January 14, 2025
In this piece, GPC President Vijay Iyengar welcomes new CEO Ryan Perkins and outlines the organization’s priorities for 2025, including positioning pulses as a climate solution and growing membership.
As we step into the new year, we embrace the challenges and opportunities it presents. The unfolding changes in 2025 promise to shape the trajectory of our organization, not only in the immediate term but for years to come.
In 2024, we bid farewell to our longstanding CEO, Randy Duckworth. His exceptional leadership and vision have left an indelible mark on the Global Pulse Confederation, and his contributions will continue to guide us into the future.
Today, I am thrilled to introduce our new Chief Executive Officer, Ryan Perkins. Ryan brings a wealth of experience across corporate, government, and non-profit sectors, spanning industries such as events and conferences, facility management, and operations.
Based in Dubai since 2007, Ryan has an impressive track record, including leading Identity Middle East, the region's fastest-growing events agency, where he played a key role in organizing COP 28 with the UNFCCC.
In Ryan’s own words: “I’m honoured to join GPC at a time when our mission and purpose are more vital than ever, especially in trade, food security, and sustainability. I’m eager to collaborate with our remarkable community to strengthen our industry and create meaningful, lasting impact.”
Over the next few weeks Ryan has promised to reach out to as many members that he can and if any of you transit through Dubai, I encourage you to stop by the GPC office to meet up with him.
As President, I look forward to 2025, a year highlighted by our highly anticipated convention in Singapore this May. Beyond this exciting event, we have outlined six key objectives that will drive our mission forward this year:
Our commitment remains steadfast: to encourage the global community to grow and consume more pulses daily. We will work to identify and address barriers while seizing opportunities to make this a reality.
As the apex body of the pulses industry, we aim to provide reliable and actionable data to empower informed decisions. Through our Pulse Atlas Price Report, we will expand our data offerings to elevate the industry's global stature.
Pulses are a powerful yet simple solution to combat climate change while addressing food insecurity and malnutrition. In 2025, we will advocate for pulses at major global forums, including COP30 and NY Climate Week, to position them as essential to mitigating the climate crisis.
Regenerative agriculture is gaining momentum as a pathway to restoring soil health and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Pulses are integral to this transition. We will continue exploring the connection between pulses and carbon programs, unlocking their potential as a game-changing solution for climate resilience.
Facilitating fair and efficient trade in pulses has always been a priority. Our tailored contract is an invaluable tool for traders, and we will focus on driving its adoption across the industry.
We believe in the power of community and will strive to grow our membership globally. By delivering greater value to our members and focusing on underrepresented regions, we aim to build a vibrant, diverse, and dynamic global network of pulse stakeholders.
Together, let us make 2025 a landmark year for the Global Pulse Confederation, driving progress for our industry and fostering a sustainable future for all.
Here’s to a prosperous and impactful year ahead!
Vijay Iyengar / GPC / President / 2025 / regenerative agriculture / GPC Contract / Ryan Perkins
Disclaimer: The opinions or views expressed in this publication are those of the authors or quoted persons. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the Global Pulse Confederation or its members.