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CAA Appoints Executive Committee for the new term (2025 – 2027)
30 May 2025
Cocoa Association of Asia Announces New Executive Committee for 2025-2027
Singapore - The Cocoa Association of Asia (CAA) is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Executive Committee for the 2025-2027 term, bringing together industry leaders committed to advancing the cocoa and chocolate sector across the Asia-Pacific region.
New Executive Committee Leadership
The newly elected Executive Committee comprises:
Chairman: Elie Fouché, Vice-President for Cocoa, Asia Pacific at Barry Callebaut
Vice Chairman: Michelle Cui, Director, Head at Ecom Asia
Treasurer: Yong Kong Heong, Strategic Sourcing Manager - Cocoa at Mars Wrigley Confectionery
Secretary: Darren Stetzel, Senior Vice President - Soft & Agricultural Commodities, Asia at StoneX
 Chairman: Elie Fouche |  Vice-Chairman: Michelle Cui |  Treasurer: Yong Kong Heong |  Secretary: Darren Stetzel |
Strategic Focus and Sub-Committee Enhancement Secretary:
Darren Stetzel The incoming Executive Committee will prioritize a comprehensive review of the association’s mandate and enhancement of the association's sub-committee structure to better align with current industry priorities and emerging challenges in the evolving cocoa supply chain landscape. This strategic initiative will strengthen CAA's position as the premier platform for trading, education, and knowledge sharing in the Asian cocoa industry.
Leadership Experience
Elie Fouché brings over 15 years of experience with Barry Callebaut and previously served as CAA Chairman from 2023-2025. Michelle Cui has been active in cocoa trading since 2006 and served as Vice Chairman from 2023-2025. Yong Kong Heong contributes more than 15 years of cocoa sourcing expertise and served as Treasurer from 2024-2025. Darren Stetzel offers over 20 years in commodity markets and previously served as Director of Knowledge for CAA. All Executive Committee members are based in Singapore, positioning the association strategically within Asia's key trading hub. The new Executive Committee will officially commence their duties for the 2025 2027 term, focusing on promoting sustainable growth and advancing the interests of CAA members throughout the region.
For press inquiries, please contact:
Shirley Choo
Chief Operating Officer & Secretary-General,
Cocoa Association of Asia
About the Cocoa Association of Asia (CAA)
The Cocoa Association of Asia is a trade association representing the leading companies in cocoa and chocolate processing, warehousing, and logistics in Asia. The CAA's mission is to promote and transform the cocoa and chocolate industry in the region through cross-industry collaboration and sustainable growth. In 2022, CAA members processed 1 million metric tonnes of cocoa beans, representing 20% of the world’s production. For more information, visit: https://cocoaasia.org/dir