Next month will see Derek Kohn take on the role of managing director of BioMar Chile.
He has an impressive track record, with over 20 years of experience in leadership positions within the salmon farming industry, having held executive roles in companies such as Australis Seafood, MultiX and Mowi.
“We firmly believe that close collaboration between us, as a feed solutions provider, and our customers will be a significant catalyst in bringing the next generation of sustainable salmon products to market. I am confident that Derek will be able to further develop these vital relationships, and, at the same time, build a strong organisation around our shared purpose and values," said Paddy Campbell VP of the salmon division at the BioMar group.
BioMar Chile is one of the largest business units within the group.
AB Vista has named Raquel Rodrigues as its new global marketing director as it seeks to maximise international growth opportunities.
A marketing professional with more than 25 years’ experience, she has worked in several large multinationals mainly dedicated to the monogastric segment, and more recently in ruminants, pet and aquaculture.
She also has extensive knowledge of developing a sustainable approach to agribusiness, setting strategic direction and integrating complex functions, reported the UK firm.
In her new position, which sees her swapping Brazil for Europe, Rodrigues will be responsible for leading the international marketing function, supporting international business expansion and further developing the business’ customer-centric approach.
Evonik has appointed Dr Dirk Hoehler as the new head of the Essential Nutrition product line, under which the company is consolidating its amino acids portfolio; it includes products such as MetAMINO (DL-methionine), Biolys (source for lysine), and ThreAMINO (threonine).
Hoehler has a wealth of experience within the group, noted Evonik. He has a strong track record in marketing and sales including digitalization of business processes.
He joined the group in 1998 as manager of animal nutrition; between 2000 and 2008 he was director of nutrition and technical services in Kennesaw (US). He was subsequently head of the coating resins product line and head of marketing and sales of the performance intermediates unit.
The executive takes over from Dr Jan-Olaf Barth in this role; Barth is named head of the company’s high performance polymers business line.
Hoehler will be responsible for overseeing the continued transformation of the amino acids business by focusing on sustainability, efficiency, and cost-leadership, said Evonik. “He will continue to implement the global methionine asset strategy developed under Barth’s direction to secure Evonik’s leading position in methionine.”
Earlier this year, Evonik announced that it will streamline the operating model for its amino acids business, characterized by a lean sales organization with strong digital capabilities and processes. A key element is also the continuous investments in its methionine world-scale production hubs.
As one of Hoehler’s priorities, he will ensure the smooth implementation of the planned shutdowns of the methionine Singapore plant on Jurong Island, starting this quarter.
“We fully understand that these shutdowns may pose challenges for our customers and our teams have prepared mitigation plans for MetAMINO supply from our global production network. We are in continuous communication with regional and global customers to carefully plan shipments,” he remarked.
Christopher Speight, who was previously chief financial officer (CFO) of Alltech, the global animal nutrition company, has joined MiddleGround as a partner.
MiddleGround is an operationally focused private equity firm specializing in middle market B2B industrial and specialty distribution companies.
During his time at Alltech, Speight headed the global corporate finance, treasury management and M&A functions, built out the company’s finance organization and enhanced its access to capital markets.
Throughout the course of his career, he has advised on dozens of M&A and capital-raising transactions. In addition to his primary work in agribusiness, he has also managed numerous transactions in the broader food and beverage and consumer spaces.
