May 4, 2016

Syngenta Names New CEO

On May 4, Syngenta announced the appointment of J. Erik Fyrwald as chief executive officer effective June 1.  He succeeds John Ramsay who has been ad interim CEO since November 2015.

Fyrwald is currently president and CEO of the U.S. chemistry distribution company Univar Inc.

“After a rigorous search, the Board concluded that Erik’s leadership and considerable experience in both agriculture and chemicals, along with his strong track record of success as a CEO made him the outstanding candidate for the role,” said Michel Demaré, Syngenta chairman. “Erik has demonstrated throughout his career the ability to work successfully in different environments, designing and leading strategies which resulted in impressive value creation. I look forward to working with him to create the next chapter of Syngenta’s story of success.”

Demaré adds, “I thank John for his exemplary leadership of Syngenta over the last six months. He has ensured that the company has continued to move forward both strategically and operationally, and has delivered results.  He has my sincere appreciation for having taken on this additional responsibility at a critical time for the Company. John has also served with considerable distinction as chief financial officer for the past nine years. He will work closely with Erik to ensure a smooth transition and support the closing of the ChemChina transaction.”

“I have admired Syngenta from the outside for many years and am delighted, therefore, to have been chosen to lead the company in the next exciting phase of its journey,” Fyrwald said. “I greatly look forward to meeting employees, leaders, customers and other stakeholders after I join in June and to working with them to achieve further success in the years to come.”