Leading agricultural companies, like ADM and AGCO, made executive appointments to capitalise on market opportunities, while agtech company Carbon Robotics appointed a CFO, and AGI added a board member.
These announcements are part of AgTechNavigator’s monthly “Ag movers & shakers” column, which rounds up the latest people news across the entire agriculture industry. To submit people news, contact Ryan Daily, Americas editor at AgTechNavigator, here.
ADM bolsters South American business
Agriculture giant ADM put wood behind the arrow of its South America growth strategy, appointing John Grossmann to be the president of agricultural and oilseed service for the market, with a key focus on Brazil.
Most recently serving as the president of North America oilseeds, crush, and grain, Grossmann has worked for ADM for over 27 years across American and European markets.
He will be instrumental in evolving ADM South American business from a traditional model of origination and commercialisation to an integrated model that spans origination, processing, logistics, and global market access, the company shared in a LinkedIn post that was translated.
ADM delivered record crush volumes in South America, including with its Rondonópolis, Campo Grande, Uberlândia, and Ipameri facilities. This comes as Brazilian soybean production is predicted to reach 184.7 million tons in the 2025/26 harvest across 49.1 million hectares, compared to the 2024/25 harvest, according to Agroconsult.
AGCO names new chief digital and information officer (CDIO)
Ag machinery supplier AGCO promoted Jena Holtberg-Benge to the role of CDIO, effective March 16.
Having previously served as the VP of aftersales parts, Holtberg-Benge will be responsible of AGCO’s data, digital, and information tech strategy, and will leverage her experience of bringing AI to dealers and farmers.
“Jena is a proven leader who deeply understands how technology, operations, and culture come together to drive growth. She brings deep industry expertise, a global perspective and a strong ability to build and mobilize collaborative teams. Known for developing leaders and driving change with clarity and compassion, Jena is the right talent to advance our digital and technology strategy in a rapidly evolving AI landscape and to accelerate our business toward smarter, more connected solutions for farmers,” said Eric Hansotia, AGCO chairman, president, and CEO, in a press release.
Carbon Robotics appoints CFO amid commercial success
Laser-weeding agtech company Carbon Robotics appointed Kevan Krysler to the role of CFO, after achieving over $100 million in annual revenue for its 2026 fiscal year, ending Jan. 31.
Krysler joins Carbon Robotics with nearly 30 years of experience, previously serving as the CFO for storage-as-a-service company Everpure and holding senior finance executive roles at VMware. Additionally, he was a partner at the accounting firm KPMG.
“What drew me to Carbon Robotics is the clarity of its purpose — using advanced AI and robotics as a transformative physical force for good. Farmers face enormous challenges balancing productivity, sustainability, and rising costs, and Carbon Robotics’ AI-driven technology offers a real, scalable, and healthier alternative that delivers measurable positive impact for farmers,” said Krysler in a press release.
AGI welcomes Steve Sommerfeld back, searches for new CFO
Multinational storage and infrastructure company AGI named Steve Sommerfeld to the board of directors, following Corrine Ricard’s resignation from the board.
Sommerfeld was the CFO and held executive VP roles with AGI for 23 years, but departed the company in 2020. In his new capacity, he will help the company renew “its focus on operational excellence and improving shareholder returns,” the company shared in a press release.
Later in the month, AGI shared that its current CFO Jim Rudyk has resigned from his position, effective May 8, and is actively searching for a replacement to be based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the company shared in a separate press release.
