ADM appoints Syngenta CEO Jeff Rowe as chief operating officer

Archer-Daniels-Midland (ADM) has appointed Syngenta Group Chief Executive Officer Jeff Rowe as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Effective August 17, Rowe will oversee the company’s commercial operations, manufacturing, and research and development activities.

Rowe has led Syngenta Group since January 2024. His move to ADM marks a return to the United States, where he also helps manage his family’s farming operation in Illinois. Syngenta has named its current Chief Operating Officer and Head of Seeds, Hengde Qin, as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective August 1.

ADM said the management strengthening comes as the company expects a more favorable outlook for the US agricultural sector. It anticipates greater policy clarity on biofuels and a recovery in US soybean trade with China, although the conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt access to key commodities such as fuel and fertilizers.

The appointment follows a challenging period for ADM, which faced scrutiny over its accounting practices. Earlier this year, the company settled allegations with the US Department of Justice without admitting or denying wrongdoing and has since focused on strengthening its leadership team and restoring investor confidence.

For Syngenta, Rowe’s departure comes as the company continues preparations for an initial public offering (IPO) in Hong Kong valued at around $5 billion, which has been delayed due to weak conditions in the global agricultural economy. Syngenta said Rowe leaves behind a strong leadership team and an important legacy, wishing him every success in his new role.

Tags: ADM, Syngenta