Dow AgroSciences unveiled a new leadership structure for its North American businesses.
Effective May 1, Rajan Gajaria assumed the new role of global leader, North America and Latin America.
Gajaria began his career with Dow in India in 1993 and moved to the company’s headquarters in Indianapolis in 1999. His Dow career includes a variety of U.S. and global marketing, manufacturing and corporate strategy roles. Previously, Gajaria served as marketing director for U.S. crop protection and global leader for Latin America and Pacific. He earned a bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering from the University of Mumbai and an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management.
Gajaria succeeds Stan Howell, who was named global general manager for AgroFresh, Dow’s business that specializes in advanced proprietary technologies for the horticulture and agronomic markets. Howell joined Dow in 1976 as a sales trainee in Memphis, Tenn. He has served in a score of sales and marketing positions at Dow, including global leader for North America. He later added responsibilities for pest management, all North American seed businesses, healthy oils and traits. Howell received a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Indiana University.
Both Gajaria and Howell will remain in Indianapolis, reporting to Tim Hassinger, president and CEO of Dow.
Additionally, Dow created three new management roles in its U.S. regional commercial unit (RCU), overseen by Gajaria. Those positions are filled by:
- Susanne Wasson, formerly U.S. marketing director, as U.S. crop protection leader;
- Ben Kaehler, previously general manager for U.S. seeds affiliates and traits and germplasm licensing (T&GL), as U.S. sales leader; and
- Brian Barker, formerly country leader for Argentina and Chile, as general manager, U.S. Seeds, with responsibility for Mycogen Seeds and PhytoGen, U.S. seeds affiliates and T&GL. (Barker will relocate from Argentina to Indianapolis.)
“We look forward to bringing growers breakthrough technology in both the crop protection and the seeds and traits businesses,” Gajaria said. “Although the Dow AgroSciences leadership structure is changing, the strategies that proved so successful under Stan Howell’s leadership will not change. Our mission of providing innovative solutions to customers is as strong as ever.”
