4/25/2012
On The Move
Jennifer Zurko
BFG Supply Co.
BFG has appointed David Piotrowski as an Eastern Michigan Sales Representative. David will be working with Jack Susami in Eastern Michigan to transition into the role. David is currently working to complete his Bachelors of Business Administration-Marketing from Northwood University. His background includes an internship at Ball Horticultural Company, an Associate’s degree from Delta College in Business Management/
Entrepreneurship and growing up in his family’s business—Roy Kutchey Greenhouses in Midland, Michigan.
Sakata Seed America
Sakata announced the promotion of Dennis Storm to the role of Director of Supply Chain for Sakata Seed America and Ken Reid to the role of Facilities Operations Manager for Alf Christianson Seed Company. Both will report to Dave Armstrong, President and CEO of Sakata America Holding, Inc.
Dennis Storm will assume the role of Director of Supply Chain for Sakata Seed America (a wholly owned subsidiary of Sakata America Holding, Inc) and will have overall responsibility for Sakata’s supply chain activities in North America (including Alf Christianson Seed Company), Central America and Mexico. Dennis was most recently Supply Chain Manager (since April 2011) for Sakata Seed America. Prior to that, he held the position of Inventory and Distribution Manager for Monsanto.
Ken Reid will oversee operations of Alf Christianson Seed Company (a wholly owned subsidiary of Sakata America Holding, Inc.) at facilities in Burlington and Mt. Vernon, Washington. Ken holds an MBA from California State University—Bakersfield and a B.S. in Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering from Michigan State University. Ken has worked for Bolthouse Farms for over 18 years, the last five years as General Manager of the company’s Michigan operations. He most recently held the position of VP of Processing Operations for California Olive Ranch Company.
CO-EX Corporation
EMP SA, manufacturer of advanced polycarbonate sheets and systems, announced the appointment of Erik K. Verhoeff as Managing Director of CO-EX Corporation effective immediately.
This top management change coincides with EMP’s purchase of the 42.2 % BAYER stake in EMP, a step, which facilitates the imminent restructuring of the Conterno group companies, consisting of: EMP Estrusione Materiali Plastici S.A., Stabio, Switzerland; POLITEC POLIMERI TECNICI S.A., Stabio, Switzerland; LA-ES Laminati Estrusi Termoplastici SPA, Beregazzo con Figliaro, Italy; and Taly Plastics, Zhongshan, China.
Becker Underwood
Charles Whitt has joined Becker Underwood as Communications Manager for the company’s United States and Mexico-based operations. Charles will focus on several product lines, which include beneficial nematodes, inoculants, seed enhancements, and turf and horticulture.
In his new position, Charles will lead Becker Underwood’s U.S. and Mexico product marketing communications efforts, providing both strategic and tactical leadership in the development and execution of all aspects of the company’s communications with both external and internal customers.
Previously, Charles has worked for iconic brands with General Electric and Caterpillar. He joins Becker Underwood from Bunting Magnetics Co. in Kansas where he was Vice President, Marketing and Communications for the past four years.