6/30/2025
On the Move
Jennifer Zurko
Dramm Corporation
The Dramm Corporation announced that Les Evans has been promoted to lead the DRAMMwater Business Segment of the Dramm Corporation. Les first joined Dramm in 2009 after more than a decade working with several other companies. As the Dramm’s Northeastern U.S. Technical Representative, Les helped build the territory and the company’s current Commercial Products sales structure.
After a brief stint away with a waste-management startup, Les returned to Dramm, covering a range of responsibilities from regional sales to managing system engineering.
Les will be replacing Al Zylstra who’s retiring in July 2025. Al was instrumental in building DRAMMwater, joining Dramm at the segment’s inception in 2010. Over the past 15 years, Al has led DRAMMwater through its growth, building the business unit from scratch and leading the team as it grew. After retirement, Al will remain with Dramm on a consulting contract as DRAMMwater Emeritus Manager, working on special projects, but spending considerably more time on his boat.
Koppert
René Koppert transitioned from his role as CEO, joining Koppert’s Supervisory Board as of May. This decision, made in close consultation with the Supervisory Board and the Koppert family, marks an important new chapter in the continued development and long-term growth of the company. With 15 years of service, René is the longest-serving member of the company’s third generation. During this time, he’s made a major contribution to Koppert’s growth and transformation. Since becoming CEO in 2021, he’s worked closely with the management team to navigate challenges, strengthen the organization and prepare the company for the future. Under his leadership, Koppert initiated the decentralization of its production and supply chain activities, and made significant investments to expand and future-proof its global production facilities. The search for a new CEO is in progress.
Priva North America
Priva North America announced that Kaylee Marr will be leading digital sales across the U.S. and Canada. In this new position, Kaylee will help growers adopt Priva’s connected technology packages. In addition, Kaylee will provide dedicated follow-up support to ensure long-term success with Priva’s cloud-based tools. She’ll also lead tailored training programs to ensure each customer and their team are fully equipped, confident and satisfied with their new digital solutions.
Profile Products
Profile Products has hired Dr. Jim Owen as technical services manager for its Profile Growing Solutions team. In this role, Jim will provide technical support to Profile’s grower and blender horticulture customers, serving as a subject matter expert on substrate selection, optimization and best management practices. He’ll also support research and development initiatives and product innovation.
Jim has more than 25 years of experience in horticultural research and nursery and greenhouse production systems. He most recently served as a research horticulturist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service. He’s also held academic appointments at Virginia Polytechnical Institute & State University and Oregon State University. During his career, he’s conducted countless studies and published hundreds of articles that have advanced the horticulture industry in areas such as growing media physiochemical properties, plant nutrition, automation and remote sensing, plant physiology, and water management.
Suntory Flowers
Following the successful establishment of its European division earlier this year, Suntory Flowers Europe announced the appointment of its new executive leadership team. As of April 2025, Ties Klapwijk has taken on the role of President-Managing Director, while Munenori Inagaki has been appointed Vice President of the European division. This new leadership structure marks an important step in strengthening Suntory Flowers’ long-term commitment to its partners, customers and the future of floriculture in Europe. Munenori Inagaki, who’s worked in the industry for over 30 years and has been with Suntory Flowers Ltd. for the past 13, brings extensive experience and strategic insight to his new role as Vice President. Yasunori Yomo, President of Suntory Flowers Ltd., will continue to lead the global business from Japan.