Parma, Idaho
January 31, 2008
Long-time employee to lead
sales and marketing effort as part of Nunhems’ renewed focus on
fast growing produce segment.
Nunhems USA, a leading
global hybrid seed company, announced today that Russ Kabaker
will become the Integration Manager and new Lettuce Crop Sales
Manager after seven years of holding the Crop Sales Manager
position within the company’s successful carrot program.
In this position, Kabaker will oversee the design,
implementation and execution of marketing and sales strategies
for the combined Nunhems' lettuce portfolio. He will also play a
vital role in integrating Paragon Seeds, a lettuce seed breeding
and production company recently acquired by Nunhems.
“While I’ve deeply enjoyed contributing to the strength of the
Nunhems carrot program, I am eager to take on new challenges and
create new opportunities for our lettuce seed customers,”
Kabaker said. He plans to remain actively involved with Nunhems’
Carrot Crop Team as long as is necessary to ensure a smooth
transition.
A 15-year industry veteran, Kabaker began his career as the seed
procurement and variety development manager for Grimmway Farms
before joining Sunseeds in 1999 as regional sales manager. In
1997 Nunhems acquired Sunseeds and solidified to one global
brand in 2002. During Kabaker’s nine years with Nunhems, he has
held various sales and marketing positions within the company,
including that of Crop Sales Manager for the Americas for
carrots, salads, processing tomato, brassicas, leeks, artichokes
and other crops.
Now, with his renewed focus on lettuce, Kabaker sees increasing
demand for new and differentiated lettuce products providing a
substantial growth opportunity for Nunhems. An opportunity that
the company will be able to seize, in large part, thanks to
synergies resulting from the purchase of Paragon Seeds.
“We have a lot of respect for what Paragon Seeds has
accomplished and the reputation they have earned,” Kabaker said.
“By combining Nunhems’ value-added genetics, product diversity
and global resources with Paragon’s superior quality, market
adaptation and stability, our customers will enjoy more seed
options with even better traits.”
Nunhems USA, located in Parma, Idaho is the USA headquarters
for Nunhems BV. Nunhems is the global specialist in vegetable
seeds and sharing products, concepts and expertise adding value
to the professional horticultural production industry and supply
chain. Nunhems is a leading supplier of vegetable seed varieties
based on a specialized and personal approach and a proximity to
the main markets with breeding, screening, sales and expert
advice around the globe. With more than 1,200 employees, Nunhems
is present in all major vegetable production areas. |
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