Meet our WEO Tenerife Speakers

Afshin Molavi

Senior Fellow, Foreign Policy Institute at Johns Hopkins University SAIS, United States

With his decades of travel experience and rich historical perspective, Afshin Molavi will discuss global megatrends shaping our future, such as contemporary geopolitics, emerging markets and demographic shifts.

He will explore the economic, political, and cultural impacts of urbanisation, connectivity, and evolving social circles, offering delegates invaluable insights into how these shifts could influence their businesses.

Dietmar Tepe

Managing Director of KAT e.V., Germany

Dietmar Tepe is the Managing Director of KAT e.V. (Association for Controlled Alternative Animal Husbandry), a leading authority on auditing egg production methods in Europe. With a background in management and board positions across the agricultural and food sectors, Dietmar now specialises in animal welfare and hen housing.

Since joining KAT in 2016, he has played a key role in ensuring transparency and compliance within the industry. At WEO Tenerife, Dietmar will be part of the Responding to Customer Demands: European Market Perspectives session, sharing insights on evolving consumer preferences and regulatory changes shaping the European egg industry.

Emily Metz

President and CEO of the American Egg Board, United States

Emily Metz, President and CEO of the American Egg Board, leads the U.S. egg industry’s marketing and research efforts, driving consumer engagement and industry growth. With a background in law, agriculture, and food policy, she has held leadership roles at the U.S. Dairy Export Council, the National Pork Board, and the USDA.

A passionate advocate for eggs, Emily specialises in brand strategy and crisis communication. At the upcoming conference, she will offer strategies to navigate challenges, build trust, and protect the industry’s public image during crisis.

Prof. Ian Brown

Founder of OFFLU Laboratory Network and Professor, UK

Professor Ian Brown is a globally recognised expert in avian disease control, specialising in influenza epidemiology, vaccination, and zoonotic risks. He is a founder of the OFFLU Laboratory Network and currently chairs their Steering Committee.

He led the AIM (Avian Influenza Monitoring) programme, guiding H5 vaccine strain selection, and holds professorships at the University of Nottingham and Royal Veterinary College. Ian’s expertise will provide actionable insights for the WEO delegation in the fight against HPAI.

Jesse Hirsh

Broadcaster, Researcher, Public Speaker and Futuristic Farmer, Canada

Jesse Hirsh is a futurist farmer from rural Eastern Ontario, Canada. At his farm, the Academy of the Impossible, equipped with high-speed fibre-optic internet, Jesse explores intersections of agriculture, media, technology, and culture.

With a master’s degree in algorithmic media, he delves into automated media’s rise and the ethics of Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, and privacy. Through engaging talks and real-world case studies, Jesse will empower the egg industry to leverage Artificial Intelligence responsibly, ensuring farmers benefit while preserving autonomy and integrity.

Margaret Hudson

President and CEO Burnbrae Farms, Canada

Margaret Hudson, President and CEO of Burnbrae Farms, leads one of Canada’s most prominent egg businesses, spanning five provinces. As a fourth-generation industry leader, she drives strategy, innovation, and sustainability while championing transparency in farming.

Under her leadership, Burnbrae has led environmental initiatives like solar-powered farms and waste reduction, alongside strong community support for food security and agricultural education. Margaret serves on key industry boards and has earned top accolades, including the Canadian Grand Prix Lifetime Achievement Award. On the WEO stage, she will bring thought-provoking insights on how we, as egg businesses, can navigate and address perceptions of egg farming.

Prof. Michael Lee

Deputy Vice Chancellor at Harper-Adams University, UK

As an expert in sustainable livestock systems, Professor Michael Lee is passionate about their role in securing global food security while protecting environmental health. His current position is Deputy Vice Chancellor at Harper Adams University, UK, with an overwhelming history in agricultural societies, communities and groups.

As author of over 375 published articles and papers and recognition with numerous accolades, including the Sir John Hammond Memorial Prize, he brings extensive expertise to the WEO stage. Michael also contributes to international initiatives, including the UN FAO, EU Animal Task Force, and the UK Climate Change Committee. His insights bridge science, policy, and practice for a sustainable future in agriculture.

Nan-Dirk Mulder

Senior Global Specialist in Animal Protein at Rabobank, Netherlands

Nan-Dirk Mulder is a Senior Global Specialist in Animal Protein at Rabobank, providing strategic insights on the global livestock, meat, and egg industries. With a background in agricultural economics from Wageningen University, he has advised on key industry issues across all continents.

A sought-after speaker at international conferences, Nan-Dirk offers deep analysis of market trends, trade dynamics, and sustainability. At WEO Tenerife, he will share global perspectives on the short-term future of the egg industry, highlighting key opportunities and challenges for stakeholders worldwide.

Peter van Horne

WEO Economic Analyst, Netherlands

Peter van Horne is the WEO Economic Analyst and a senior farm economist at Wageningen University and Research in the Netherlands. Recognised as Europe’s leading Poultry Economist, Peter specialises in high-impact research for both government and industry, with a focus on the economics of animal welfare, environmental sustainability, animal health, and global competition.

He has played a pivotal role in shaping the WEO’s statistical services. At the upcoming WEO Tenerife conference, Peter will offer a compelling European perspective on the shifting consumer preferences and regulatory changes that are shaping the egg industry

Rowan McMonnies

Managing Director of Australian Eggs, Australia

Rowan McMonnies, Managing Director of Australian Eggs, brings extensive legal and compliance expertise to the egg industry. With a background in commercial law and senior roles at the ACCC, he has advised key agricultural bodies and played a pivotal role in shaping Australia’s free-range egg labelling standards. Known for his strategic insight and stakeholder engagement, Rowan is dedicated to building consumer trust and industry resilience. At WEO Tenerife, he will explore innovative approaches to community and media engagement, offering a fresh perspective on cultivating positivity towards eggs in an evolving consumer landscape.

Jose Manuel Segovia

CEO of Granjazul, Guatemala

Jose Manuel Segovia is the CEO of leading egg production company, Granjazul, a 100% Guatemalan company with over 50 years’ experience in the production and marketing of eggs.

Under his leadership, Granjazul distinguishes itself by a drive to innovate the poultry market through differentiation and enhanced value of products and services. Jose Manuel will provide an insightful update on the HPAI vaccination programme in Guatemala.