Sam T. Ford serves as Chief Trade & Risk Officer at Westrock Coffee Company, where he leads the company's global trade operations and risk management strategies. With over 20 years of experience in the coffee industry, Ford began his career at a major commodity trading firm in New York, specializing in futures markets and supply chain optimization. He later held senior positions at leading agribusiness companies, including Director of Risk at a multinational exporter, where he honed his expertise in hedging volatile commodity prices and navigating geopolitical supply disruptions. Ford's notable achievements include pioneering data-driven risk models that reduced exposure to currency fluctuations by 35% during turbulent market periods and spearheading sustainable sourcing initiatives that secured long-term contracts with premium growers in Brazil and Vietnam. His innovative approaches to trade finance have earned him recognition from the International Coffee Organization, including the 2022 Risk Management Excellence Award. Under his guidance, Westrock Coffee has expanded its footprint in emerging markets while maintaining robust compliance with international trade regulations. In his current role, Ford oversees a team of traders, analysts, and compliance experts, ensuring seamless execution of coffee procurement, pricing strategies, and enterprise risk frameworks. He plays a pivotal role in aligning trade activities with Westrock's commitment to sustainability and profitability, positioning the company as a leader in the dynamic global coffee sector.