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about oca
our governance
OCA relies on a diverse, multi-stakeholder model that ensures a balanced and inclusive representation of voices from across the organic cotton value chain. Our structure enables us to make decisions that are informed by the realities and needs of all key stakeholders—from farm to fashion. OCA is a foundation incorporated in the Netherlands, which does not have a profit aim.
OCA is governed by a Board of Trustees composed of representatives of organisations who represent a broad spectrum of stakeholders. The Board is responsible for setting the organisation’s long-term strategic vision, endorsing priorities and policies, and overseeing financial management and integrity.
In 2024, the Board undertook a performance review to assess and strengthen its effectiveness. Additionally, planning commenced for a number of Board transitions. On December 31, 2024, Keith Tyrell stepped down as Chair. Punit Lalbhai took on the role of Chair starting January 1, 2025. At the end of 2024, democratic elections took place for two Brand and Retail seats. Matt Dwyer, Head of Product Impact and Innovation at Patagonia; and Johanna von Stechow, Director of Corporate Responsibility at Tchibo, were re-elected to the OCA Board of Trustees.
OCA’s Board of Trustees has one permanent sub-committee in the Governance and Nominations Committee (GNC). The GNC is chaired by Tamar Hoek and includes several board members, as well as representation from the wider Contributor base. The GNC also onboarded two new members, with one member from the Board of Trustees and one from the wider Contributor base. Both positions were filled as per 1 January 2025.
In 2024, the Board maintained a gender composition of 40% women and 60% men.
OCA’s Board of Trustees as of January 2025
Name
Matt Dwyer (Vice Chair)
Tamar Hoek (Treasurer)
Virginie Cayzeele
Anita Chester
Punit Lalbhai
Hammad Naqi Khan
Ashis Mondal
Johanna von Stechow
Organisation
Patagonia
Solidaridad Network
Kiabi
Laudes Foundation
Arvind
WWF-Pakistan
Action for Social Advancement
Tchibo
Stakeholder Category
Independent
Civil Society
Brand and Retail
Philanthropy
Chair
Farmer Organisation and Implementing Partner
Farmer Organisation and Implementing Partner
Secretary
We deeply appreciate our Board of Trustees for their unwavering dedication to advancing OCA’s mission and values. Additionally, we recognize Keith Tyrell for his many years of invaluable service on the Board.
Remuneration
In accordance with OCA's Articles of Association members of the Board of Trustees do not receive remuneration, Board members that represent non-OECD CSOs and farmer organisations receive an expense reimbursement for Board attendance. In 2024, the total expenses for the Board of Trustees amounted to €1,617.
The Board of Trustees annually reviews the remuneration strategy for the Executive Director. The evaluation is positioned in line with the guidelines of the Dutch Guidelines for the Remuneration of Directors in Philanthropic Organizations (Adviesregeling Beloning Directeuren van Goede Doelen). These guidelines propose a maximum for annual income, based on certain criteria. The Executive Director’s position was evaluated as a Basic Score (BSD) of 415 points.
Risk Management
OCA employs a robust risk management process to identify and assess risks based on their likelihood and potential impact. This approach enables us to focus on the most critical risks, categorised into operational, financial, governance, people and compliance risks. Our primary risks include:
• Funding risk - fluctuating or insufficient future funding for operations.
• Adverse events risk - failure to effectively manage and/or respond to force majeure crisis
• Data risk - threat to data security and damage to IT systems including loss of data,
breach of IT network and staff not using systems appropriately
• Adverse events risk - failure to effectively manage and/or respond to force majeure crisis
• Data risk - threat to data security and damage to IT systems including loss of data,
breach of IT network and staff not using systems appropriately
OCA remains committed to continuously improving these areas to minimise risks and safeguard our reputation with our Contributors and external stakeholders.
Responsibility for implementing risk management policies and procedures lies primarily with the senior management team. The OCA Board of Trustees review the risks twice a year and together with the Executive Director oversee the effective implementation of these measures.
Responsibility for implementing risk management policies and procedures lies primarily with the senior management team. The OCA Board of Trustees review the risks twice a year and together with the Executive Director oversee the effective implementation of these measures.
