Craig Anderson has been named chief executive officer of Agriculture Alumni Seed Improvement Association Inc. (Ag Alumni Seed). His appointment marks a new chapter following 12 years of leadership by Jay Hulbert, during which the organization deepened its ties with Purdue University, expanded sales, and established key international partnerships.
Bringing more than 35 years of experience in the seed industry, Anderson will collaborate with global partners, pursue new international growth opportunities, and help guide the organization’s strategic direction, according to a press release. He will also focus on advancing genetic development and overseeing facility enhancements to support Ag Alumni Seed’s continued innovation and research efforts.
“Ag Alumni Seed has a strong popcorn breeding program that goes back many decades, so continuing this research is going to be critical,” Anderson said.
“Coming into a very successful company that’s already running quite nicely, I will focus on figuring out how I can best support the team and identify areas where we can invest time and energy to continue growing.”
Before joining Ag Alumni Seed, Anderson spent over three decades at AgReliant Genetics, rising from sales manager to chief operating officer. He later served as COO at Dryland Genetics, a startup specializing in proso millet.
He was drawn to Ag Alumni Seed’s legacy of success and leadership in popcorn breeding.
“I was excited about returning to an Indiana-based ag seed company, especially given the international scope of business,” Anderson said. “With the diverse market for popcorn and Ag Alumni Seed’s existing business partners across the globe, I saw this as a chance to dive into something new while staying within the seed industry.”
