Speaker Biographies

Liesl Breytenbach was appointed Executive Director of AFMA on 1 August 2023, bringing nearly two decades of industry experience to the role. She holds an M.Sc. in Agriculture (Monogastric Nutrition) from Stellenbosch University and began her career as a formulator at Meadow Feeds in 2004. Her career path includes roles in operational nutrition and technical advisory services at Afgri Animal Feeds, followed by a long-standing tenure at AFMA. With a strong foundation in feed legislation, nutrition, and regulatory management, Liesl is passionate about enabling growth through collaboration and driving AFMA’s vision as a thought leader in animal feed.

Anina Hunter is Managing Director of Epol Feed at Rainbow Chicken and Chairperson of AFMA. With over 22 years of experience in the feed industry, she holds degrees in Animal Science and Business Administration. She prioritises creating an enabling environment that supports long-term industry growth, emphasising collaboration between industry and government to address challenges such as infrastructure constraints and rising energy costs. Under her leadership, AFMA has focused on strategic areas including maintaining feed affordability, promoting industry self-regulation, and investing in skills development. Recognised as a mentor and role model, Anina has empowered teams and inspired professionals, particularly women in agriculture, through her dedication to resilience, collaboration, and sustainable sector growth.

Best known as the originator of the 4th Industrial Revolution and the digital themes of today. For the past two decades, he has set the global agenda for nations and leading organisations via the Strategic Intelligence. Named “the most influential futurist of the century” by CNBC and “Oracle of Davos” by Fast Company.

As a Professor of Strategy Management and Economics, his work has evolved mainstream business practices of today. His work has influenced national economies and 23% of Fortune 500 high-growth companies, earning him recognition from the Financial Times as the “leading authority on strategy”.

Most Interesting Facts:

• Recipient of the Nobel Laureate of Knowledge Award for Intellectual Achievement and acknowledged as “the most influential management thinker of our times”, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai.
• Co-architect of the Artificial Intelligence Act and EU Climate Scope 1-3 (Green Deal, FIT for 55, & Supply Chain Emissions) as European Union Advisory Board Member.
• His most notable contributions include co-authoring 153 Business & IT standards, such as the SAP implementation method, NATO Architecture Framework, and standards for OMG, ISO, IEEE and Leading Practice.
• Ranked as the #1 most requested global futurist speaker in recent years.

Coen Smits is Global Sustainability Director at Trouw Nutrition, a Nutreco company, and Professor holding the Chair of Functional Ingredients for Sustainable Animal Nutrition at Wageningen University & Research. He is an internationally recognised expert in animal nutrition and health with extensive experience in innovation and sustainability leadership.

Throughout his career, Coen focused on the development and application of nutritional strategies that improve animal health, welfare, productivity, and the sustainability of livestock production systems. His work bridges science and practice, translating advances in nutrition into solutions that support both animal health and performance, and more sustainable food systems.

In his dual roles in academia and industry, he actively collaborates with international organisations, research institutions, and industry partners to advance evidence-based approaches to animal nutrition and sustainability. He is also lead-author of the FAO report ‘Animal nutrition strategies and options to reduce the use of antimicrobials in animal production’, contributing to global scientific guidance on the role of nutrition in improving health outcomes and supporting sustainable food production.

Nan-Dirk Mulder joined Rabobank’s Food & Agribusiness Advisory and Research department (FAR) in 2001. He is a Senior Global Specialist in Animal Protein and has worked with many of the leading animal protein companies in the world. He is based in Rabobank’s headquarters in Utrecht, the Netherlands.

Nan-Dirk graduated in agricultural economics, marketing and market research from the Netherlands’ Wageningen Agricultural University in 1996. Before his appointment at Rabobank International, Nan-Dirk worked for the Product Boards for Livestock, Meat and Eggs (PVE) and the Agricultural Economic Research Institute (LEI) in the Netherlands. He was also a member of the Livestock Management and Expert Committees at the European Commission.

Since joining Rabobank International, Nan-Dirk advises the bank on global commitments in the animal protein industry. He has also been involved in the bank’s many advisory and research activities in the animal protein industry, where he has been specialising in strategic issues in this industry.

Nan-Dirk has advised and participated in projects on all continents of the world. He is also a regular speaker at conferences and seminars.

Dr. Ken Bafundo received his PhD in poultry nutrition from the University of Illinois, where he investigated the effects of coccidial infection on the trace mineral status of the growing broiler. His 40-year career has been devoted to research in avian intestinal health and to developing products that have been used to control coccidiosis. His work led to the approval of several anticoccidials (nicarbazin, narasin, semduramicin, and combinations of nicarbazin and Ionophores) that are currently used in global poultry production. He has led research projects dealing with the nutritional effects of anticoccidials and antimicrobials in broiler production and, more recently, has worked with the effects of phytogenic feed additives on intestinal health. Dr. Bafundo is currently an industry consultant, advising clients on feed additives and their effective use in broiler production.

Dr. Bafundo has published more than 60 articles on coccidiosis, anticoccidials, antimicrobials and phytogenic additives and their effects on avian health and nutrition. He is an Adjunct Professor at the Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center at the University of Georgia (USA) and has served as Section Editor for Poultry Science. In 2025, he edited a special issue of Animals devoted to recent advances in coccidiosis research.

Lieske van Eck, PhD, is a Senior Research Scientist within the global Research and Development team of Cargill Animal Nutrition and Health. She obtained her doctorate from Wageningen University, where her research focused on the effects of dietary interventions on body composition and laying persistency in hens.

She has authored and co‑authored numerous scientific publications in high‑ranking peer‑reviewed journals. Together with her colleagues, she received an Edison Innovation Award for the development of REVEAL Layers, a handheld near‑infrared (NIR) device designed to assess body composition in laying hens.

Her scientific expertise lies in laying hen nutrition, with a decade of experience leading research projects in the fields of laying hen and broiler breeder nutrition, laying persistency, egg and eggshell quality, and mineral nutrition.

Prof. Michael Persia is the director of the Egg Industry Centre and the Iowa Egg Centre Endowed Professor of Animal Science at Iowa State University, specialising in applied poultry nutrition. His research aims to enhance poultry production efficiency through improved nutrient management and digestive processes. Key contributions include introducing a new phytase feed ingredient, updating poultry nutrient requirements, and maximising feed efficiency. Throughout his career, Prof. Persia has authored 1 book, 80 peer-reviewed manuscripts, 117 popular-press and extension articles, and 53 invited presentations.

A prominent leader in the poultry science community, Prof. Persia served as Program Chair for the 2023 Poultry Science Association Annual Meeting and held a three-year term as a director on the PSA Board. He is also involved with the Southern Poultry Science Society and serves on the boards of the National Egg Quality School and the Virginia Egg Council. Additionally, he is a co-editor for the Nutrition Section of the Journal of Applied Poultry Research. Prof. Persia contributed to the 10th edition of the Nutrient Requirements for Poultry by the National Academy of Sciences. He earned his B.S. from Penn State, M.S. from Ohio State, and PhD from the University of Illinois.

Prof. Aaron Cowieson hails originally from Scotland, having read for his PhD at the University of Aberdeen, completing in 2001.  From 2001-2010, Prof. Cowieson worked for two major biotechnology businesses where his research focus was feed enzymes, ingredient quality and amino acid and mineral nutrition of poultry.  From 2010-2013 Prof. Cowieson was Associate Professor of Poultry Nutrition and Director of the Poultry Research Foundation within the Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney, Australia.  Currently Prof. Cowieson is Senior Science Fellow and Head of Digital Consultancy & Solutions at DSM-Firmenich.  Prof. Cowieson has published more than 350 scientific articles including more than 200 in peer-reviewed journals, 7 book chapters and 18 international patents. Prof. Cowieson was the 2016 recipient of the Poultry Nutrition Research Award from the American Feed Industry Association and the 2019 recipient of the Life Mentor Award by the Poultry Science Association.  In addition to his role with DSM he is retained as Adjunct Professor of Animal Science at Purdue University in the United States and Honorary Governor of the Poultry Research Foundation at the University of Sydney.

Dr. Sion Richards is the Ruminant Technical Services Manager for EMEA at Balchem and an expert in transition cow nutrition and feed additives in dairy systems. Raised on a farm in North Wales, he merges practical experience with a solid scientific foundation, holding a degree in Animal Science and a PhD in Nutritional Biochemistry from the University of Nottingham.

Starting his career as a Commercial Ruminant Nutritionist with Provimi, he progressed into various research and technical management roles, focusing on applied research and on-farm strategies. He has held senior positions in the UK feed industry, specialising in transition cow management and milk production efficiency. His international experience includes roles at DSM Nutritional Products and Adisseo, where he enhanced his expertise in amino acids and sustainable dairy nutrition.

Currently, Dr. Richards’ work emphasises evidence-based nutritional interventions for transition cows, aiming to optimise milk and milk solids production while improving nitrogen and energy efficiency. His focus on precision ration formulation, particularly in amino acid balancing, seeks to enhance milk protein synthesis and reduce nutrient losses, integrating scientific principles with practical applications to deliver measurable results in diverse dairy systems.

Ignacio Artavia, MSc., is Marketing and Business Development Manager for South Europe and Africa at dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health, based in Belgium. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sustainable Tropical Agriculture from EARTH University in Costa Rica and a European Master’s degree in Sustainable Animal Nutrition from Wageningen University.

His professional background combines technical expertise in ruminant nutrition and health with a strategic commercial perspective in global animal production systems. Ignacio has developed recognised expertise in vitamin D metabolism and its role in dairy cow physiology, particularly in relation to calcium–phosphorus metabolism, immune function and production efficiency. He led the introduction of calcidiol in the EU following its approval in 2024. Ignacio’s broader experience includes work on antioxidant status in European dairy cows, global ruminant mycotoxin management, and marketing of nutritional solutions. This has strengthened his integrated understanding of the links between nutrition, immunity, health and productivity.

A frequent international speaker, Ignacio has delivered technical training and presentations across Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa, engaging with feed millers, veterinarians and producers. His work focuses on translating scientific insights into practical nutritional strategies that support dairy cow resilience, udder health, performance and sustainable farm efficiency.

Dr. Richard Kirkland works in the ruminant nutrition sector with many years of experience, specialising in fatty acid supplementation for dairy cows. As Global Technical Manager with Volac Wilmar Feed Ingredients, he provides guidance to milk producers, ensuring the effective supplementation of rumen-protected fats to enhance dairy cow performance. His role combines research and development, and technical support, translating the latest scientific findings into practical strategies that improve milk production and overall dairy productivity.

Having completed a PhD thesis evaluating aspects of energy metabolism in dairy cows at Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, and collaborating on research with global institutions such as Michigan State University, Cornell University, Wageningen University and the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, he has great experience in advancing nutrition strategies to help farmers tackle key challenges, from methane reduction and milk application in dairy products, to improving herd productivity and efficiency. Through industry collaboration and technical expertise, he aims to bridge the gap between research and on-farm results, helping dairy farmers optimise performance through targeted, evidence-based nutrition.

Prof. Stephanie Hansen is a professor in the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University. An Iowa native, she earned her Bachelor of Science from Iowa State and her Master’s and PhD degrees from North Carolina State University. With well over 100 peer-reviewed publications, she has established an original and impactful beef cattle research programme. A major focus of her programme is the refinement of mineral requirements for feedlot cattle. Prof. Hansen is passionate about training the next generation of animal scientists and, in 2025, published The Graduate Mentor’s Trail Map to help other faculty on their mentoring journey. She teaches courses in animal nutrition, ruminant nutrition, and micronutrient metabolism. She raises Angus cows and enjoys hiking, photography and writing crime thrillers set in national parks.

Cynthia Zhu, Founder of Agri-AI BV, is a pioneering force in integrating artificial intelligence within the agricultural food sector. Born and educated in China, she has lived more than 15 years in the Netherlands, the world’s leading country in agri-food innovation and the 2nd largest exporter of agri-food globally. Cynthia holds a degree in Business Economics and an MBA in Strategy and Innovation from the University of Amsterdam (UvA), where her research focused on AI acceptance and adoption in Dutch agribusiness. A thought leader in the field, Cynthia serves as a columnist for leading agri-food industry journals in the Netherlands and holds a position as Visiting Professor specialising in AI applications in agriculture. Her diverse technological background includes spearheading major infrastructure projects in 4G network deployment, Fiber to the Home (FTTH), and Amsterdam’s smart city initiatives. Cynthia’s mission is to seamlessly integrate cutting-edge technology throughout the agri-food value chain, transforming how we produce and distribute food for a sustainable future.

Dr. Dejan Miladinovic is a leading expert in feed manufacturing technologies, with over two decades of experience in research, education, and innovation. He holds a PhD in Science and Technology, a Master’s in Feed Manufacturing Technology from Norwegian University of Life Sciences, and a Master’s in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from the University of Oslo. As Head of the Centre for Feed Technology at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, he oversees advanced research in moisture management, single-cell protein-based ingredients and advanced feed manufacturing technology. Dr. Miladinovic is also regularly lecturing at master’s and doctoral levels and collaborates with industry partners to bridge the gap between science and application.

Luis Fernando Romero is the Founder and CEO of BIOFRACTAL, a company focused on detecting and solving nutritional limitations and sub-clinical issues that limit the profitability and sustainability of animal production by using gene expression technologies and AI.

Luis has 20+ years of international experience in innovation leadership, animal nutrition & health, and animal production. After managing poultry grandparent and broiler breeder operations at the beginning of his career, he obtained a PhD in Animal Science at the University of Alberta in Canada in 2008. He led innovation teams, innovation strategy and project portfolio, in Danisco/DuPont Animal Nutrition (UK, 2008-2017) and DSM Animal Nutrition and Health (Switzerland, 2017-2020).

Luis is passionate about developing science-based solutions that benefit the people producing animal protein, their animals, the end-consumers, and society at large.

Oliver Brägger is an international sales leader with 20+ years of end-to-end industry experience.  He began his career in 1998 as a millwright apprentice, progressed to five years as an international installation supervisor, then spent two years in project management. For the past 14 years, he has led international sales, bridging deep technical expertise with commercial strategy to grow global accounts and deliver measurable customer value.

As Chair of the International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF), Constance Cullman leads the global feed sector’s engagement on sustainability, food security, animal health, and the industry’s Road to 2050 vision. Representing feed associations and companies worldwide, IFIF works with international organizations, including the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and Codex Alimentarius, to advance safe, sustainable, and science-based feed and food systems. Through its Road to 2050 initiative, IFIF is helping define the feed sector’s role in supporting resilient food systems, environmental stewardship, and sustainable animal agriculture.

Cullman is also President and CEO of the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), the largest organization dedicated exclusively to representing the business, legislative, and regulatory interests of the U.S. animal food industry, and President of the Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER), AFIA’s public charity.

A recognized leader in agriculture and food systems, Cullman works at the intersection of animal nutrition, sustainability, international trade, and public policy, advocating for science-based solutions that strengthen global food security and responsible production. She also serves on the board of the Global Feed LCA Institute, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee, and the Nationwide Insurance Board Council.

Prior to joining AFIA, Cullman held senior leadership positions with Farm Foundation, Dow AgroSciences, the Corn Refiners Association, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service, building extensive expertise in agricultural policy, international markets, and regulatory affairs.

Cullman holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural economics from The Ohio State University. Raised on her family’s cow-calf farm in Marysville, Ohio, she brings a lifelong connection to agriculture and a global perspective on the future of feed, food, and sustainable animal production.

Dr. Abdullah Verachia is the CEO of The Strategists, where he leads a team supporting organisations in developing competitive strategy and driving innovation. He is also a Senior Faculty member at GIBS, where he serves as Head of Faculty for Strategy, Sustainability and Digital, and leads the Harvard Business School Senior Executive Programme for Africa.

A recognised strategist and systems thinker, Dr. Verachia works with boards, governments, and leading organisations to navigate disruption, shape future-focused strategies, and unlock innovation. He has facilitated numerous high-level strategy engagements across the public and private sectors.

He has held senior executive and board roles, contributed to the development of competitive strategies for leading global companies, lectured at top business schools, and co-founded several ventures.