At NewForesight, we work with a strong team that understands that sustainable transitions mean business. Head to their bio’s to get to know them!
Lucas Simons
As the founder of NewForesight, Lucas Simons plays an important role in driving the transition towards a sustainable economy.
He is an internationally recognized thought leader on systems change and TransMission, a public speaker, master facilitator, trainer, lecturer at business schools and author of the successful books ‘Changing the Food Game’ (2014) and ‘Changing the Game’ (2021). Lucas: “I truly believe that if we want a more sustainable outcome, we have to change the rules of the game”.
Daniel Viviers-Rasmussen
As principal at NewForesight, Daniel supports companies and organizations in everything from strategy development, benchmark establishment, development of impact frameworks, gap and impact assessment, sourcing & pricing practices, to the development of strategies to improve smallholder farmer income.
Edgar Schwandt
Joost Backer is Senior Consultant with 5+ years of experience driving sustainability transitions. As part of the Organizations and Sector Strategy team at NewForesight, he primarily works in and on agricultural commodity supply chains with up- and downstream players in sectors such as coffee, natural rubber, tea, palm oil, cotton, and cocoa.
Byron Smith
Byron joins is the Financial Controller for NewForesight, with years of experience across for- and non-profit organizations in Europe and Africa. With a strong background in finance effectiveness consulting, business partnering, and financial analysis, he has consistently delivered improved financial performance while enabling impact. Passionate about solving problems and fostering a more equitable and sustainable future, Byron provides financial oversight, approvals, and strategic guidance to NewForesight.
Maarten Tuinhof
Maarten plays a key role in ensuring project success in tackling sustainability challenges at NewForesight. He has expertise in transition theories and vast experience in managing complex multi-stakeholder projects. He quickly solves complex problems with his natural curiosity and analytical skills.
Joost Backer
Joost Backer is Senior Consultant with 5+ years of experience driving sustainability transitions. As part of the Organizations and Sector Strategy team at NewForesight, he primarily works in and on agricultural commodity supply chains with up- and downstream players in sectors such as coffee, natural rubber, tea, palm oil, cotton, and cocoa.
Pauline Smout
Pauline analyses sustainability transitions in various sectors and supports organizations by developing strategies to drive these transitions forward. She works with various public and civil society organizations as well as multi-stakeholder and private sector partnership organizations – such as standards organizations or agenda-setters, providing strategic support so these organizations can drive transitions effectively.
Tieme Kok
In his work at NewForesight, Tieme strives help accelerate the transition to a sustainable future, by providing structured and strategic advice for organizations based on transition frameworks. His background in finance and in business provides him with an understanding of financial markets, financing structures and sustainable business practices.
Laura van den Born
Laura feels a strong purpose to contribute to solving today’s sustainability challenges. In her work at NewForesight, she utilises transition thinking to make such challenges more concrete and tangible, allowing for a clearer pathway for stakeholders to start solving them. She is motivated to contribute to both environmental and social challenges.
Andrea Viviers-Rasmussen
Andrea brings over a decade of experience in sustainability and strategy, adding significant value through her ability to translate complex sustainability challenges into actionable strategies. Her background across sectors such as finance, agriculture, and tourism enables her to navigate diverse stakeholder landscapes and design effective, scalable solutions. Having held senior roles at Rabobank, KPMG Netherlands, and IBIS (now SLR), Andrea strengthens the company’s capacity to align sustainability goals with business performance and regulatory expectations. Her expertise in sustainable finance and supply chains enhances the company’s ability to drive impact that is both measurable and meaningful.
Susanna Kluiver
Susanna is part of the Sustainable Sourcing and impact team. In her work at NewForesight, she analyses sustainability transitions across various sectors. Her diverse background in business, sustainable development, and strategic management equips her to address complex challenges from multiple perspectives, enabling her to deliver impactful and effective solutions to drive transitions forward.
Willem Jansink
In his work at NewForesight, Willem enables companies to create a business model for sustainability and he supports governments to benefit from decarbonizing their economies. He aims to accelerate sustainability transitions to create long-term value for organizations and secure a more sustainable future.
Sahil Nair
Sahil is driven by the opportunity to create more sustainable and inclusive systems, particularly in agriculture. He has worked with businesses, financial institutions, and development organizations to embed sustainability into core strategies, with a strong focus on improving livelihoods for smallholder farmers and communities. Coming from a farming background himself, this mission holds deep personal meaning for him.
Tendai Jonhasi
Tendai combines data-driven insights with systems thinking to support businesses in designing scalable sustainability strategies. She helps companies build business cases where sustainability is not just a responsibility, but also a strategic advantage. Through measurable impact and market-based solutions, she contributes to global transitions that empower communities and strengthen supply chains.
Katinka Theunissen
In her work at NewForesight, Katinka contributes to as Junior Analyst by applying her background in animal science and sustainable agriculture. She supports projects that strengthen resilience in farming communities and ensure ethical, evidence-based approaches to sustainability transitions. She aims to bridge science and practice to create positive impact for both people and the environment.
Brigid Slee
Brigid is our wonderful office manager. She is a versatile, dedicated, and tactful professional with excellent organizational skills. She has an international background, as she is originally from the Netherlands but lived abroad for half of her life.