Valent Biosciences names new global business manager for its Ag Microbial unit

Valent BioSciences Corporation (VBC) announced that Roger Storey has joined the company as global business manager of VBC's Agricultural (Ag) Microbial business unit.

In his new role, Storey will assume leadership for the company's global Ag Microbial Business, featuring the biorational insecticide brands DiPel and XenTari, as well as other products within the Microbials portfolio.

VBC is the leader in developing and commercializing biorational products in 95 countries around the world. Biorationals are products typically derived from biological origins (natural or synthesized) that are highly specific in their activity while providing economic, health, and/or environmental benefits. These products include microbial insecticides, fungicides and nematicides, as well as plant growth regulators used in seed treatment, production agriculture, postharvest and management of stress in crops.

Roger will report to Salman Mir, Vice President, Global Marketing and Business Management. According to Mir, "I am excited to have Roger join VBC's Business Management Team. The Ag Microbials business has been a cornerstone of VBC's success and we see future growth in the business based on the expanding role of biorational products in highly productive, sustainable agriculture. Roger's expertise and demonstrated success in developing and implementing growth strategies comes at a time when VBC is bringing a $150M dedicated biorational manufacturing plant online in 2014."

Prior to this role at VBC, Roger has served in numerous leadership capacities within the areas of business management, strategic planning, business development and international marketing/sales functions, focusing on specialty agriculture in high value markets. Roger earned his BS degree in Renewable Natural Resources from the University of Arizona in Tucson.

"I am excited to be joining VBC and look forward to contributing to the growth opportunities for the current products in the Microbial commercial portfolio, as well as the exciting new pipeline products that are on the horizon," Storey said. "As the global leader in biorational products, VBC has done an excellent job of creating demand and expanding the scope of use of these products. The company's rapid growth is a testament to the science behind the development and use of these products, and its commitment to meeting the needs of its customers around the world with the highest quality products. The new facility at Osage is a continuation of this quality commitment."

Storey will be headquartered in the Valent BioSciences offices in Libertyville, IL.