Monique Gieskes

Chief Executive Officer | Plantations et Huileries du Congo

Monique Gieskes has been the CEO of Plantations et Huileries du Congo (PHC), the leading producer of palm oil in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), since February 2021. Under her leadership, PHC has experienced significant growth while prioritising environmental stewardship and community development.

With an over-100-year legacy, and over 10,000 employees, PHC is the DRC’s second largest employer and a champion of sustainable practices and food security. The entirety of PHC’s output is dedicated to domestic consumption, directly supporting local communities and contributing to the nation’s economic growth.

Before joining PHC, Monique held various leadership roles, including President of the UN Global Compact in the DRC, where she pioneered initiatives to reintegrate conflict-affected women in Eastern DRC. Monique also participated in the mediation between China and Europe for the revision of Chinese legislation regarding industrial property rights. She has also played a leading role in international organizations like the European Brands Association, the World Customs Organization (WCO), and the African Organization for Intellectual Property (OAPI), supporting efforts to reduce import tariffs, promote intellectual property rights, and combat unfair competition.

Monique holds a law degree and later obtained an MBA from the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.