Ag Processing Inc., Omaha, NE, announces that J. Keith Spackler, chief executive officer, has informed the Board of Directors of his intention to retire on August 31, 2021.
Spackler will continue in his role as CEO until a successor is named and the transition in leadership is complete.
"On behalf of the Board of Directors and everyone at AGP, I want to thank Keith for his leadership, dedication, and commitment during his 36 years of service to the company,” says Lowell Wilson, chairman of the AGP board of directors.
During Spackler’s leadership tenure, AGP achieved substantial growth in volumes and profitability, focusing on its core businesses.
Over the past nine years, the company made extensive investments to expand capacity and improve efficiencies at each of its 10 soybean processing plants, four refineries, three biodiesel plants and export operations.
Highlights include a doubling of capacity at its Hastings, NE processing facility, addition of a new processing plant in Aberdeen, SD, completion of a new refinery and doubling of its biodiesel plant at Sergeant Bluff, IA, as well as reinvesting at all facilities.
At the same time, AGP substantially increased earnings and cash returns to its cooperative owners, while maintaining an extremely strong financial position.
Spackler’s career spans over 40 years in agribusiness. After working in commodities and economic analysis, he joined AGP in May 1985.
With responsibilities in business analysis, strategic planning, and finance, Spackler was promoted to roles of expanded responsibility throughout his career.
He served from 2001-2012 as AGP’s Chief Financial Officer and was named Chief Executive Officer in September 2012. He remains active at the board level with various cooperative-related associations.
In connection with Spackler’s upcoming retirement, the AGP board has initiated a process to identify the company’s next CEO.
“Working with so many exceptional people in achieving success at AGP has been a tremendous honor and privilege,” says Spackler. “The dedication and effectiveness of the AGP board, management, and employee teams allow us to consistently add value and returns for our cooperative owners. We have great confidence in the strength of our overall team and the continued ability of AGP to capitalize on future opportunities. I am fortunate and proud to be a part of the cooperative system dedicated to serving agriculture.”
About AGP
AGP is a leading agribusiness with primary operations as a major U.S. soybean processor/refiner producing and marketing soybean meal, refined soybean oil, and biodiesel.
