Nufarm announced new appointments and Latin American leadership changes

In view of the growing strategic importance of Nufarm's Nuseed business, and the increased focus on strengthening the company's product portfolio and marketing capabilities, the current role of Group Executive Marketing and Portfolio Development will be split into two executive positions.

After 15 years with Nufarm in executive leadership positions, Brian Benson will be leaving the organisation at the end of July. Brian has had some 30 years experience in the crop protection industry and he has made a valuable contribution to Nufarm.

New Appointment: Group Executive, Product and Commercial Strategy – Valdemar Fischer

Valdemar Fischer (General Manager, Latin America) has been asked to take on the new role of Group Executive, Product and Commercial Strategy and will commence in this role for the start of the new financial year on August 1.

In this role Valdemar will lead Nufarm's global product and marketing efforts, partnership strategy, and commercial strategy in collaboration with the company's regional businesses and platforms.

Since joining Nufarm in 2010, Valdemar has led the transformation of Nufarm's business in Brazil, with the diversification of the product range a key part of that success. He will bring strong leadership and a global perspective, having previously held leadership roles in Brazil, Ecuador, Mexico and USA.

New Appointment: Group Executive, Nuseed – Brent Zacharias

Brent Zacharias (General Manager, Nuseed), who previously reported to Brian Benson, has been asked to step up to the position of Group Executive Nuseed, and will join the Corporate Executive. This appointment reflects the growing importance of the Nuseed platform and the exciting opportunities to strengthen that platform in coming years.

Brent joined Nufarm in 2006 holding commercial roles in the North American crop protection business prior to assuming responsibility for Nuseed in 2008. Under his leadership, Nuseed has grown to be a leading global player within its core crops, with a valuable pipeline of new technology that will be commercialised in coming years.

Prior to joining Nufarm, Brent was responsible for leading strategy, R&D targets, biotech traits, and global downstream business development activities with another major industry company.

Latin American Leadership Changes

With Valdemar Fischer's move to the corporate executive, two important new appointments are being made in Latin America. Luciano Daher (Commercial Director, Brazil) has been appointed as country manager, Brazil, effective immediately. Luciano has been with Nufarm – and Agripec, the business acquired by Nufarm – for 22 years and has been a key part of the Brazil senior management team for much of that time. He has a deep understanding of the Brazil market and will bring a strong set of capabilities and tremendous enthusiasm to one of the company's largest and fastest growing country markets.

Luciano will report to a new Regional Manager for Latin America and the company is currently recruiting for this important leadership role.