The Planting Naturals Team is a seasoned team of professionals in scaling businesses and leading sustainable systems. Operating in various countries on different continents and communicating in multiple languages, the Planting Naturals Team is a global organization aligned around a common vision of proving palm can be grown for good.
Management Team
Jan Hein De Vroe
Founder and CEOJan Hein leads our company, and is an experienced and down-to-earth all-around (financial) entrepreneur with a can-do attitude, overview, knowledge and ideas to grow and improve businesses and people. He has a proven record of making a difference in sustainable businesses in complex countries.
Jort Crevels
CFOJort is an international finance professional with extensive experience working in frontier markets. He is passionate about guiding teams through change, improving systems and simplifying complex processes. He combines strong analytical skills with a collaborative leadership style. Outside the office, he enjoys time with his family, exploring the outdoors and cycling through the countryside.
Philip Tonks
General managerPhilip, originally from Zimbabwe and raised in a farming family, studied Agricultural Engineering in the UK before returning home to manage the family farm. With over 38 years of agri and agro-industrial experience—13 of which in oil palm—he has held senior roles across multiple crops and regions. He most recently led the development of a 12,400 ha oil palm estate in Sierra Leone, taking the project from land acquisition to a profitable operation producing over 50,000 MT of palm oil annually.
Mohamed Kamara
Managing DirectorMohamed is a proactive agriculture and development professional with more than 15 years of experience in project management, organic and RSPO-certified operations, and sustainable farming systems. He holds a BSc in Agricultural Sciences and an MSc in Agricultural Economics from Njala University. Mohamed has worked extensively on implementing sustainability standards in oil palm and is committed to improving rural livelihoods through responsible agricultural practices.
Team Members
Ebenezer Arthur
Operations Plantation ManagerWith over 17 years of experience in the West African oil palm industry, Ebenezer specialises in plantation operations, crop management and sustainable agricultural practices. He has worked closely with field teams, agronomists and management to implement best-practice systems that enhance yields, efficiency and long-term sustainability. Holding a degree in Agriculture, an MPhil in Environmental Science, a Health & Safety diploma and RSPO auditor training, he is committed to continuous improvement and responsible plantation development.
Akwasi Adu Boahen
Senior Mill ManagerAkwasi is Senior Mill Manager for Planting Naturals B.V./Goldtree in Sierra Leone, where he oversees mill rehabilitation, upgrades, and daily operations. With over 20 years of industrial management experience across Ghana, Nigeria and Sierra Leone, he brings strong mechanical and electrical engineering expertise. Akwasi holds a BSc in Mechanical Engineering and a CEMBA, and is a member of both GhIE and SLIE. Known for his drive, discipline and hands-on leadership, he has delivered multiple CAPEX projects and built high-performing technical teams.
Edward Kofi Panyin
Plantation managerKofi is an experienced agribusiness professional specialising in plantation systems and value-addition. Beginning his career as a research scientist, he has managed large-scale estates since 2012 while leading key initiatives such as fertilizer and irrigation trials and BMP implementation. He has worked with organisations including IPNI, UNIDO, TCCL and Solidaridad-SWAPP across West and Central Africa. Kofi holds a BSc in Crop Science and an MSc in Project Management, and is an RSPO-certified Lead Auditor.
Chris Dzieketey
Plantation managerChristian is an agricultural professional with over 10 years of experience in plantation operations, project management and rural development. He has a strong track record in optimising oil palm field performance, driving efficiency improvements and embedding sustainable practices. Christian holds a BSc in Agriculture from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and is committed to promoting productivity, environmental stewardship and long-term sector growth.
Sidikie Jabbie
Internal AuditorSidikie is an Internal Auditor with more than 15 years of experience in audit, finance, risk management and internal controls across the banking, energy and agriculture sectors. Before joining Goldtree, he served as Internal Auditor for Sierra Leone’s Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority, providing oversight to the Board and senior management. Sidikie holds a Technician Diploma in Accounting from IPAM and is an ACCA Level 3 finalist. He is known for his integrity, analytical skills and results-driven approach.
Alex Regout
Supply chain and sales managerAlex is the Supply Chain Manager for Planting Naturals, responsible for coordinating and optimising the downstream flow of organic products. With an international background, he enjoys building bridges between people and businesses across different cultures. Outside of work he is often found on the tennis or padel court, or playing chess—approaching each challenge with enthusiasm, persistence and a strong team spirit.
Benedict Khosia
Outgrower managerBenedict, originally from Sierra Leone, began his career with Operation Silkman and IMATT before serving in the British Army. He later transitioned into agriculture, joining Goldtree SL Ltd as Assistant Outgrower Manager and progressing to Outgrower Manager. With twelve years of experience overseeing FFB purchasing, farmer engagement and training, he now manages over 8,000 farmers across 400 villages. Benedict has led multiple outgrower planting projects, including 2,000 ha of new oil palm, and continues to support farmer productivity through Planting Naturals.
Marvellous Ogala
Sustainability managerMarvellous is the Sustainability Manager for Planting Naturals, responsible for all certification processes and sustainability initiatives across operations in Sierra Leone. With an engineering background from the University of Port Harcourt and extensive experience in management system design, he has implemented environmental and social management frameworks across the palm oil sector in Nigeria and Sierra Leone. Marvellous is a critical thinker and problem solver focused on simplifying complex systems and supporting continuous improvement.
Raymond Jayah
HR managerRaymond is the Human Resources Business Partner for Goldtree Sierra Leone Ltd. He holds a BSc in Business Administration and dual MBAs in Business Administration and Global Business & Entrepreneurship from the University of Sierra Leone and the Catholic University of Milan. With over 14 years of progressive HR experience, Raymond is known for his professionalism, governance insight and ability to manage complex assignments, meet tight deadlines and drive organisational performance.
Thomas Ako
Chartered AccountantA Finance, Internal Audit, and Risk Management professional with over 17 years’ experience, predominantly in financial services and advisory. Has worked across multiple sectors including banking, mining, agriculture, oil and gas, and the public sector. Served as Head of Finance, led internal audit functions, built robust risk management and compliance systems, and supported governance and control structures across various organizations. Holds an MBA in Finance and is a Chartered Accountant.