AgReliant Genetics has announced Brian Barker as its new CEO and president as of Aug. 31 and David Pugh started as its chief financial officer as of Aug. 7, according to a release.
Baker has a background in the seed industry with demonstrated success growing a business. He has more than two decades of experience in seed and leadership.
“Brian is the right leader for AgReliant’s future,” said Régis Fournier, chairman of AgReliant Genetics. “His exceptional track record, strategic acumen, and commitment to excellence make him the ideal choice to guide our company through the evolving landscape and drive us towards new levels of achievement.”
Baker began his professional career at The Dow Chemical Company in chemical business roles. He moved to the Dow Elanco agricultural joint venture, which later became Dow AgroSciences, in crop protection marketing, sales management and global program management roles. Baker also led the U.S. seeds business in operational improvements.
Following the Dow/DuPont merger, which later became Corteva Agriscience, he led the restructuring of the newly merged U.S. seeds business and more holding various titles. Most recently, Baker was vice-president of Future ERP Global Business Leader.
Baker has an masters of business administration and a bachechelor of science in business and marketing from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. He was recently on the executive board of the American Seed Trade Association and the Purdue University Center for Agribusiness Board and School of Agriculture Deans Advisory Board.
Pugh comes to AgReliant from Elanco where he was their treasurer and vice president of finance strategy and risk management. Pugh worked on the acquisition of Bayer Animal Health by securing funding. Before Elanco, Pugh was with Eli Lilly & Company for 24 years where he held a variety of roles in finance and information technology including as director of global financial planning, CFO of Lilly Russia, and executive director of Lilly diabetes finance.
“David brings a wealth of relevant experience to AgReliant. But more importantly his key personality traits and leadership style make him a great fit for the AgReliant team and the role,” shared Cecile Richard, CEO Limagrain Americas. “He is entrepreneurial, analytical and results oriented. And he also has a passion for developing people and creating a positive culture.”
Pugh has a computer science degree from Purdue University and a masters of business administration from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. He’s also a member of the Elements Financial Credit Union’s Supervisory Committee.
According to the release, “Kincannon & Reed, a leading executive search firm focused on the food, agribusiness, and biosciences sectors, supported AgReliant Genetics in the recruitment of Brian Barker and David Pugh.”
More information can be found at www.agreliantgenetics.com.
