Solynta announced that it has appointed Charles Miller as its commercial director and Peter Kooman to lead its product management and agronomy team.
Miller brings over 20 years’ experience in leadership roles in the seed industry to Solynta. Before joining Solynta, Miller was with Chromatin Inc. where he led the company’s international business development and sales as vice president. He was a principal in the sorghum company MMR Genetics/Richardson Seeds, and after its acquisition by NuFarm, became the global development manager for NuFarm’s sorghum business. Prior to that, he worked for Mars, Inc. for several years, where he gained deep experience in trading, logistics and treasuries.
Next to to his roles within Industry, Miller is also serving on the Board of Directors of American Seed Trade Association as well as chairman of the Innovation and Policy Committee. Additionally, he serves on the Board of Directors of the African Seed Trade Association.
“Charles’ vision for innovation and agriculture development, combined with the global network he has established, will tremendously augment our business,” says Hein Kruyt CEO of Solynta. “Charles will lead the global business development strategy and commercial network and we look forward to the lasting impact he and his team will have on the company.”
“Solynta has developed leading edge technology in hybrid potato breeding. This technology has been proven and will increase the speed at which new traits can be brought to the market,” says Miller. “Potato is a staple food crop throughout the world. With Solynta’s technology we can bring adapted hybrid potatoes not only to the high-tech agricultural markets, but we can also help the developing world with sustainable and high-quality products. I am proud to be part of this energetic and innovative team.”
Peter brings a wealth of potato experience to Solynta. Being raised at a potato farm, earned his MSc in agriculture at Wageningen University with a focus on potato, received his PhD also at Wageningen University with a thesis on potato in relation to climate, and lately as a professor potato innovation at Aeres University of applied sciences one can say that potato is in his DNA.
Next to his roles within Solynta, Kooman will continue as a professor at the Aeres university of applied sciences
“Peter’s combination of analytics and practical potato knowledge and potato experience in large parts of the world will help our product development tremendously,” says Hein Kruyt CEO of Solynta. “I am thrilled that Peter will empower our product management and agronomy teams with his leadership”
