Nufarm announces new management appointments

Nufarm Limited announced that it has changed its European management structure, with the appointment of a new head of European operations.

Hugo Schweers will commence in the role of executive general manager, Europe, on July 1.

Hugo previously worked for Nufarm from 2003 to 2009 as head of North East Europe. He left Nufarm to take an executive director and board position at Agravis Raiffeisen AG, one of Europe's largest agricultural trading and service companies. At Agravis, which generates an annual turnover in excess of €6 billion, Hugo was responsible for businesses including seeds, fertilisers, crop protection, grower advisory services, feed production and logistics.

Prior to his previous role at Nufarm, Hugo spent 20 years in the crop protection industry with Rhone Poulenc, Aventis and Bayer Crop Science. He brings a broad set of management skills and significant experience in the agri-business industry to the new role and Nufarm Managing Director and CEO, Doug Rathbone, said he is delighted to have lured Hugo back to the company.

"This is an important new leadership position that will ensure closer co-ordination of our regional activity and additional support for the development and growth of the European business.

"We have a considerable investment and strong prospects for profitable growth within European markets and I know Hugo will make an important contribution to the improvement of that business."

Hugo will establish a small European headquarters office in Germany. Nufarm will continue to manage its European business within three local regions: North East, South West and UK/Ireland. Those regional managers will now report to Hugo, along with a number of key European functional leads.

Nufarm also announced that two new important corporate management positions have been filled, with the appointment of Dean van Straaten, as general manager of global risk and assurance, and Scott Herne as global manager of business systems.

"As Nufarm continues to implement its strategic growth plans, it is important that we look to strengthen relevant areas of management and bring experienced people into the business who can help us lift our performance," said Mr Rathbone.