The Asia and Pacific Seed Alliance (APSA) has introduced its new executive director, Francine Sayoc, who will officially take the organization’s reins effective Feb. 1.
Sayoc brings significant experience to the role. Her most recent role was as the communications manager at the International Seed Federation (ISF) in Nyon, Switzerland, where she oversaw both external and internal communications. The ISF represents approximately 60 national member associations and 7,500 seed companies worldwide.
Sayoc brings extensive background in working with regulators and the private sector to communicate, advocate, and shape policies, reforms, legislation, institution-building, and partnerships.
Previously, she served as group communications manager at East-West Seed International in Nonthaburi, Thailand and, earlier still, as a speechwriter and later as media and communications director for a Philippine Senator. Sayoc holds a master’s in international studies from the Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea in Spain.
In an APSA press release, APSA president Dr. Manish Patel said Sayoc is the right fit for the APSA team.
“The APSA Secretariat is a young and dynamic team, and it was a delicate process to find the right fit. Not only do we need someone with the right qualifications, background, and experience, but we needed someone who could work seamlessly with all of our team members and stakeholders. Having reviewed hundreds of potential applicants over several months, it was clear to the OB that Francine checked all those boxes, and we are confident that she is exactly what APSA needs to move from strength to strength.”
Sayoc thanked the APSA team including predecessor Dr. Kanokwan (May) Chodchoey for APSA’s work to date. She added: “I have spent twelve years in the seed sector, and I am continually fascinated by it. As we all know, seed is the foundation of food security and agriculture. I am excited about the immense potential we have to make a positive impact on the lives of millions in Asia. Together, we can drive innovation, promote sustainability, and enhance food production to meet the challenges of our time.”
Sayoc can be reached via email at francine.sayoc@apsaseed.org.
