AB AGRI has named long-serving executive Simon Heath as chief commercial officer.
Mr Heath was previously managing director of animal nutrition business unit AB Connect, and will now support business development and strategy across all divisions of the AB Agri group.
He will oversee plans to expand AB Agri’s geographical footprint, focusing on South-East Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, and the Americas.
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In addition, Mr Heath will support the development of the group’s products and services in the dairy, swine, and poultry sectors.
AB Agri chief executive, José Nobre, said: “With his skills and experience from within our business, Simon is in a unique position to drive our commercial strategy and support me with our mergers and acquisition activities.
He will help to ensure we have an aligned, commercial, responsible and sustainable approach to the animal nutrition industry across continents.”
‘Passion for agriculture’
Originally from a farming background, AB Agri said Mr Heath has a “passion for agriculture” and three decades’ experience, having joined AB Agri in the late 1980s as part of a graduate scheme.
His career has included a variety of sales and senior management positions in the UK, US, Canada and China.
Most recently, at AB Connect, Mr Heath oversaw a turnover of £1 billion and a workforce of more than 760 people.
‘Unlocking opportunities’
He said: “We already have a diverse portfolio of products and services, and an incredibly talented team.
“Our intention is to continue investing in our people, our products and our assets and grow our business organically and through acquisitions.”
He added: “I am looking forward to unlocking business opportunities across the world so we can continue to meet our customers’ needs and support them in navigating the changes facing our industry, today and in the future.”
