Charlie Arnot
CEO
Charlie Arnot is respected strategist and thought leader in food and agriculture. As both a writer and sought-after speaker, he engages audiences across the globe. Charlie has decades of experience working in communications, public relations and issues management within the food system. He is the founder and president of Look East and serves as CEO of The Center for Food Integrity, an international non-profit organization dedicated to building consumer trust and confidence in today’s food system.
One client said of Charlie’s work, “others help us talk about our business, you help us think differently about who we are and what we do.” His commitment to excellence, innovation and integrity have positioned him as a trusted counselor to CEOs, government leaders and executives, and a respected industry advisor on critical issues within the food system.
Office Location
Gladstone, MO
Career Background
Prior to founding Look East, Charlie spent 10 years as vice president of communications and public affairs for an integrated meat company. It was during that time that he became aware of the critical need to build trust in food and agriculture. He was trained as a journalist and worked in newspapers, radio, video and documentary production early in his career. His first job (besides putting up hay) was working in a restaurant.
Awards and Accomplishments
Charlie is one of 200 global leaders who serve on the World Agriculture Forum Council. WAF is a global platform connecting diverse stakeholders to drive sustainable agricultural development through policy advocacy, trade facilitation and technology-driven solutions.
In 2024 he was named the Alumni Master by the University of Nebraska College of Journalism and Mass Communication, and he is frequently sought out by media for his insight on food and agriculture issues. He has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Fortune, Time, NPR, CNBC, The National Journal, Entrepreneur, Yahoo health, Huffington Post, Grist and dozens of trade publications globally.
- AP award winner for best radio news story.
- First prize in a media chili cook-off. (The trophy is still in the garage)
Thought Leadership
An Industry Mindshift: 20 Years of Building Trust
Values in Action: Should you take a stand on that issue?
