Larry Ruff has 40+ years experience working with major US and global brands, small, medium, and large for-profit corporations, and a variety of nonprofits.
Larry is a passionate advocate for social justice, sustainable development, poverty alleviation, and health and wellness. Larry is a mission-driven leader focused on building & supporting purpose-driven organizations, leveraging business as a platform for growth and good, and delivering meaningful social, environmental, and economic impact.
Larry is currently a Director and has served on the Fair Trade USA (FTUSA) Board of Directors since 2014. He has served as Vice Chair of the Board, Chair of the Nominating & Governance Committee and as a member of the Board’s Executive and Finance Committees. Larry also served as FTUSA’s President & Chief Operating Officer from April 2020 – November 2023.
Larry served as CEO, President and Board Director for the US Healthful Food Council (EatREAL.org)—a social enterprise focused on fueling food system transformation by promoting food and beverage options that are good for people and the planet. He has also worked as a Strategic Advisor for several Silicon Valley-based technology startups, entrepreneurs, and major brands.
Larry worked for Levi Strauss & Company for over 25 years holding a variety of leadership positions in marketing, global brand management, business development and general management in the U.S., Europe and globally. During his time with Levi's, Larry served as the company's Global Marketing and Chief Strategy Officer. Earlier in his career, Larry held a number of positions in brand management with The Procter & Gamble Company.
Larry served as a member of Cornell University’s Leadership Council on Combating Racism & Promoting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging from September 2020 - December 2023. Larry joined the RICSI Board of Strategic Advisors in September 2023.
Larry received a Bachelor of Arts with Honors from Rutgers University and a Master of Business Administration from Cornell University's Johnson Graduate School of Management. Larry is also a graduate of Columbia University's Digital Marketing Strategy program.
Larry lives in San Francisco and Kenwood, CA with his husband, Greg and their dog, Zoe.