles in industry associations and secured funding for maize production. Holds a BSc in International Agriculture Trade and speaks Dutch, English, and Swahili.
Felipe Colombo
Head of Kielder ArgentinaFelipe Colombo
Head of Kielder Argentina
He is an Agronomist from the University of Buenos Aires with experience in crop and livestock operations. Raised in a farming family, he joined Glocal Terra in 2024 to manage production at San Enrique, a 1,500-hectare site combining dryland farming, irrigation, cattle finishing, and pasture-based systems. He brings strong field execution skills and a commitment to sustainable agriculture.
Nicolaas Roodt
Head of Kielder South AfricaNicolaas Roodt
Head of Kielder South Africa
He is an olive farmer and qualified electrician, blending technical knowledge with hands-on agriculture. Over the past four years, he has developed a high-quality olive operation and serves as a Director on the SA Olive Association. He focuses on sustainability, innovation, and grower advocacy, bringing practical insight and fresh ideas to the industry.
Alejandro Brancato
Head of Kielder ParaguayAlejandro Brancato
Head of Kielder Paraguay
He is an agronomist with over 35 years of experience, graduated from Universidad de la República in Uruguay. He has managed mixed farming and dairy operations in Uruguay and Paraguay, where he has worked for over 13 years. He currently oversees 17 agricultural estates across both countries, with a focus on efficiency and sustainable production systems.
Palo Hawken
CEO JotXPalo Hawken
CEO JotX
He is an industrial designer and entrepreneur with 20 years of experience in the functional beverage industry. He co-founded Bossa Nova and REBBL, pioneering the use of herbal ingredients like reishi and maca in beverages. He now leads Jot Labs, a vertically integrated coffee and botanical extraction company.
Rafael Leguisamo
Head of Trading DivisionRafael Leguisamo
Head of Trading Division
Agribusiness specialist with 20+ years in Latin America, focused on sustainable, value-added agri-food chains. Led operations and branded beef development at Ingleby Farms, aligning production with quality and export goals. Now advises on investments, blending technical expertise with strategic insight.
Riccardo Accolla
Scientific AdvisorRiccardo Accolla
Scientific Advisor
He is a Sensory Neuroscientist and Food Tech entrepreneur with 20+ years of experience in innovation and product development at the intersection of life sciences and technology. His work spans ingredient innovation, sensory evaluation, and digital tools for traceability and sustainability. He holds a PhD in Neuroscience from EPFL and a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering from the Polytechnic
Guillermo Zorroaquin
Livestock ProductionGuillermo Zorroaquin
Livestock Production
Agricultural Technician and Psychologist with experience in sustainable, innovative livestock ventures in Argentina. Co-founded PACTA and serves on the CREA board. Combines strategic focus with hands-on management and team development.
Francisco Lynch
Seed ProductionFrancisco Lynch
Seed Production
He is an agronomist and seasoned agribusiness executive with 35+ years of global experience in seed production and supply chain. He has led large operations and teams at Corteva, Limagrain, AgReliant, and Pioneer, with expertise in CAPEX projects, operational excellence, and strategic leadership across EMEA and the Americas.
Ron Skiff
Coffee ProcessingRon Skiff
Coffee Processing
He is a chemical engineer with 40+ years in food and flavor innovation, including 25 years at Firmenich and 22 at Kraft. His work includes beverage technologies, natural extraction, and post-merger product development. He holds multiple patents and helped commercialize major innovations. Now retired from dsm-firmenich, he consults on flavor and extraction projects.
Eduardo Aguero
Olive Oil ProductionEduardo Aguero
Olive Oil Production
Agricultural Engineer with 25+ years in olive, vine, and woody crops. Specialist in high-density fruit crops and mechanization. Consultant in Spain, Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. Manages family vineyard and owns a harvesting services company.
“
I’ve always felt at home on a farm.
“Even as I grew up surrounded by a family legacy built over generations in fragrances, flavors, science, and innovation, it was the rhythm of the land, the seasons, the soil, the animals that called to me most.
After years in corporate banking and working within my family company, I realized it was time to follow a different path, one that aligned more closely with who I am. I wanted to create something meaningful, something rooted in values and built to last. That’s how Kielder was born, with a few close friends who believed in this vision as much as I did.
Kielder Agro Group is more than a company. It’s a way to bring together my passion for business and agriculture, my respect for nature, and a belief that food, when grown with care and integrity, has the power to transform lives.
Through Kielder Agro Group, we work every day to farm responsibly, add real value to what we grow, and make a positive impact in the communities we touch.
This isn’t just business. It’s purpose.”
Antoine De Bourgknecht
CHAIRMAN ➜Antoine De Bourgknecht
Chairman
He has broad experience managing businesses in the food and consumer goods industry. He began his career at HSBC Bank Argentina in commercial banking, then held managerial roles at Firmenich, a leading flavors and fragrances company, where he was vice chairman of the holding group. He’s been a farming investor for over 15 years.
Eduardo Pablo Pares
GROUP CEO ➜Eduardo Pablo Pares
Group CEO
He has over 30 years of experience in international business expansion, venture development, and sustainable growth in the food and ingredients sector. He has participated in multiple M&A projects and served on boards of companies and educational institutions globally. He is a Food Engineer with an MBA from Universidad Torcuato Di Tella.
Mateo Lopez Saubidet
GROUP CFO ➜Mateo Lopez Saubidet
Group CFO
He has over 15 years of experience in investment banking, managing institutional client portfolios and advising family offices across Latin America. He holds an MBA from Columbia Business School, a Master’s in Finance from Universidad Torcuato Di Tella, and an Engineering degree from Universidad Católica Argentina.
José “Pepe” Zervino
Head of Kielder UruguayJosé “Pepe” Zervino
Head of Kielder Uruguay
He is an agronomist with 50 years of experience, licensed by the Universidad de la República in Montevideo. After a career in agribusiness banking, he moved into managing agricultural companies. He is a member of CREA and a former director of the Instituto Plan Agropecuario, promoting sustainable cattle production.
Ekko Oosterhuis
Head of Kielder TanzaniaEkko Oosterhuis
Head of Kielder Tanzania
Agricultural entrepreneur with 30+ years of experience in sustainable farming and agribusiness in East Africa. Founded and led Quality Food Products Ltd, developing export markets and a network of 10,000 farmers. Held leadership roles in industry associations and secured funding for maize production. Holds a BSc in International Agriculture Trade and speaks Dutch, English, and Swahili.
Felipe Colombo
Head of Kielder ArgentinaFelipe Colombo
Head of Kielder Argentina
He is an Agronomist from the University of Buenos Aires with experience in crop and livestock operations. Raised in a farming family, he joined Glocal Terra in 2024 to manage production at San Enrique, a 1,500-hectare site combining dryland farming, irrigation, cattle finishing, and pasture-based systems. He brings strong field execution skills and a commitment to sustainable agriculture.
Nicolaas Roodt
Head of Kielder South AfricaNicolaas Roodt
Head of Kielder South Africa
He is an olive farmer and qualified electrician, blending technical knowledge with hands-on agriculture. Over the past four years, he has developed a high-quality olive operation and serves as a Director on the SA Olive Association. He focuses on sustainability, innovation, and grower advocacy, bringing practical insight and fresh ideas to the industry.
Alejandro Brancato
Head of Kielder ParaguayAlejandro Brancato
Head of Kielder Paraguay
He is an agronomist with over 35 years of experience, graduated from Universidad de la República in Uruguay. He has managed mixed farming and dairy operations in Uruguay and Paraguay, where he has worked for over 13 years. He currently oversees 17 agricultural estates across both countries, with a focus on efficiency and sustainable production systems.
Palo Hawken
CEO JotXPalo Hawken
CEO JotX
He is an industrial designer and entrepreneur with 20 years of experience in the functional beverage industry. He co-founded Bossa Nova and REBBL, pioneering the use of herbal ingredients like reishi and maca in beverages. He now leads Jot Labs, a vertically integrated coffee and botanical extraction company.
Rafael Leguisamo
Head of Trading DivisionRafael Leguisamo
Head of Trading Division
Agribusiness specialist with 20+ years in Latin America, focused on sustainable, value-added agri-food chains. Led operations and branded beef development at Ingleby Farms, aligning production with quality and export goals. Now advises on investments, blending technical expertise with strategic insight.
Riccardo Accolla
Scientific AdvisorRiccardo Accolla
Scientific Advisor
He is a Sensory Neuroscientist and Food Tech entrepreneur with 20+ years of experience in innovation and product development at the intersection of life sciences and technology. His work spans ingredient innovation, sensory evaluation, and digital tools for traceability and sustainability. He holds a PhD in Neuroscience from EPFL and a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering from the Polytechnic
Guillermo Zorroaquin
Livestock ProductionGuillermo Zorroaquin
Livestock Production
Agricultural Technician and Psychologist with experience in sustainable, innovative livestock ventures in Argentina. Co-founded PACTA and serves on the CREA board. Combines strategic focus with hands-on management and team development.
Francisco Lynch
Seed ProductionFrancisco Lynch
Seed Production
He is an agronomist and seasoned agribusiness executive with 35+ years of global experience in seed production and supply chain. He has led large operations and teams at Corteva, Limagrain, AgReliant, and Pioneer, with expertise in CAPEX projects, operational excellence, and strategic leadership across EMEA and the Americas.
Ron Skiff
Coffee ProcessingRon Skiff
Coffee Processing
He is a chemical engineer with 40+ years in food and flavor innovation, including 25 years at Firmenich and 22 at Kraft. His work includes beverage technologies, natural extraction, and post-merger product development. He holds multiple patents and helped commercialize major innovations. Now retired from dsm-firmenich, he consults on flavor and extraction projects.
Eduardo Aguero
Olive Oil ProductionEduardo Aguero
Olive Oil Production
Agricultural Engineer with 25+ years in olive, vine, and woody crops. Specialist in high-density fruit crops and mechanization. Consultant in Spain, Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. Manages family vineyard and owns a harvesting services company.
