Meet the team
Sparkfood team
Strong experience and governance that will unlock your business potential
Jean-Baptiste
Bachelerie
Bachelerie
CEO
Enthusiastic about Food & Ag-Tech, with a strong ability to support and lead companies to grow and scale fast in a very disruptive market.
With 20+ years business experience in the Food industry, Jean-Baptiste worked for Nestlé, Danone, Louis Dreyfus and Avril group, in different geographies. Before embracing our project, Jean-Baptiste was deputy CEO of Creadev, the private equity and venture investment arm of the Mulliez family.
With 20+ years business experience in the Food industry, Jean-Baptiste worked for Nestlé, Danone, Louis Dreyfus and Avril group, in different geographies. Before embracing our project, Jean-Baptiste was deputy CEO of Creadev, the private equity and venture investment arm of the Mulliez family.
Jean-Baptiste
Bachelerie
Bachelerie
CEO
Enthusiastic about Food & Ag-Tech, with a strong ability to support and lead companies to grow and scale fast in a very disruptive market.
With 20+ years business experience in the Food industry, Jean-Baptiste worked for Nestlé, Danone, Louis Dreyfus and Avril group, in different geographies. Before embracing our project, Jean-Baptiste was deputy CEO of Creadev, the private equity and venture investment arm of the Mulliez family.
With 20+ years business experience in the Food industry, Jean-Baptiste worked for Nestlé, Danone, Louis Dreyfus and Avril group, in different geographies. Before embracing our project, Jean-Baptiste was deputy CEO of Creadev, the private equity and venture investment arm of the Mulliez family.
Ana
Verde
Verde
Head of Finance and Impact
Pragmatic and action-oriented, with an innate capacity to drive teams and projects towards ambitious goals.
With 10+ years experience in the financial world, Ana worked in the Portuguese Private Equity market and in Sonae Group’s M&A team, driving deal processes and value creation initiatives, while working side by side with management teams across several sectors.
With 10+ years experience in the financial world, Ana worked in the Portuguese Private Equity market and in Sonae Group’s M&A team, driving deal processes and value creation initiatives, while working side by side with management teams across several sectors.
Ana
Verde
Verde
Head of Finance and Impact
Pragmatic and action-oriented, with an innate capacity to drive teams and projects towards ambitious goals.
With 10+ years experience in the financial world, Ana worked in the Portuguese Private Equity market and in Sonae Group’s M&A team, driving deal processes and value creation initiatives, while working side by side with management teams across several sectors.
With 10+ years experience in the financial world, Ana worked in the Portuguese Private Equity market and in Sonae Group’s M&A team, driving deal processes and value creation initiatives, while working side by side with management teams across several sectors.
Anouk
Veber
Veber
Head of Venture.s
Full of energy and ideas, with a strong interest in the fight against climate change and therefore in the agri-food sector.
With an international background in 6+ countries, Anouk is a top tier business school graduate with degrees from Bocconi and ESCP Europe. After a first experience at Pernod Ricard, she worked for 3+ years at Capagro, a VC fund dedicated to Ag-tech and food-tech in Paris with a great exposure to portfolio companies, LPs and co-investors.
With an international background in 6+ countries, Anouk is a top tier business school graduate with degrees from Bocconi and ESCP Europe. After a first experience at Pernod Ricard, she worked for 3+ years at Capagro, a VC fund dedicated to Ag-tech and food-tech in Paris with a great exposure to portfolio companies, LPs and co-investors.
Anouk
Veber
Veber
Head of Venture.s
Full of energy and ideas, with a strong interest in the fight against climate change and therefore in the agri-food sector.
With an international background in 6+ countries, Anouk is a top tier business school graduate with degrees from Bocconi and ESCP Europe. After a first experience at Pernod Ricard, she worked for 3+ years at Capagro, a VC fund dedicated to Ag-tech and food-tech in Paris with a great exposure to portfolio companies, LPs and co-investors.
With an international background in 6+ countries, Anouk is a top tier business school graduate with degrees from Bocconi and ESCP Europe. After a first experience at Pernod Ricard, she worked for 3+ years at Capagro, a VC fund dedicated to Ag-tech and food-tech in Paris with a great exposure to portfolio companies, LPs and co-investors.
Ludovic
Reysset
Reysset
Head of Alternative.s
Passionate about growth in the Food industry, with extensive international experience.
With 25 years of experience at Danone, Ludovic took on different topline roles across the globe, including Head of Key Accounts in Brazil, Sales Director in Japan and Italy and Worldwide VP Sales. Before joining Sparkfood, Ludovic was General Manager of Danone Portugal.
With 25 years of experience at Danone, Ludovic took on different topline roles across the globe, including Head of Key Accounts in Brazil, Sales Director in Japan and Italy and Worldwide VP Sales. Before joining Sparkfood, Ludovic was General Manager of Danone Portugal.
Ludovic
Reysset
Reysset
Head of Alternative.s
Passionate about growth in the Food industry, with extensive international experience.
With 25 years of experience at Danone, Ludovic took on different topline roles across the globe, including Head of Key Accounts in Brazil, Sales Director in Japan and Italy and Worldwide VP Sales. Before joining Sparkfood, Ludovic was General Manager of Danone Portugal.
With 25 years of experience at Danone, Ludovic took on different topline roles across the globe, including Head of Key Accounts in Brazil, Sales Director in Japan and Italy and Worldwide VP Sales. Before joining Sparkfood, Ludovic was General Manager of Danone Portugal.
Ricardo
Carvalho
Carvalho
Head of Ingredient.s
Dreamer with a strategic mindset and a natural problem solver ability.
A neuroscientist by training with 15+ years experience in strategy and business development, Ricardo has been working at different businesses within the Sonae Group for the past 12 years. Before joining Sonae, he worked for 3 years at McKinsey, between Lisbon and Angola.
A neuroscientist by training with 15+ years experience in strategy and business development, Ricardo has been working at different businesses within the Sonae Group for the past 12 years. Before joining Sonae, he worked for 3 years at McKinsey, between Lisbon and Angola.
Ricardo
Carvalho
Carvalho
Head of Ingredient.s
Dreamer with a strategic mindset and a natural problem solver ability.
A neuroscientist by training with 15+ years experience in strategy and business development, Ricardo has been working at different businesses within the Sonae Group for the past 12 years. Before joining Sonae, he worked for 3 years at McKinsey, between Lisbon and Angola.
A neuroscientist by training with 15+ years experience in strategy and business development, Ricardo has been working at different businesses within the Sonae Group for the past 12 years. Before joining Sonae, he worked for 3 years at McKinsey, between Lisbon and Angola.
Teresa
Cabral Menezes
Cabral Menezes
Head of People, Culture & Communication
Teresa is driven by an innate enthusiasm for nurturing inclusive cultures and empowering people and teams.
With 18+ years experience in people, culture and communication, Teresa has a proven track record in fostering inclusive cultures and driving engagement within organisations, while ensuring best in class talent management approaches. She started her career in the telco industry, having developed deep expertise in communications.
With 18+ years experience in people, culture and communication, Teresa has a proven track record in fostering inclusive cultures and driving engagement within organisations, while ensuring best in class talent management approaches. She started her career in the telco industry, having developed deep expertise in communications.
Teresa
Cabral Menezes
Cabral Menezes
Head of People, Culture & Communication
Teresa is driven by an innate enthusiasm for nurturing inclusive cultures and empowering people and teams.
With 18+ years experience in people, culture and communication, Teresa has a proven track record in fostering inclusive cultures and driving engagement within organisations, while ensuring best in class talent management approaches. She started her career in the telco industry, having developed deep expertise in communications.
With 18+ years experience in people, culture and communication, Teresa has a proven track record in fostering inclusive cultures and driving engagement within organisations, while ensuring best in class talent management approaches. She started her career in the telco industry, having developed deep expertise in communications.
Cristina
Gúzman Hurtado
Gúzman Hurtado
Senior associate
Cristina is an energetic and execution-driven professional with over 8 years of experience in impact investing. She holds a master’s degree in banking and finance from Utrecht University. Throughout her career, she has consistently focused on impact-first initiatives. Previously, Cristina worked at Triodos Investment Management in the Netherlands and later joined an Article 9 Spanish venture capital firm. At Sparkfood, she leads investments in innovative projects aimed at promoting sustainability in the food industry.
Cristina
Gúzman Hurtado
Gúzman Hurtado
Senior associate
Cristina is an energetic and execution-driven professional with over 8 years of experience in impact investing. She holds a master’s degree in banking and finance from Utrecht University. Throughout her career, she has consistently focused on impact-first initiatives. Previously, Cristina worked at Triodos Investment Management in the Netherlands and later joined an Article 9 Spanish venture capital firm. At Sparkfood, she leads investments in innovative projects aimed at promoting sustainability in the food industry.
Guilherme
Amado
Amado
Associate
Guilherme is a dynamic and forward-thinking professional with a deep commitment to investing in and scaling impactful business models.
Experienced in M&A strategy, he has navigated various phases of the M&A lifecycle, including due diligence, Day 1 preparation, and post-merger integration. At Sparkfood, he is leveraging his knowledge and expertise to drive successful investments and foster value creation and strategic growth.
Experienced in M&A strategy, he has navigated various phases of the M&A lifecycle, including due diligence, Day 1 preparation, and post-merger integration. At Sparkfood, he is leveraging his knowledge and expertise to drive successful investments and foster value creation and strategic growth.
Guilherme
Amado
Amado
Associate
Guilherme is a dynamic and forward-thinking professional with a deep commitment to investing in and scaling impactful business models.
Experienced in M&A strategy, he has navigated various phases of the M&A lifecycle, including due diligence, Day 1 preparation, and post-merger integration. At Sparkfood, he is leveraging his knowledge and expertise to drive successful investments and foster value creation and strategic growth.
Experienced in M&A strategy, he has navigated various phases of the M&A lifecycle, including due diligence, Day 1 preparation, and post-merger integration. At Sparkfood, he is leveraging his knowledge and expertise to drive successful investments and foster value creation and strategic growth.
Joana
Sousa
Sousa
Senior associate
Joana is a healthy food lover with enthusiasm for sustainable business transformation.
Through her experience as a strategic and operational consultant, Joana has participated in several projects in various industries, becoming knowledgeable in business strategy, project management, digital transformation and PMO projects. In addition, Joana’s experience in remote communities, particularly in Africa and Asia, has created a greater awareness for health and waste issues.
Through her experience as a strategic and operational consultant, Joana has participated in several projects in various industries, becoming knowledgeable in business strategy, project management, digital transformation and PMO projects. In addition, Joana’s experience in remote communities, particularly in Africa and Asia, has created a greater awareness for health and waste issues.
Joana
Sousa
Sousa
Senior associate
Joana is a healthy food lover with enthusiasm for sustainable business transformation.
Through her experience as a strategic and operational consultant, Joana has participated in several projects in various industries, becoming knowledgeable in business strategy, project management, digital transformation and PMO projects. In addition, Joana’s experience in remote communities, particularly in Africa and Asia, has created a greater awareness for health and waste issues.
Through her experience as a strategic and operational consultant, Joana has participated in several projects in various industries, becoming knowledgeable in business strategy, project management, digital transformation and PMO projects. In addition, Joana’s experience in remote communities, particularly in Africa and Asia, has created a greater awareness for health and waste issues.
João
Baptista
Baptista
Senior associate
João is a nature enthusiast with an innate business development mindset.
Through his economics’ education and journey at Sonae, he became experienced in corporate strategy, business planning, portfolio management and transformational projects across multiple sectors.
At Sparkfood, he is committed to bring ideas and drive projects and actions to transform the food ecosystem.
Through his economics’ education and journey at Sonae, he became experienced in corporate strategy, business planning, portfolio management and transformational projects across multiple sectors.
At Sparkfood, he is committed to bring ideas and drive projects and actions to transform the food ecosystem.
João
Baptista
Baptista
Senior associate
João is a nature enthusiast with an innate business development mindset.
Through his economics’ education and journey at Sonae, he became experienced in corporate strategy, business planning, portfolio management and transformational projects across multiple sectors.
At Sparkfood, he is committed to bring ideas and drive projects and actions to transform the food ecosystem.
Through his economics’ education and journey at Sonae, he became experienced in corporate strategy, business planning, portfolio management and transformational projects across multiple sectors.
At Sparkfood, he is committed to bring ideas and drive projects and actions to transform the food ecosystem.
Mafalda
Leite
Leite
Associate
Mafalda is a visionary who believes in revolutionizing the food system through
a healthy lifestyle.
With a background in Economics and a specialization in International Business, she acquired a strategic mindset when dealing with the ever-changing global economy. At Sparkfood, she is developing business planning skills to contribute with innovative ideas in order to create social and economic value towards sustainable growth.
a healthy lifestyle.
With a background in Economics and a specialization in International Business, she acquired a strategic mindset when dealing with the ever-changing global economy. At Sparkfood, she is developing business planning skills to contribute with innovative ideas in order to create social and economic value towards sustainable growth.
Mafalda
Leite
Leite
Associate
Mafalda is a visionary who believes in revolutionizing the food system through
a healthy lifestyle.
With a background in Economics and a specialization in International Business, she acquired a strategic mindset when dealing with the ever-changing global economy. At Sparkfood, she is developing business planning skills to contribute with innovative ideas in order to create social and economic value towards sustainable growth.
a healthy lifestyle.
With a background in Economics and a specialization in International Business, she acquired a strategic mindset when dealing with the ever-changing global economy. At Sparkfood, she is developing business planning skills to contribute with innovative ideas in order to create social and economic value towards sustainable growth.
Pedro
Martins
Martins
Senior Controller
Pedro is passionate about the world of finance. He has spent over a decade navigating the investment industry, accumulating experience in due diligence, venture capital, and M&A fields. At Sparkfood, he is now responsible for the financial planning, budgeting and forecasting activities, as well as, monitoring KPIs and financial metrics of different businesses. When he is not crunching data, you’ll find him exploring nature with his family or reading a book.
Pedro
Martins
Martins
Senior Controller
Pedro is passionate about the world of finance. He has spent over a decade navigating the investment industry, accumulating experience in due diligence, venture capital, and M&A fields. At Sparkfood, he is now responsible for the financial planning, budgeting and forecasting activities, as well as, monitoring KPIs and financial metrics of different businesses. When he is not crunching data, you’ll find him exploring nature with his family or reading a book.
Ricardo
Brás
Brás
Associate
Ricardo is a people’s person that believes that is always possible to improve how things are done in the world.
Through his studies in economics and business, Ricardo developed an interest in finance, strategy, and innovation. He wishes to convert those interests into concrete actions to change the planet for the better. At Sparkfood, he is focused on finding the next innovative companies in the foodtech world so that he can help the food ecosystem progress.
Through his studies in economics and business, Ricardo developed an interest in finance, strategy, and innovation. He wishes to convert those interests into concrete actions to change the planet for the better. At Sparkfood, he is focused on finding the next innovative companies in the foodtech world so that he can help the food ecosystem progress.
Ricardo
Brás
Brás
Associate
Ricardo is a people’s person that believes that is always possible to improve how things are done in the world.
Through his studies in economics and business, Ricardo developed an interest in finance, strategy, and innovation. He wishes to convert those interests into concrete actions to change the planet for the better. At Sparkfood, he is focused on finding the next innovative companies in the foodtech world so that he can help the food ecosystem progress.
Through his studies in economics and business, Ricardo developed an interest in finance, strategy, and innovation. He wishes to convert those interests into concrete actions to change the planet for the better. At Sparkfood, he is focused on finding the next innovative companies in the foodtech world so that he can help the food ecosystem progress.
Rita
Rocha
Rocha
Senior associate
Rita Rocha is a strategist focusing on impact as a driver of business value and growth.
Rita is experienced in corporate strategy, business planning, transaction strategy and execution, having worked for five years as a consultant for corporate and private equity companies across industries. At Sparkfood, she is leveraging her knowledge to lead change and shape ventures with a positive impact on people and the planet.
Rita is experienced in corporate strategy, business planning, transaction strategy and execution, having worked for five years as a consultant for corporate and private equity companies across industries. At Sparkfood, she is leveraging her knowledge to lead change and shape ventures with a positive impact on people and the planet.
Rita
Rocha
Rocha
Senior associate
Rita Rocha is a strategist focusing on impact as a driver of business value and growth.
Rita is experienced in corporate strategy, business planning, transaction strategy and execution, having worked for five years as a consultant for corporate and private equity companies across industries. At Sparkfood, she is leveraging her knowledge to lead change and shape ventures with a positive impact on people and the planet.
Rita is experienced in corporate strategy, business planning, transaction strategy and execution, having worked for five years as a consultant for corporate and private equity companies across industries. At Sparkfood, she is leveraging her knowledge to lead change and shape ventures with a positive impact on people and the planet.
Sparkfood Experts
Resources with deep sector knowledge
Fabio
Invernizzi
Invernizzi
Non-executive Director – Ingredient.s
Visionary leader, yet pragmatic and a with strong focus on delivering today and for the future.
With +20 years of experience, Fabio is an expert in the ingredients field and healthcare, having led global commercial, business development, and marketing activities for healthcare continuum. He has a deep understanding of the industry and the ability to drive growth and innovation. Since 2021, he has taken roles with full P&L responsibilities.
Fabio specializes in maximizing sales and business development opportunities by leading its teams. He excels in improving industry efficiency, enabling market share growth, and overseeing business transformations.
His expertise in operational excellence, process improvement, and strategic planning ensures successful outcomes even in challenging environments.
With +20 years of experience, Fabio is an expert in the ingredients field and healthcare, having led global commercial, business development, and marketing activities for healthcare continuum. He has a deep understanding of the industry and the ability to drive growth and innovation. Since 2021, he has taken roles with full P&L responsibilities.
Fabio specializes in maximizing sales and business development opportunities by leading its teams. He excels in improving industry efficiency, enabling market share growth, and overseeing business transformations.
His expertise in operational excellence, process improvement, and strategic planning ensures successful outcomes even in challenging environments.
Fabio
Invernizzi
Invernizzi
Non-executive Director – Ingredient.s
Visionary leader, yet pragmatic and a with strong focus on delivering today and for the future.
With +20 years of experience, Fabio is an expert in the ingredients field and healthcare, having led global commercial, business development, and marketing activities for healthcare continuum. He has a deep understanding of the industry and the ability to drive growth and innovation. Since 2021, he has taken roles with full P&L responsibilities.
Fabio specializes in maximizing sales and business development opportunities by leading its teams. He excels in improving industry efficiency, enabling market share growth, and overseeing business transformations.
His expertise in operational excellence, process improvement, and strategic planning ensures successful outcomes even in challenging environments.
With +20 years of experience, Fabio is an expert in the ingredients field and healthcare, having led global commercial, business development, and marketing activities for healthcare continuum. He has a deep understanding of the industry and the ability to drive growth and innovation. Since 2021, he has taken roles with full P&L responsibilities.
Fabio specializes in maximizing sales and business development opportunities by leading its teams. He excels in improving industry efficiency, enabling market share growth, and overseeing business transformations.
His expertise in operational excellence, process improvement, and strategic planning ensures successful outcomes even in challenging environments.
Julie
Watson
Watson
Non-executive Director – Alternative.s
With a deep knowledge of FMCG, and a passion for healthy food, Julie has over 30 years’ experience of working both Locally and Internationally.
Julie worked for over 26 years in Unilever across all product categories, followed by 4 years in Danone headquarters in Paris. Julie’s career spans commercial, sales and marketing roles, she held International VP roles in both Unilever and Danone. Julie is now a business consultant to several top FMCG companies and a Non-executive director at Sparkfood.
Julie worked for over 26 years in Unilever across all product categories, followed by 4 years in Danone headquarters in Paris. Julie’s career spans commercial, sales and marketing roles, she held International VP roles in both Unilever and Danone. Julie is now a business consultant to several top FMCG companies and a Non-executive director at Sparkfood.
Julie
Watson
Watson
Non-executive Director – Alternative.s
With a deep knowledge of FMCG, and a passion for healthy food, Julie has over 30 years’ experience of working both Locally and Internationally.
Julie worked for over 26 years in Unilever across all product categories, followed by 4 years in Danone headquarters in Paris. Julie’s career spans commercial, sales and marketing roles, she held International VP roles in both Unilever and Danone. Julie is now a business consultant to several top FMCG companies and a Non-executive director at Sparkfood.
Julie worked for over 26 years in Unilever across all product categories, followed by 4 years in Danone headquarters in Paris. Julie’s career spans commercial, sales and marketing roles, she held International VP roles in both Unilever and Danone. Julie is now a business consultant to several top FMCG companies and a Non-executive director at Sparkfood.
Jean-François
Delage
Delage
Expert – Alternative.s
Actor of change in the Food Industry, with a strong experience in leading teams and engaging people to discover the unknown, managing uncertainties and risks.
With 36+ years business experience in the FMCG sector, Jean-François worked for P&G, Peaudouce and McCain in different roles across disciplines and geographies. In his last role at McCain, Jean-François led an Innovation Hub that developed a new brand platform heading the launch of a disruptive product range.
With 36+ years business experience in the FMCG sector, Jean-François worked for P&G, Peaudouce and McCain in different roles across disciplines and geographies. In his last role at McCain, Jean-François led an Innovation Hub that developed a new brand platform heading the launch of a disruptive product range.
Jean-François
Delage
Delage
Expert – Alternative.s
Actor of change in the Food Industry, with a strong experience in leading teams and engaging people to discover the unknown, managing uncertainties and risks.
With 36+ years business experience in the FMCG sector, Jean-François worked for P&G, Peaudouce and McCain in different roles across disciplines and geographies. In his last role at McCain, Jean-François led an Innovation Hub that developed a new brand platform heading the launch of a disruptive product range.
With 36+ years business experience in the FMCG sector, Jean-François worked for P&G, Peaudouce and McCain in different roles across disciplines and geographies. In his last role at McCain, Jean-François led an Innovation Hub that developed a new brand platform heading the launch of a disruptive product range.
Pamela
Darondeau
Darondeau
Expert – Alternative.s
Eager to support the obvious link between diet and health, Pamela is a Food Science Engineer & Dietitian a Food Industry & Nutrition expert.
After 15 years + business experience in marketing and product development of food recipes for retail (Carrefour & Picard), agrofood industry (Heinz & WeightWatchers) and catering (Café Bonjour), Pamela has become a healthcare professional. As a dietitian, she helps her patients transform their diet to become a healthy and durable asset.
After 15 years + business experience in marketing and product development of food recipes for retail (Carrefour & Picard), agrofood industry (Heinz & WeightWatchers) and catering (Café Bonjour), Pamela has become a healthcare professional. As a dietitian, she helps her patients transform their diet to become a healthy and durable asset.
Pamela
Darondeau
Darondeau
Expert – Alternative.s
Eager to support the obvious link between diet and health, Pamela is a Food Science Engineer & Dietitian a Food Industry & Nutrition expert.
After 15 years + business experience in marketing and product development of food recipes for retail (Carrefour & Picard), agrofood industry (Heinz & WeightWatchers) and catering (Café Bonjour), Pamela has become a healthcare professional. As a dietitian, she helps her patients transform their diet to become a healthy and durable asset.
After 15 years + business experience in marketing and product development of food recipes for retail (Carrefour & Picard), agrofood industry (Heinz & WeightWatchers) and catering (Café Bonjour), Pamela has become a healthcare professional. As a dietitian, she helps her patients transform their diet to become a healthy and durable asset.
Join us
If you share our purpose, have unique capabilities and sector knowledge, lets connect to understand how we can partner together on this journey. Please leave us a message below.
