FMC Corporation, a global agricultural sciences company, elected Anthony DiSilvestro to the company’s board of directors, effective Dec. 12, 2024. DiSilvestro will serve on the Audit and Compensation and Human Capital Committees.
DiSilvestro brings more than 40 years of broad financial experience in multibillion-dollar companies to FMC’s board. He currently serves as the chief financial officer of Mattel Inc., where he has been instrumental in the successful financial turnaround of the company. Prior to Mattel, DiSilvestro held various senior leadership positions at Campbell Soup Company, including senior vice president and chief financial officer, where he played a key role in the successful defense of an activist-led proxy contest and led significant cost reduction and divestiture programs.
“We are pleased to welcome Anthony to the FMC board of directors,” said Pierre Brondeau, FMC chairman and chief executive officer. “His extensive experience in leading large transformations, developing and executing corporate strategies and collaborating with executive leadership teams will be invaluable to FMC. We look forward to benefiting from his expertise and insights.”
DiSilvestro expressed his enthusiasm for joining FMC’s Board by saying, “I am honored to join the board of directors of FMC Corporation, a company with a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability. I look forward to working with the Board and management team to contribute to FMC’s continued success and value creation for all stakeholders.”
Petitti Family Farms makes two new hires
Petitti Family Farms, a grower and supplier in the horticulture industry, welcomed two key appointments to its leadership and sales teams. Richard (Rich) Meule has joined as vice president of sales, and Benjamin (Ben) Drake has been appointed as the New England territory sales representative. These strategic hires align with Petitti Family Farms’ commitment to delivering exceptional service, driving growth and fostering strong relationships across the horticulture industry, according to the company.
Meule brings more than two decades of experience in sales leadership and business development within the horticulture industry. Most recently, he served as manager of business development and district sales manager at The HC Companies, where he managed sales operations across the Mid-Atlantic and East Coast territories.
Earlier in his career, Meule made significant contributions at Hines Horticulture, where he successfully grew territory sales, led training programs and managed key accounts with a focus on excellence and customer satisfaction, according to the company.
Drake joins Petitti Family Farms with a background in account management and customer relations. Most recently, he served as Northeast Territory account manager at MasterTag, where he managed a portfolio of accounts across the Northeast region and consistently drove territory growth. Before that, Ben worked at Garden State Growers as a Walmart account manager, where he successfully improved inventory efficiency and exceeded key performance indicators.
His expertise in customer-focused solutions and strategic planning will be instrumental in supporting our New England market. Joe Allio, president, and Angelo Petitti, chairman of Petitti Family Farms, shared their excitement about the new hires:
“Rich and Ben represent a new chapter of growth and opportunity for Petitti Family Farms. Rich’s leadership and vision will strengthen our sales strategy and deepen our customer relationships, while Ben’s enthusiasm and proven ability to deliver results will expand our presence in the New England market. Together, they bring energy, expertise and a customer-focused approach that align perfectly with our company’s core values.”
Kelly Slater joins Pleasant Landscapes as new CEO
Pleasant Landscapes promoted Kelly Slater to chief executive officer. Slater, who has been with Pleasant Landscapes for more than 15 years, has played an instrumental role in shaping the company’s growth, culture and dedication to customer service, according to the company. In her new role as CEO, Slater is spearheading the company’s transition to employee ownership and the creation of a multi-tier leadership team that empowers team members across every level of the organization.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to know that our people who helped build Pleasant Landscapes will have a stake in its future,” said Slater. “We’re building a leadership team and a junior leadership team to involve emerging leaders who are excited about our vision and ready to grow alongside our company.”
Pleasant Landscapes, which has served the Charleston, S.C., area since 1991, has introduced an employee stock option program that offers stock shares to team members after five years of full-time employment. Slater said she believes this model not only rewards employee contributions but also strengthens the company’s commitment to its local community.
In addition to internal developments, Pleasant Landscapes is actively expanding its design-build and maintenance services while implementing AI tools to enhance customer interactions and streamline administrative tasks. The company has also made strides in innovative marketing, with Slater’s contributions recently earning her a finalist position for Landscape Leader of the Year.
Slater’s leadership combines community-focused values, a competitive drive and a commitment to industry collaboration, according to the company. As a local business, Pleasant Landscapes said it is committed to creating a lasting impact not just through its services but also by giving back to the community through its ongoing support of Lowcountry Orphan Relief.
The company has worked to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children in need by donating time, resources and funds to support the orphanage’s mission. As Pleasant Landscapes continues to grow, Slater said she remains dedicated to a vision of independence, rejecting private equity buyouts in favor of building a legacy rooted in employee ownership and shared success.
Katie Oskey joins NCNLA as new executive vice president
The North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association (NCNLA) selected a new executive vice president to drive the association’s vision to promote and protect the interests of the North Carolina green industry. Katie Oskey, a professional with over a decade of experience in event management, project management and nonprofit leadership, has been selected to step into this role, bringing a wealth of expertise and a passion for serving NCNLA members, according to the company.
Since 2021, Oskey has served as NCNLA’s director of events and education, showcasing leadership by developing programs that meet member needs, driving engagement and optimizing financial efficiency.
“Katie brings extensive knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to this position and has a great passion and respect for our members,” said Ariel Montanez, president of the NCNLA board of directors. “It is with great pleasure that I make this announcement on behalf of the NCNLA board of directors, please join me in welcoming Katie Oskey to her new role.”
Katie brings a wealth of experience managing diverse brands and leading high-profile events nationwide. Her professional portfolio includes collaborations with non-profits, such as the North Carolina State Florists Association and the Lafayette Society of Fayetteville, N.C.
“As I step into this role, my focus will be on promoting collaboration, implementing strategic planning and enhancing member engagement. I look forward to building meaningful relationships and supporting those we serve,” Oskey said.
