Names in the News
New hires, promotions, retirements
Farm Progress announces new broadcast director
Agricultural media leader Farm Progress continues to enrich its offerings, as long-time broadcaster Mike Pearson takes over the reins to host “This Week in Agribusiness” and “Farm Progress America.” With extensive experience in radio and television farm broadcasting, Pearson brings a familiar face and respected knowledge, as he joins Farm Progress full time.
“It’s been an honor to help host ‘This Week In Agribusiness’ and a pleasure to work alongside Max Armstrong for several years,” said Pearson. “I’m excited to lead our efforts forward and to further expand our programs.”Read more
Kevin McAdams succeeds Randy Day as CEO of Perdue Farms
Perdue Farms announced July 12 that Kevin McAdams, chief operating officer and president, will transition to the role of chief executive officer, as part of a planned succession announced in April 2023. McAdams brings 30 years of successful leadership in the food and beverage industry to the vertically integrated food and agriculture company and fourth-largest producer of chicken products in the United States.Read more
AFIA welcomes Ivy Torres
The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) is pleased to announce the addition of Ivy Torres as its global programs specialist, effective July 10.
In this newly created AFIA position, Torres will be responsible for supporting international market access and development programs worldwide, and the development, implementation and communication of the association’s global policy goals and activities. She will also support the work of AFIA’s International Trade Committee. Previously, Torres served as a manager of global programs at the U.S. Grains CouncilRead more
UPL announces appointment of David Elser
UPL, a global provider of sustainable agricultural solutions, has announced the appointment of David Elser as regional head for North America.
Elser joins UPL with more than 25 years of agricultural experience gained from previous roles at Syngenta, and his most recent position as senior vice president for North America at Nutrien Ag Solutions. Throughout his career, he has held leadership positions across sales, operations, marketing, and business strategy – acquiring expertise in customer-focused initiatives, agronomic solutions development, diverse product portfolio management, and strategic supply chain operations.Read more
Zoetis appoints Ester Banque as president of U.S. operations
Zoetis Inc. announced July 10 the addition of Ester Banque as executive vice president and president of U.S. operations for the company, effective July 10, 2023. Banque is an accomplished global senior executive with over 30 years of experience in health sciences with top tier pharmaceutical companies. Ester will be a member of the Zoetis executive team and report to Chief Executive Officer Kristin Peck. In this role, Banque will have responsibility for the company’s U.S. commercial operations, continuing to broaden and expand the company’s key franchises and shape the market for future innovation - providing exceptional experiences for companion animal and livestock customers.Read more
Elena Boxey hired as Select Sires communications specialist
Elena Boxey, a native of Almont, Michigan, brings a wealth of digital media strategy, management, and content creation to the Select Sires communications department. In her role as a communications specialist, she will be responsible for analyzing and implementing marketing strategies and initiatives for Select Sires Inc. as well as the Low Carbon Technologies division.Based in Plain City, Ohio, Select Sires Inc., is the largest global A.I. cooperative and is comprised of six farmer-owned and -controlled local organizations in the United States. Read more
Rombouts to lead Topigs Norsvin AI activities in Belgium
Geert Rombouts has been appointed managing director of Topigs Norsvin België. In this position, he will also be responsible for the AI activities Topigs Norsvin carries out in Belgium. Rombouts will start his new position on July 10 and will report to Arno van de Laar, regional director Europe.
With the arrival of Rombouts, Topigs Norsvin strengthens its position with a managing director who knows the Belgian market well and has considerable experience in swine genetics. For much of his career, he worked at Choice Genetics, RA-SE Genetics and Seghers Hybrid, where he held various positions.Read more
Pipestone announces leadership changes
Pipestone Holdings has announced that Luke Minion will step down as CEO and chairman of Pipestone Holdings effective July 1.
The leadership change comes with the creation of two company divisions — Pipestone Services and Pipestone Partnerships—to create unwavering focus on farmer needs. Hannah Walkes will serve as president of the Pipestone Services division and Sean Simpson will serve as president of the Pipestone Partnerships division. Barry Kerkaert will serve as chairman of the board for Pipestone Holdings.
Walkes joined Pipestone in 2007 as a biosecurity coordinator where she implemented and audited biosecurity procedures at sow farms. Most recently Walkes served as the president of Pipestone Veterinary Services where she oversaw clinic operations, daily business functions and worked with their 150-person veterinary services team to provide solutions to independent family farms and swine clients across the Midwest.
Simpson has been with Pipestone since 2013, first as the general counsel for eight years, before transitioning into the role of strategy officer. Simpson also served on the board of directors for Pipestone Holdings, LLC.
Kerkaert began his career at Pipestone Veterinary Services after graduating from the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota. He previously held positions as vice president of Pipestone Holdings and president of Pipestone Management.
