Elena Sosa del Cerro
Elena supports the management of Preferred by Nature’s Sustainability Advisory division. This includes leading the Sustainability Advisory teams in Europe, Latin America and Africa, overseeing key operations within the division, collaborating with cross-sectoral and cross-regional teams to identify, secure, and implement impactful projects and advisory services. Her work focuses on advancing sustainability goals and commitments for organisations and companies across diverse commodity sectors.
As Senior Manager at Preferred by Nature, Elena plays a pivotal role in overseeing the successful delivery of projects and advisory services across the organisation’s global operations. She leads a diverse portfolio of clients across Europe, Latin America and Africa, while also providing strategic support to other regions. Her expertise focuses on developing and implementing due diligence systems for responsible sourcing, supply chain risk mitigation, policy creation, and capacity building. Elena ensures alignment with regulations such as the EUDR, CSDDD and other ESG frameworks related to biodiversity, climate, traceability and land-use.
In addition to her technical expertise, Elena drives regional engagement, sales communication, client relationship management, and the development of new, impact-driven projects and partnerships.
With over 20 years of professional experience in environmental auditing and consulting, Elena has a strong background in guiding corporations on the sustainable sourcing of commodities linked to deforestation and forest degradation. She has notably worked for Rainforest Alliance, providing key guidance on these issues. Elena holds a BSc in Environmental Sciences, an MSc in Nature Management and Conservation, and an MSc in Sustainability and CSR.
Elena joined Preferred by Nature in 2017. Currently based in Colombia, she continues to contribute her extensive expertise to advancing sustainability practices worldwide.
"We now recognise that sustainably managed forests and agricultural lands are essential for the health of our planet. While the use of natural resources will always have some impact, responsible companies have the ability to transform their supply chains. Through thoughtful actions, they not only minimise the harm to the climate, people and nature but also create a ripple effect that promotes better practices throughout the entire value chain."
- Project and team management
- Sustainability Advisory, with a focus on due diligence and climate and biodiversity management in the supply chains
- Due Diligence Regulations, such as the EU Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR), EU and UK Timber Regulation (EU/UKTR), US Lacey Act or EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence (CSDDD)
- Expertise in sustainable certification schemes: FSC, PEFC, SBP (Sustainable Biomass Program), and Preferred by Nature Certification (including Ecosystem Restoration)
- International work experience in the forest and agricultural products industry, participating in projects in five continents
- BSc in Environmental Science, Master's in Nature Management and Conservation, Master's in Sustainability and CSR
- Languages: English, French, Spanish
