Honouring a Legacy of Service as Food from the Heart Welcomes New Chairman

After more than a decade of dedicated leadership, Mr Ronald Stride steps down as Chairman of the Board of Food from the Heart (FFTH), leaving a legacy of growth, good governance and unwavering commitment to alleviating food insecurity in Singapore.

Mr Stride joined the FFTH Board in August 2009 and was appointed Chairman in November 2011. Under his leadership, FFTH underwent significant growth, becoming Singapore’s largest food charity, strengthening its organisational capabilities and expanding its reach to serve more people in need. As FFTH welcomes Dr Knut Unger as its new Chairman, the transition marks both a celebration of Mr Stride’s years of service and the beginning of a new chapter for the charity.

A decade of growth and impact

When Mr Stride assumed the leadership role, FFTH was a relatively small organisation. He recognised the need to build a stronger foundation for sustainable growth. Drawing on his experience as a former Managing Partner for Asia at Booz Allen Hamilton, he championed the charity's professionalisation.

During his first seven years as Chairman, funds raised more than doubled, from $1.3 million in 2011 to $2.9 million in 2018. Over the same period, the value of food distributed grew from $3.1 million to $5.6 million, while the number of beneficiaries increased from 23,000 to 40,300.

When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted lives and livelihoods, FFTH drew on its solid foundation to respond swiftly to heightened needs. Fundraising surged to a record $9.9 million in 2020, more than triple the amount raised in 2018 to support nearly 15,000 more beneficiaries by 2021. Continuing to build on this momentum, FFTH reached more than 70,000 beneficiaries, distributed over $9.7 million worth of food across 390 distribution points, and raised $11.49 million last year.

A legacy of purpose, stewardship and compassion

Throughout his tenure, Mr Stride’s leadership was characterised by a strong emphasis on governance, prudent stewardship of donor resources, digital transformation, and a deep commitment to communities in need supported by FFTH.

Mr Robin C. Lee, Chief Executive Officer of Food from the Heart, said:

“Ronald has been a tremendous Chairman for FFTH and a constant champion of our purpose. His leadership has brought greater rigour and discipline to our processes, while his compassion for the less-fortunate has remained at the heart of his counsel and decision-making.

“He has consistently challenged the Board and Management to look beyond what we are already doing and ask how FFTH can serve our community better. We are deeply grateful for his leadership, wisdom and commitment over the years.”

Dr Knut Unger appointed Chairman

Dr Knut Unger brings extensive experience with FFTH, having been a member of the FFTH Board since November 2007 and serving as Board Secretary from 2007 to 2023 under Mr Stride’s Chairmanship.

Dr Unger has been a Partner of Luther LLP Singapore since 2008, where he specialises in cross-border tax structuring and international transaction documentation for European investments in Southeast Asia.

Dr Knut Unger said:

“I am grateful to have served the Board with Ronald and the strong foundation he has built. As the complex needs in Singapore’s society continue to evolve, FFTH has an important role to play at the intersection of the social service and food ecosystems, bringing together donors, grassroots organisations and other partners to serve the community.

“I look forward to working closely with the Board and the FFTH team to advance our shared goal of equitable food for all.”

Board renewal to support FFTH’s next phase of growth

The leadership transition forms part of a broader renewal of FFTH’s Board of Directors. FFTH thanks its outgoing Board members for their service and contributions.

FFTH welcomes Ms Gwendolyn Lim, Head of Southeast Asia at The Bridgespan Group; Mr Jonathan Ong, Director at Lian Beng Group; Mr Phua Boon Huat, Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer at Pacific Capital Asset Management Pte Ltd; and Ms Chin Bottinelli, Director at private family office Imagine Capital, who returns to the Board in October 2026.

Their experience and perspectives will help guide FFTH’s next phase of growth.

Mr Lee added:

“We are grateful to our outgoing Board members for their contributions and are pleased to welcome our new and returning directors. Dr Knut brings extensive experience across sectors, together with a deep understanding of FFTH and its purpose through his longstanding involvement with the organisation. We look forward to working closely with him and the renewed Board as FFTH enters its next chapter.”