Syngenta appoints Rex Martin as head of external relations in North America

Syngenta announced recently that Rex Martin has been named head, external relations in North America. In an expanded role, Martin will assume leadership for the company’s national advocacy effort in the U.S. to include federal government relations, while continuing to oversee Syngenta’s national industry associations’ relationships.

In this new role, Martin and his team will work closely with the major agricultural industry associations, congressional members and staff, and relevant federal agencies in the development of agricultural policy.

Martin has over two decades of experience with Syngenta in environmental regulation and legislation at the state and federal levels. He has also been responsible for growing the Syngenta-sponsored Leadership at its Best® training program which provides leadership training and skills development to emerging commodity and agricultural association leaders.

“The agricultural policy landscape is more complex than ever, requiring a seasoned and well-rounded approach to supporting growers and the industry,” said Jessica Adelman, senior vice president, Syngenta Corporate Affairs, North America. “Rex has been an outstanding contributor at Syngenta and we know he will take our external relations efforts to a new level.”

Said Martin, “I am looking forward to my new responsibilities particularly at a time when there are so many critical issues facing our industry. The focus will be on building a well-rounded advocacy team and refining our strategy to promote the best interests of our customers and the industry.”

Martin has served in many leadership and board positions inside and outside the agriculture industry. In addition, he has received a number of awards recognizing his leadership commitment to agricultural organizations including the William C. Larue Award from the Southern Crop Production Association, the 2009 CropLife America Workhorse Award and the Missouri Corn Growers Association President’s Award. Martin holds a B.S. in Agricultural Business from the University of Arkansas - Fayetteville. He lives in Springfield, Mo. with his wife Kristie and two daughters.