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Fertilizer International 525 Mar-Apr 2025

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Sonya Little and Kathleen Shanahan joined the board of directors of The Mosaic Company in mid-January.

Ms Little is the former executive vice president (EVP) and chief administrative officer of Strategic Property Partners, the developer of Water Street Tampa, having worked at the company from 2019 until her retirement last year. Previously, she was the chief financial officer (CFO) of the City of Tampa and, prior to that, worked as a financial advisor and investment banker. Sonya is currently a director of Hancock Whitney Bank.

Ms Shanahan is a senior adviser and the former CEO of Turtle & Hughes, an electrical and industrial distribution company. She joined the board of Turtle & Hughes in 2015 and served as the company’s CEO from 2020 until her retirement in 2024. Kathleen previously held CEO roles at both URETEK Holdings and WRScompass.

“We are pleased to add Sonya and Kathleen to the Mosaic board of directors,” said Gregory Ebel, Mosaic’s chairman. “They are both extremely accomplished professionals with broad executive experience and as long time Floridians, they will add great insight into our activities located in Mosaic’s headquarters state of Florida.”

The two appointments have increased the size of Mosaic’s board to 12 directors.

Tom Snipes became Ostara’s new CEO on 3rd February. His appointment brings decades of leadership experience and expertise in sustainable crop nutrition, the company said in a statement.

“Tom brings a valuable combination of agricultural experience and business expertise to Ostara. He has a track record of innovation and growth that will enable us to continue expanding our presence and product line,” said Monty Bayer, the executive chairman of Ostara’s board of directors.

Tom Snipes is Ostara’s new CEO.
PHOTO: OSTARA

Most recently, Mr Snipes served as the CEO of Custom Agronomics. Prior to that, he was the CEO of Plant Response, a global biotechnology company specialising in nutrient use efficiency and plant immunity and physiology. Under his leadership, Plant Response grew rapidly, thanks to aggressive commercialisation and strategic acquisitions, successfully raised substantial funding and expanded its portfolio. Plant Response was subsequently acquired by The Mosaic Company in 2022 and is now part of Mosaic Biosciences .

“The emphasis on sustainability, improving nutrient efficiency, and enhancing both plant and soil health has presented strong market opportunities for Ostara. The company has already built an incredible base of technologies, manufacturing capabilities, and customer relationships complimented by proven agronomic results globally. I’m excited about capitalizing on opportunities to drive the business to the next stage of growth,” Tom Snipes said.

Gonzalo Avendano was appointed as a new independent director of Intrepid Potash in mid-January. He brings extensive experience in capital markets and business strategy to the company.

“We are pleased to welcome Gonzalo to our board,” said Barth Whitham, the chair of Intrepid Potash. “He is a seasoned business leader with extensive knowledge of global investment markets. His industry experience along with his unique perspective as an investor will make him a valuable addition to our board.”

Kevin Crutchfield, the CEO of Intrepid Potash, added: “Gonzalo’s insights into evolving market dynamics and his commitment to driving value creation will play a crucial role as we continue to enhance our operations.”

In connection with this appointment, Intrepid Potash has entered into a cooperation agreement with Clearway Capital Management.

Gonzalo Avendano, an investment advisor for Clearway, said: “I am pleased to join the Intrepid Board. Clearway owns approximately 9.1% of Intrepid and first purchased shares in Intrepid nearly a decade ago. As one of the company’s largest shareholders, Clearway is focused on the long-term value of the company and I look forward to working constructively with my fellow board members and the management team to grow shareholder value.”

The new appointment increases the size of the company’s board to eight directors, seven of whom are independent, including Mr Avendano.

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