Willie Hendrickson

As the CEO and Founder of the AVEKA Group, Willie guides the vision and direction of the organization. He is passionate about growing the company and exploring the new emerging markets. His vision of “anything is possible” leads the business to discover new innovative solutions. Willie graduated from St. Olaf College with a BA in Chemistry and Mathematics and received a PhD from the University of Florida in Organometallic Chemistry. Willie has led IFPRI for 13 years very succesfully, and stepped down in June 2025, he remains a very dedicated supporter of the organisation. He holds an Adjunct Professorship at the University of Minnesota. He is an avid reader, birdwatcher and loves Belgian Beer.