ADM has appointed former Syngenta Group CEO Jeff Rowe as its new executive vice president and chief operating officer (COO), creating the role as part of efforts to strengthen its leadership team and accelerate the company’s long-term growth strategy.
Rowe will join the global agriculture and food ingredients company on 17 August 2026 and will report directly to chair and CEO Juan Luciano.
In his new position, Rowe will oversee ADM’s commercial businesses alongside its global manufacturing operations and research and development activities, giving him responsibility for key areas across the company’s food, nutrition and agricultural operations.
The appointment comes as ADM continues to focus on operational performance, innovation and expanding its portfolio of food, feed and industrial solutions.
Rowe joins ADM after nearly a decade at Syngenta Group, where he held several senior leadership positions before being appointed CEO in January 2024. During his tenure, he led initiatives centred on sustainable agriculture and AI-enabled farming technologies designed to improve productivity and deliver tailored solutions for growers.
Before joining Syngenta in 2016, Rowe spent more than 20 years at DuPont Pioneer in a range of executive leadership roles covering strategy, international operations, biotechnology and regulatory affairs.
Commenting on the appointment, Luciano said: “Jeff has an outstanding reputation in the industry as a proven leader with a strong track record of advancing innovation and operational excellence. I am confident that he will be a wonderful addition to ADM’s global family of leaders.”
He added that Rowe’s experience would help the company “capitalise on new opportunities and build on our momentum to drive ADM’s long-term growth agenda”.
Rowe said: “I look forward to partnering with the company’s talented team to build on that foundation, advancing ADM’s growth strategy, supporting farmers and creating value for customers and shareholders.”
A fifth-generation farmer, Rowe continues to help manage his family’s farm in Illinois, where regenerative agriculture practices are used to improve sustainability, productivity and profitability. Alongside his industry experience, he holds degrees in agricultural economics, law and business, including a Global Executive MBA jointly awarded by New York University’s Stern School of Business and the London School of Economics.
by Leah Smith
Source: foodbev.com
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