Senior Management
Our senior management plans and implements our vision and mission, focusing on achieving results in the short and
long-term.
With special attention to our core values, we have evolved to become a global company with a presence in a number of countries and a world
wide reach.
Ratnakar Mishra
Ratnakar Mishra succeeded Milan Kucerak as Chief Executive Officer of CBI in October of 2023. Mr. Mishra has a total of nineteen years of experience in the commodities industry, with an extensive background in product origination, operations, and business development. His adept understanding of agribusiness trading, combined with his knowledge of global market dynamics further his value to CBI’s executive team. Ratnakar’s expertise in marketing of value-added products, supply chain management, international trade, and business strategy leadership complement CBI’s mission and values.
Before joining Cooperative Business International, Ratnakar served as the Director over the Coffee Division in a leading Indian Commodity and FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) company. Ratnakar also brings experience from previous roles such as Head of Coffee at Louis Dreyfus Company Indonesia. Before Joining Louis Dreyfus Company, he worked for Olam International Coffee & Spices, managing their Indonesian sector.
Ratnakar holds a business degree from Andhra University, and a post graduate degree in Business Management (P.G.D.B.M) from the Guru Nanak Institute of Management. With a robust skill set that includes commodity origination, international trade, logistics, and business development, Ratnakar will lead CBI in growing to new heights as a global leader in sustainable agribusiness.
Lisa Knight
Lisa is President and General Manager of Select Products and Flavors, LLC. She also provides origin development leadership to business pipeline and sourcing initiatives on the African continent including one of CBI’s most extensive value-chain expansions. Her role as liaison with US and international government aid organizations has developed her expertise in logistics, commodity trading, and trade financial risk. Before joining CBI in 2005, she spent nine years in Project, Process, and Engineering Management roles with Quest International, Inc/Unilever. Lisa’s strength in quality assurance and customer relationship management have been pivotal to her leadership contributions.
Lisa graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering with 1st class honors from Strathclyde University in Scotland. She broadened her capabilities by completing two-year business management program focused on strategy, marketing, finance, and information systems through Henley Management College in London. Additional professional development includes Hygienic Design training, Lean Manufacturing, and Accountability Leadership training. Lisa is a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), the National Food Processors Association (NFPA), and the Flavors Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA).
Vadim Gilman
As CFO Vadim has over twenty years of international financial, accounting, and operational management experience with public, private, and closely held companies. He possesses vast experience leading accounting and finance teams with private equity, startups, and mid-market enterprises encompassing all financial and administrative functions including raising capital, management finance, accounting, legal, treasury, tax management, facilities, and human resources. Through his career, Vadim also obtained extensive expertise in building finance and operations infrastructure and participating in several M&A transactions.
Vadim earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major emphasis in Accounting from Tel Aviv University. He is married, and the proud parent of two children.