In a strategic move to bolster its commitment to regenerative agriculture and maintain its position as a leader in the industry, Bayer is implementing significant changes to the Executive Leadership Team of its Crop Science Division.
Effective March 1, 2024, Brian Naber will take the reins as the new commercial lead for North America, succeeding the retiring Jackie Applegate, who has dedicated 31 years to Bayer. Simultaneously, Malu Nachreiner, currently the Senior Bayer Representative and Country Division Head for Crop Science in Brazil, will step into Naber's shoes as the commercial lead for the Asia Pacific region.
As of February 1, 2024, Oliver Rittgen will assume the role of Chief Financial Officer for the Crop Science Division, succeeding Kelly Gast, who retired after nearly three decades with the company. Rittgen, currently serving as the Chief Financial Officer for Bayer’s Consumer Health Division, brings a wealth of experience to his new position.
In addition to these changes, effective at the beginning of 2024, Sascha Israel has been appointed as the new Head of Product Supply, succeeding Dirk Backhaus, who retired after 27 years with Bayer. Amanda McClerren, former Head of Crop Science R&D Digital Transformation and Information Technology, will take over as Chief Information Officer, Head of Digital Transformation and Information Technology.
Lastly, Jessica Christiansen will assume the role of Head of Crop Science Communications, succeeding Tom Armitage, who has decided to explore new career opportunities outside of Bayer. Christiansen previously led the division’s Sustainability and Business Stewardship Team.
Rodrigo Santos, a member of the Board of Bayer AG and president of the Crop Science division, expressed enthusiasm about the revamped leadership team. "With the new setup of the Crop Science Executive Leadership Team, we are perfectly positioned to further drive our vision of regenerative agriculture and deliver much-needed innovations to farmers," he stated. "I am looking forward to working together with this team to tackle some of the most important topics of our time: achieving food security and fighting climate change simultaneously."
Santos extended his gratitude to outgoing leaders, saying, "I would like to thank Jackie, Kelly, Dirk, and Tom for their dedicated service to Bayer and their outstanding achievements over the last years. They all will leave a lasting legacy, in particular for the Crop Science division."
