76 / SEEDWORLD.COM JUNE 2017 European export markets. The acquisition remains subject to the satisfaction of closing conditions, and has an expected closing date in July 2017. PEOPLE Syngenta has named David Hollinrake president, Syngenta Seeds, LLC and North America region director. In this role, Hollinrake will strengthen the North American seeds business by driving improvements already underway to ensure maximum focus on customers with a choice of top genetics, traits and agronomic support. David Treinen is also appointed head of GreenLeaf Genetics. Treinen will be based in Minnetonka, Minn. The International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) has appointed Andreas Wais as the new ISTA secretary general. Wais will begin his new role as ISTA secretary general June 1. The University of Illinois College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) recently presented Robert “Bob” Wyffels with an Award of Merit — the highest alumni honor awarded by the college. Wyffels is an innovator in seed production committed to providing the best products and high- est quality seed. In late April, the U.S. Senate voted to confirm former Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue as the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary in President Donald Trump’s administration. Montana State University professor of plant sciences and plant pathology Luther Talbert was named the Crop Science Society of America’s 2016 fellow, the society’s highest recognition. Legacy Seeds welcomes two new members to its team. Greg Williams is now the new chief financial officer, and Loren Jesch is a new sales manager and coach. FMC Agricultural Solutions has named Mike Harper their indus- try-relations manager. In this role, Harper will lead the company’s industry association relationships, facilitate industry stewardship, and advance FMC industry goals. In addition, FMC has named Lisa Homer as senior communications manager for the U.S. and Canada. Christina Coen was added to the FMC marketing and communications team in Philadelphia. PRODUCT To combat sugarcane aphid, La Crosse Seed has partnered with top breeders to acquire Summer Select Hercules BMR BD Pearl Millet. After numerous trials and side-by-side compari- sons with sorghum-sudangrass, Hercules BMR BD has not only demonstrated similar yields, but has also displayed sugarcane aphid resistance plus higher digestibility and energy, says Chris McCracken, director of business development at La Crosse Seed.