In a post-merger environment, several key faces who North American farmers have come to know over the years will not be at the new Bayer Crop Science-Monsanto.
Robb Fraley, Monsanto’s chief technology officer and one of the architects of glyphosate tolerant cropping, will not make the move to the new company. Chief executive officer Hugh Grant also won’t be part of the merged organization.
In a letter to Monsanto staff, Grant said there are eight senior managers who will not make the move, with a combined tenure at the company of “more than 250 years.”
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“All of you have pushed our global team to do better, to see challenges as opportunities, to deliver innovation and keep our customers first,” Grant wrote.
“I’m proud of the path we have paved, and I know, together with Bayer, the company will continue to move modern agriculture forward. I will always be your biggest champion.”
After the merger is complete, Liam Condon of Bayer’s crop science group will head up the new operation.
Michael Schulz of Bayer will remain chief financial officer, based in St. Louis, Missouri.
Monsanto’s chief operating officer, Brett Begemann, will remain in place, as will Michael Stern, head of the company’s digital farming division and Climate Corp.
Frank Terhorst takes on crop strategy and portfolio management. He has been working on planning the merger for Bayer. Those roles will be in St. Louis.
Robert Reiter, currently Monsanto’s technology integration planning lead, will head research and development from Monheim, Germany.
Jesus Madrazo will handle agricultural affairs and sustainability. He has been head of Monsanto’s supply chain and commercial operations and will be based in Monheim.
James Swanson, Monsanto’s former head of all things computer-based, will become crop science chief information officer and head of IT and digital transformation.
Dirk Backhaus runs Bayer’s supply chain and will do the same at the new business.
Gabriele Oehlschlaeger will continue to look after human resources.
Lars Benecke remains head of law, patents and compliance. These will be located in Monheim.
