Bayer has announced its intention to divest its Environmental Science Professional business, while accelerate the strategy implementation of its Crop Science division.
The Environmental Science Professional business had sales of around £520 million in 2019.
Dr Jacqueline Applegate, who currently heads the division’s Environmental Science and Vegetable Seeds businesses, will lead the Crop Science North America region, from March 1.
In addition, Bayer has appointed Gilles Galliou, who is currently head of commercial operations for Bayer Vegetable Seeds Americas, to lead the Environmental Science business and the planned divestment.
The global Environmental Science business will be headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, from June 1, 2021.
Liam Condon, member of the board of management of Bayer AG and president of the Crop Science division, said: “With the announced portfolio and leadership changes, and important new product approvals for soybeans, corn and cotton in the Americas, we are now shifting gears from integration to growth acceleration.
“We are laser-focused on commercial execution and on transforming agriculture through innovation that benefits farmers, consumers and our planet.”
He added: “Like farmers everywhere, we have faced challenges in the past few years; however, I am very excited about the outlook for our Crop Science business. The global coronavirus pandemic has made it clear how important agriculture and a sustainable food system are, and the crucial role science can play in solving difficult problems.
“Driving innovation, accelerating the digital transformation of agriculture and helping decarbonize the food system are at the core of our vision to feed a growing population without starving the planet.”