Ad de Jong, an experienced, international crop protection specialist, will head up Interagro’s new company, Interagro Netherlands B.V., and its associated offices in the Netherlands.
Interagro Netherlands B.V. was set up last year to support the company’s strategy to grow the international business, which now extends to 17 countries in Europe and North Africa.
Interagro Managing Director, Emma Ralph said: “Ad de Jong has a strong background in leadership, sales management and business development in the crop protection sector, his skills and contacts will undoubtedly help us to grow our international business.
“His vast experience in building partnerships and commercial relationships will be invaluable in helping Interagro to grow our international business, not only in our current sales territory, but also in new areas.”
Ad de Jong runs his own consultancy, IMADCO B.V., a company specialised in consultancy and interim management in crop protection and other agricultural industries.
Prior to this, he was Managing Director of AMVAC Netherlands B.V., where he led AMVAC’s ex-USA sales and had responsibilityfor managing the sales, marketing, finance, registration and supply chain relating to all AMVAC’s products This followed his overall management role with Albaugh Europe GmbH, a supplier of off-patent crop protection products in Europe, Middle East and Africa. Before Albaugh, Ad was leading as Vice President the crop protection business of Chemtura Agrosolutions business in Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia Pacific”
Commenting on his appointment, Ad de Jong said: “As a consultant in the sector I have been very aware of Interagro for a number of years and have been immensely impressed with the innovation and potential of this rapidly growing business. I’m delighted to be joining the team with responsibility to significantly grow Interagro’s business
Ms Ralph added that the Netherlands pedigree as a global pioneer in agri-food played an important role in Interagro’s decision-making regarding location and employing a Dutch national to lead the offshore team.
“The Netherlands is home to over 4,000 companies in the ‘farm to fork’ sector, including being major production or R&D sites for Cargill, Heinz and Unilever, it has the second highest private R&D investment in agri-food in Europe and holds the position as the second agri-food exporting nation after the US.
“All of this activity creates a very pro-agri-food culture and one that is perfect for our plans for growth and product development.”
Interagro has also recruited a new team member in the company’s UK offices in Essex, Natalie Letch will take the UK team up to 11 members of staff. Ms Letch will support Emma Ralph as Executive Assistant.
