S&W Seed Company announced Mark Herrmann as the next CEO, effective July 1, 2023 according to a release. This appointment follows the planned retirement of Mark Wong who is the current CEO. Wong will continue on as a member of the board of directors.
“We are excited to announce the appointment of Mark Herrmann, one of the agricultural seed industry’s leading executives, as S&W’s new CEO,” said Alan Willits, chairman of S&W. “Mark has a strong track record building and growing seed businesses into crop leadership positions, with a specific focus on trait technology. We look forward to his leadership as we continue to drive value in S&W’s strong platform of assets.”
Herrmann has over 35 years of seed industry experience. This past experience includes serving as CEO of AgReliant Genetics LLC. Prior to this role, Herrmann held various roles at the Monsanto Company and its subsidiaries, including president, vice president and director roles. He began his career at DEKALB Genetics Corporation in 1984 which was later acquired by the Monsanto Company in 1998. During his early career, Herrmann held leadership roles in sales, sales management, marketing and product management.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead S&W as we embark on an exciting future for the company,” said Herrmann. “I look forward to leveraging my career experiences in the seed business to bring continued positive impact to our customers, employees and shareholders.”
Herrmann has also been the president and founder of Acumen Seed Executive Consulting LLC and currently serves on the advisory board for EarthSense, Inc. He has extensive involvement with the American Seed Trade Association, where he has been a board and executive board member. Hermann was also on the NCGA Advisory Council AIG and received his Bachelor of Science from Western Illinois University in agronomy.
“We want to thank Mark Wong for his strong strategic leadership over the past six years. During this time, S&W expanded its crop portfolio through two strategic acquisitions, developed and commercialized innovative trait technologies in sorghum, and entered S&W into an exciting partnership with Shell for renewable fuel production. We look forward to his continued guidance as a member of the S&W board of directors,” added Willits.
