People

People

Nutrien appointed Ken Seitz as president and CEO on 8th August. He has been the company’s interim CEO since January. Mr Seitz also joined Nutrien’s board of directors from this date. His appointment as CEO followed an extensive seven-month global search for internal and external candidates led by the board and supported by a world-class executive recruitment firm.

Mr Seitz brings more than 25 years of global management experience to the role. He has worked across more than 60 countries and possesses deep agriculture and mining sector experience. Under Ken’s interim leadership, Nutrien has achieved record results, delivered bold actions in response to agricultural market changes, and brought together key parties to help navigate the unprecedented global food security challenge. He has also furthered Nutrien’s sustainability strategy.

Russ Girling, Nutrien’s chair, said: “Nutrien’s record performance and disciplined execution of strategy during some of the most turbulent times we have seen globally underscore the strength of Ken Seitz’s leadership. As the company’s president and CEO, Mr Seitz will continue to drive positive outcomes for all of our stakeholders as we strive to safely and sustainably feed the world.”

Girling added: “Mr Seitz strongly aligned to our comprehensive leadership needs given his extensive international experience in our industries, passionate connection to our purpose, efficacy in driving our stated strategy and personal commitment to employee safety and an inclusive workplace. Additionally, Mr Seitz demonstrated proven performance in an interim role this year receiving an extensive range of positive feedback from our stakeholders. The board has every confidence Mr Seitz is the right leader to drive our strategy forward.”

In reply, Ken Seitz said: “I look forward to continuing the important work of safely and sustainably feeding a growing world with the executive leadership team, our employees globally and support of the board of directors. Growing up on a dairy farm in Saskatchewan, I am honored and humbled to work alongside growers during these challenging times today and going forward. Nutrien is extremely well positioned to help meet the global goals of food security and climate action, partnering across the food system. Our purpose is to feed the future, and I am invigorated by the noble pursuit to help solve these critical world needs.”

H.J. Baker’s chief operating officer (COO) Luis Masroua has become president of the company.

“Luis has been a great asset to H.J. Baker since joining us,” said CEO Christopher Smith. “I know that with his years of international business experience he will be an excellent leader for the company moving forward.”

Masroua has been responsible for many significant changes since joining H.J. Baker as COO in May 2018. These include the sale of the company’s Brazilian animal health and nutrition business and the purchase of Oxbow Sulphur in 2019.

“It is a great honor to be named President of H.J. Baker,” Masroua said. “This is a historic company. I aim to continue its legacy of excellence for our customers and suppliers, as well as our many excellent employees.”

Masroua joined H.J. Baker after working for Cargill for two decades. At Cargill, his roles included managing director of Cargill Animal Nutrition in Russia and managing director of Agribrands Purina in Venezuela and Peru. Luis holds an MBA from the Weatherhead School of Management and a master’s degree from the Thunderbird American Graduate School of International Management.

Compass Minerals has appointed Melissa Miller to the company’s board of directors. She brings to the board more than 20 years of extensive leadership experience in human resources (HR) management. Ms Miller will serve on the company’s Environmental, Health, Safety and Sustainability Committee and its Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee. Her appointment expands the board of directors of Compass Minerals to 10 members.

“At Compass Minerals, we recognize that a skilled and engaged workforce is essential to driving value creation,” said Joe Reece, the company’s non-executive chairman. “We are excited about the experience and unique perspective Melissa will bring to our board in helping us continue to develop and empower our employees for success while also attracting new and diverse talent.”

Ms Miller currently serves as executive VP and chief HR officer at Arconic Corporation, a leading manufacturer of aluminium sheet, plate, extrusions and architectural products. From 2005, she held several HR leadership roles with the predecessor companies Arconic, Inc and Alcoa, prior to Arconic Corporation’s launch in 2020. Melissa holds a BSc in psychology from Pennsylvania State University.