John Steel is CEO of Cafédirect, a UK coffee company that sources directly from smallholder farmers and reinvests a share of its profits into farmer-led programmes that support livelihoods, climate resilience and stronger producer organisations. During his tenure the business has grown organically and through a step-changing acquisition, whilst continuing to pioneer and maintain its’ produce-led model and sustainability commitments.

His aim is that Cafédirect, as one of the UK’s pre-eminent social enterprises, plays a pivotal role in leading the change agenda. John is a passionate, energetic and genuine believer in the need for real change in the way business contributes to society and the wider world.