Syngenta names Erik Fyrwald as new CEO

Syngenta announced today the appointment of J. Erik Fyrwald, currently President and CEO of the U.S. chemistry distribution company Univar Inc., as Chief Executive Officer effective June 1.

Erik succeeds John Ramsay who has been ad interim CEO since November 2015.

Michel Demaré, Syngenta Chairman:
 

"After a rigorous search, the Board concluded that Erik's leadership and considerable experience in both agriculture and chemicals, along with his strong track record of success as a CEO made him the outstanding candidate for the role. Erik has demonstrated throughout his career the ability to work successfully in different environments, designing and leading strategies which resulted in impressive value creation. I look forward to working with him to create the next chapter of Syngenta's story of success.”

“I thank John for his exemplary leadership of Syngenta over the last six months. He has ensured that the company has continued to move forward both strategically and operationally, and has delivered results. He has my sincere appreciation for having taken on this additional responsibility at a critical time for the Company.”

“John has also served with considerable distinction as Chief Financial Officer for the past nine years. He will work closely with Erik to ensure a smooth transition and support the closing of the ChemChina transaction."

John Ramsay, ad interim CEO and CFO:
 

“I welcome Erik to his new role and wish him every success. I should like to thank all my colleagues for their support during the past six months. I will continue to offer my support and ensure that the Company continues to drive forward.”

Erik Fyrwald, incoming CEO:
 

"I have admired Syngenta from the outside for many years and am delighted, therefore, to have been chosen to lead the company in the next exciting phase of its journey.”

“I greatly look forward to meeting employees, leaders, customers and other stakeholders after I join in June and to working with them to achieve further success in the years to come."

Biography of J. Erik Fyrwald

Erik Fyrwald

Mr. Fyrwald spent 27 years at DuPont where he held positions of increasing responsibility in technology, manufacturing, sales and marketing, strategic planning and regional and global business unit leadership, including four years in Asia.

In 2003, Mr. Fyrwald was named Group Vice President of DuPont Agriculture and Nutrition, which included the Pioneer Seed, DuPont Crop Protection Products and Solae Food Ingredients businesses.

Mr. Fyrwald also served as Chairman of Crop Life International for two years during this period.

In 2008, Mr. Fyrwald was named Chairman, President and CEO of Nalco, a leading global provider of Water Treatment and Oil & Gas products and services. In December 2011, Nalco was acquired by EcoLab. Mr. Fyrwald was President of EcoLab until May 2012, when he was appointed CEO of Univar, a leading global distributor of chemical products and provider of related services, including agricultural inputs.

Mr. Fyrwald serves on the boards of Eli Lilly and Company (including their Science and Technology Committee) and the Society of Chemical Industry.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Delaware and completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.