NewLeaf Symbiotics appoints new Vice President for Research and Discovery

NewLeaf Symbiotics has announced the appointment of Dr. Janne Kerovuo as Vice President for Research and Discovery.  Dr. Kerovuo comes to NewLeaf from Monsanto Co. where he has been leading Microbial Discovery Strategy since 2013. He previously headed up Microbial and Agricultural Solutions at Agradis, a spin-off from Synthetic Genomics, the San Diego-based company founded by Craig Venter. He earned a PhD in Biochemistry at the University of Helsinki in his native Finland.

NewLeaf CEO Tom Laurita said, “Janne has fantastic real-world knowledge and experience in the crop/microbe interaction and microbial product development space.  He has been at the cutting-edge of the blossoming of this entire field of knowledge. We worked with Janne while he was at Monsanto and value his personal integrity and his infectious passion for microbials as a key part of the future of agriculture. Janne’s decision to join NewLeaf is a testament to the value of the technology we are developing, and especially to the great team we have here.”

Janne Kerovuo added, “I have loved my time at Monsanto and am really excited about moving to NewLeaf. Over the past few years it has become clear that microbials-based solutions are essential for us to feed the world. I have been lucky enough to be in a position to evaluate the various approaches being taken.  NewLeaf has a highly focused and successful strategy, winning team, and advanced technology in the market.”

James Carrington PhD, President of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center and Chairman of the NewLeaf Symbiotics Science Advisory Board, commented, “NewLeaf’s technology has broad application to address some of the most critical challenges facing agriculture. Bringing on Dr. Kerovuo as VP makes a lot of sense, as he has proven abilities to translate science to real-life products that have impact. I look forward to working with Janne at NewLeaf.”