Former Starbucks and Mars Director Harper McConnell has been named new Chief Impact and Growth Officer of Rainforest Alliance, as part of a small reshuffle at the top of the organisation.
McConnell most recently served as Global Vice President of Sustainability at Mars, where she led large-scale sustainability initiatives across agricultural supply chains.
Prior to Mars, McConnell held a variety of leadership roles with Starbucks, including Global Director Coffee and Cocoa Sustainability, and Global Director Coffee Strategy and Product Development.
Earlier in her career, she also worked directly with smallholder farms in the Democratic Republic of Congo, supporting supply chain development and expanding access to global markets.
“I’m honoured to join the Rainforest Alliance, an organisation with a deep legacy of creating lasting changes for farmers, communities, and forests,” says McConnell.
“I’m deeply energised by the opportunity to work alongside the team to deepen our impact with the producers and landscapes we serve.”
Daryl Mintz has also joined the Rainforest Alliance executive team, being named Chief Financial Officer.
Rainforest Alliance CEO, Santiago Gowland, says the new appointments will help the organisation continue on its global mission.
“Harper and Daryl bring complementary experience across sustainability, strategy, and financial stewardship that will be critical as we continue to evolve and scale our work worldwide.”
McConnell’s appointment was effective as of 3 February, 2026, while Mintz will step into his role effective 23 February, 2026.
