GFI announces leadership transition, names Interim CEO
Washington (May 19, 2026) — The Good Food Institute announced today that Nigel Sizer will step down as CEO effective June 1 to take up a new opportunity, and GFI’s vice president of impact Rachel Lichte has been named Interim CEO.
“We’re grateful for Nigel’s leadership over the past year, helping GFI grow, learn, and evolve as a global network, and we wish him continued success in his next chapter. We’re also thrilled that Rachel Lichte will be stepping in as Interim CEO, working closely with Nigel and the board on a seamless transition. Rachel brings a steady, thoughtful leadership style and deep knowledge of our mission and global operations. The Board has full confidence in her ability to lead the organization during this chapter, and we’re excited about the strong momentum ahead as we work alongside Rachel and the entire GFI team to advance this critical mission.”
-VANDHANA BALA, GFI BOARD CHAIR
As vice president of impact and member of the GFI’s leadership team, Rachel Lichte drives GFI’s strategic planning, goal-setting, and impact assessment. She works across all programmatic and regional teams, helping the organization accelerate mission progress around the world.
“What drew me to GFI, and continues to motivate me every day, is the organization’s mission to transform how meat is made to address some of the greatest challenges of our time. Over the last decade, GFI has helped catalyze a global movement around next-gen proteins and built an extraordinary foundation for innovation and impact. I’ve seen first-hand the dedication and discipline that powers our progress across science, policy, and industry engagement around the world. And I’m honored to serve in this interim role and work alongside our incredible global team to continue advancing our vision of a thriving world, fed sustainably.”
-RACHEL LICHTE, GFI INTERIM CEO
Rachel first came to GFI in 2024 from the cultivated meat company, Orbillion Bio, where she served for three and a half years first as Head of Product Strategy and Brand, and then as Chief of Staff to the CEO. Prior to that, she devoted more than 15 years to driving impact initiatives across startups, corporations, and nonprofits, including co-founding a B-corp certified social enterprise. She holds an MBA and Master of Environmental Management from Duke University.
“GFI’s work transforming how meat is made is essential for protecting nature, the climate, and public health, and has the potential to satisfy rising global meat demand in vastly more sustainable and secure ways. I am deeply grateful to Rachel Lichte, who has worked closely with me during my time as CEO, for agreeing to serve as Interim CEO. I wish her all the best in this new role.”
-NIGEL SIZER, GFI OUTGOING CEO
The Interim CEO role will continue through at least the next six months, with a permanent chief executive officer search announcement expected from GFI’s Board later this year.
Press contact
Carolyn Englar, The Good Food Institute, carolyne@gfi.org, +1 301-641-1251
About the Good Food Institute
The Good Food Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit think tank and international network of organizations working to make alternative proteins delicious, affordable, and accessible. GFI advances open-access research; mobilizes resources and talent; and empowers partners across the food system to create a sustainable, secure, and just protein supply. GFI is funded entirely by private philanthropic support.
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