AgReliant Genetics announces senior leadership changes

Date:09-01-2023

AgReliant Genetics has announced senior leadership changes to position the company for long-term success, while continuing to have a seed-only focus delivering high-performing hybrids for farmers.

Brian Barker has been named the chief executive officer and president of AgReliant Genetics, effective August 31st. Joining Brian on the executive leadership team is recently announced chief financial officer and vice president of finance, David Pugh, who began August 7.

Brian Barker, Chief Executive Officer and President

Brian brings a strong background in the seed industry and a proven record of delivering new business growth. With over two decades of seed and leadership experience, Brian has demonstrated his aptitude for building and nurturing high-performing teams.

″Brian is the right leader for AgReliant’s future,″ said Régis Fournier, chairman of AgReliant Genetics. ″His exceptional track record, strategic acumen, and commitment to excellence make him the ideal choice to guide our company through the evolving landscape and drive us towards new levels of achievement.″

Brian began his career with The Dow Chemical Company in a series of chemical business roles including market research, customer service and sales. He later moved to the Dow Elanco agricultural joint venture, eventually becoming Dow AgroSciences, with successive roles in crop protection marketing, sales management, and global program management. In later years, he led the U.S. seeds business through significant operational improvements.

In 2017 following the Dow/DuPont merger, eventually becoming Corteva Agriscience, he led restructuring of the newly merged U.S. seeds business, and Corteva’s combined retail brand, regional brand, and technology licensing businesses as Vice President, Multi-Channel Seeds business unit. Most recently he was Vice President, Future ERP Global Business Leader where he led Corteva’s new global SAP implementation as business liaison.  

Brian holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor of Science in Business and Marketing, both from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. He recently served on the executive board of the American Seed Trade Association, as well as the Purdue University Center for Agribusiness Board and School of Agriculture Deans Advisory Board.

David Pugh, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance

Pugh joins AgReliant from Elanco, a global leader in animal health, where he served as treasurer and vice president of finance strategy and risk management. While at Elanco, David also secured funding for the acquisition of Bayer Animal Health. Prior to that, Pugh spent 24 years with Eli Lilly & Company where he held a number of positions in finance and information technology including director of global financial planning, CFO of Lilly Russia, and executive director of Lilly diabetes finance.

As vice president of finance and chief financial officer, David Pugh steers the direction of the company on the development of key, long-range strategies ensuring financial performance objectives are achieved. Through his leadership, David is poised to advance our financial position and build our information technology and data analytics capabilities.

″David brings a wealth of relevant experience to AgReliant. But more importantly his key personality traits and leadership style make him a great fit for the AgReliant team and the role. He is entrepreneurial, analytical and results oriented. And he also has a passion for developing people and creating a positive culture,″ shared Cecile Richard, CEO Limagrain Americas.

David has a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Purdue University and an MBA from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. He serves on Elements Financial Credit Union’s Supervisory Committee.

Kincannon & Reed, a leading executive search firm focused on the food, agribusiness, and biosciences sectors, supported AgReliant Genetics in the recruitment of Brian Barker and David Pugh.