Melanie Rutten-Sülz is a mission-driven leader and transformational thinker with over 20 years of experience driving sustainable change and impactful results across different global sectors – with a deep-rooted passion for coffee. She focused on collective action and tangible solutions that enhance the resilience and long-term prosperity of smallholder farmers and their families. 
Melanie brings an extensive track record in leadership and governance, having successfully established, transformed and supported global non-profit and multi-stakeholder networks, including the 4C Association, Global Coffee Platform, ISEAL Alliance, Youth for Understanding and Bonsucro. 

Since 2021, she has served as the Country Manager for Solidaridad in Germany, leading a dedicated team to deepen Solidaridad’s footprint through strategic partnerships and public relations. In this role, she steers coffee-focused initiatives within Germany while providing strategic input to Solidaridad’s global coffee teams, bringing a unique dual perspective to the GCP board. 

Melanie holds a diploma in Latin American Studies, Economics, and Political Science from the University of Cologne, Germany, with additional postgraduate studies at the Federal University of Ceará in Fortaleza, Brazil. She is fluent in German, English, Spanish, and Portuguese.