Agtech companies spent the first month of the year, reinforcing their teams with key executive appointments to go after market opportunities, as shared in the first Ag movers & shakers round-up of 2026.
This people news round-up started with a GM appointment at Saga Robotics, followed by news from Groundwork BioAg, Phospholutions, and Rodale Institute. AgTechNavigator rounds up agriculture-related people news each month as part of its ongoing Ag movers & shakers column.
To submit people news for editorial consideration, contact Ryan Daily, Americas, editor, at ryan.daily@wrbm.com.
Saga Robotics welcomes Caine Thompson as GM of U.S.
Norwegian ag automation company Saga Robotics named Caine Thompson GM of the U.S., starting Jan. 26, to spearhead expansion in the country.
Thompson joins Saga Robotics with over 20 years of leadership experience, including in the U.S. and New Zealand. Previously, he served as GM and head of sustainability for O’Neill Vintners & Distillers, where he led the operations and supported the company’s shift to regenerative farming practices.
Saga Robotics celebrated a record year for its Thorvald robots, covering 1,300 acres of Californian vineyards and 20% of the UK tabletop strawberry market, as AgTechNavigator previously reported.
“As Saga Robotics enters its next phase of scale in the U.S., Caine Thompson brings exactly the operational discipline and commercial experience we need. His track record in building teams, executing growth strategies, and working closely with growers makes him exceptionally well-suited to lead our U.S. business as demand for sustainable disease control continues to accelerate,” said Sacha de La Noë, CEO of Saga Robotics, in a press release.
Groundwork BioAg creates new role to commercialise carbon removal credits
Israel-based mycorrhizal inoculant producer Groundwork BioAg appointed Shawn Gagné to the role of chief carbon commercial officer, a newly created role designed to commercialise the company’s soil-based carbon credit, Rootella Carbon. Rootella Carbon is mycorrhizal fungi that boosts soil health and can be used for carbon dioxide removal (CDR).
Previously, Gagne served on the Boston Consulting Group’s global internal sustainability team, where he developed decarbonization frameworks and carbon market valuation.
“As demand for high-quality, durable CDR continues to accelerate, strong commercial leadership is essential. Shawn’s expertise in carbon markets, strategy, and commercialization makes him uniquely qualified to support the next phase of growth for Rootella Carbon and strengthen our position as a trusted provider of soil-based CDR,” said Alon Werber, CEO at Groundwork BioAg.
Phospholutions makes executive appointments to support scale up
Fertiliser technology company Phospholutions made a slew of appointments and promotions to start the year, including naming Justin Archibee CFO. Additionally, Michael Castiglione and Steve Levitsky were named COO and chief administrative and sustainability officer, respectively, while agribusiness executive Weston Heide joined the company’s board of directors.
Archibee will lead financial planning for the company and long-term strategy, the company shared in a press release. Previously, he served as the director of corporate finance and treasury for capital allocation and working capital funding strategy at fertilizer supplier The Mosaic Company and held finance roles at Walt Disney World and Publix Super Markets.
“Phospholutions is strengthening its management team to support our next phase of scale and help the fertilizer ecosystem operate more efficiently, from manufacturer through to the farmer. We’re building Phospholutions to help create a global agricultural system where every pound of phosphorus is used wisely, supply chains are resilient, and farmers can rely on predictable, cost-effective nutrient performance,” said Hunter Swisher, CEO at Phospholutions, in the press release.
Rodale Institute appoints chief strategy officer
Regenerative organic agriculture non-profit Rodale Institute has added Matthew Grand as chief strategy officer, where he will assist in financial planning, support the development of strategies, and help find partners, the non-profit shared in a press release.
Previously serving on Rodale Institute’s board of directors, Grand has a career in “aligning capital and strategy in support of positive food system change,” the non-profit shared. Grand worked for Goldman Sachs for 17 years and is the founder and managing partner at Satori North.
“We are thrilled to welcome Matt to the team, whose deep expertise at the intersection of finance and sustainability, will help propel Rodale Institute’s vision for a healthier planet and more resilient food systems. His passion, coupled with expertise in aligning capital with mission and innovation, will be instrumental as the Institute expands our reach and amplifies our impact in the years ahead,” said Jeff Tkach, CEO of Rodale Institute, in a press release.
