AgroPages-CropLife America CEO search process underway-Agricultural news

As announced last September at the CropLife America (CLA) Annual Meeting, CLA president and CEO Jay Vroom will retire from his position at the end of 2018. "CLA members are global leaders in crop technology innovation and a successful search for the next CEO will provide vital industry leadership into a future where food demand and environmental sustainability will expand dramatically," noted Vroom.

The search for his successor is now underway, and Russell Reynolds Associates (RRA), a premier executive search and assessment firm, has been retained to assist in identifying a high-level, distinctive and diverse field of candidates.

Jim Blome, Bayer North America president and CEO of the crop science division and CLA board chair, will chair the 9-member search committee, which is comprised of a carefully-selected group of board members representing a broad set of perspectives. "I'm delighted to lead our search committee as we work with Russell Reynolds Associates to undertake this mission-critical work for CLA and our entire industry," Blome said. "The search committee has worked closely with Jay to design a transition plan and search schedule that strategically supports CLA's long-term mission."

The search will be led by Stephanie Tomasso, the head of RRA's Association practice. Over the coming weeks, Russell Reynolds will be working to develop a position specification that captures the desired skills and attributes of CLA's next president and CEO. In early February, RRA will officially begin the search for candidates and will serve as the point of contact for requests for information, candidate recommendations and/or expressions of interest. Individuals interested in applying for the role or recommending a candidate for consideration, are asked to contact Stephanie directly by March 1, 2018. She can be reached at stephanie.tomasso@russellreynolds.com or 202-654-7800.