People News

Syngenta announces two key appointments

Syngenta has announced that Rob Neill, currently general manager of professional products for the NAFTA region, has been appointed global head of marketing for Syngenta Crop Protection based in Basel, Switzerland.

For two years, Neill has played a significant role in the development of the Syngenta professional products business, which includes the company's lawn and garden, growing media and home care divisions. He brings a wealth of expertise to his new role from earlier assignments as head of marketing for the NAFTA region and the Latin American region.

David Stanley, currently global head for lawn and garden, will replace Neill as general manager of professional products in the NAFTA region.  Stanley joined Syngenta in 2005, before that he worked for The Nu-Gro Corporation.

Grigg Brothers adds former USGA agronomist

Matt Nelson, former USGA Green Section senior agronomist, has joined Grigg Brothers Foliar Fertilizers. Nelson, who spent three years in the Green Section’s Northeast office and the last nine at its Northwest headquarters, joined the Grigg Brothers team Jan. 16.

Nelson’s duties at Grigg Brothers will dovetail with his co-ownership interest in a Twin Falls, Idaho-based commercial putting green sod operation called Magic Valley Bentgrass.

Turfpride names marketing director

Tony Tredente has been named director of marketing for Turf Pride. He will manage all corporate communications, e-presence, media advertising, and public relations for the Andalusia, Alabama-based manufacturer of turf equipment and after market parts.

Tredente has worked in sales and marketing for major turf equipment manufacturers for more than 35 years.

Gayle Jacklin named president of the WSA

Gayle Jacklin, of  J. R. Simplot Co. and Jacklin Seed, has been appointed the first female president of the Western Seed Association.  This association has been in existence since 1899 and serves 700 members from North America and several foreign countries. The  association meets annually to exchange information, provide education and hold the American Seed Trade's Farm and Lawn Seed Division meetings. In addition, it awards scholarships to university students in the Midwest and one out of area scholarship.

Jacklin has served on the WSA board for three years and also served on the Atlantic Seed Association board and as the membership chair for The Field Seed Institute.  In 2002, she was recognized as 'Seedsman of the Year' and is a past chair of the Lawn Seed Division for the American Seed Trade Association.

Ewing hires Blume as national sales manager

Ewing has appointed Mike Blume as national sales manager of its turf and erosion control products division.

In addition to contributing to the overall agronomic development of Ewing’s turf & erosion control products division, he will assume management of Ewing’s turf products sales team.

Blume has been active in the distribution of chemicals, fertilizer, and seed to the turf and ornamental industry for more than 25 years. His experience includes roles in sales management, marketing, and technical advising for United Horticultural Supply, Horizon, and Quali-Pro.