Mason City, Illinois
September 3, 2008
Building on its momentum of
creating the strongest management team in the seed industry,
Horizon Genetics,
Inc. announced today that it is appointing Brian C. Kiernan as
its president and chief executive officer. In addition, Reggie
Dowell, who serves as president, is stepping into the chairman’s
role, which is currently held by Timm Reynolds, who is assuming
the position of vice chairman. The company has also named Barry
Parsell as district sales agronomist based in McLean County. The
newly aligned executive team is charged with transforming
Horizon Genetics’ business by positioning the organization for
long-term profitability, growth and relevance in the
marketplace, while creating organizational value.
“Brian’s background and experiences are the perfect fit for
Horizon Genetics as we accelerate our transformation plans,”
said Reggie Dowell, chairman, Horizon Genetics, Inc. “With more
than 25 years of experience in the consumer products industry,
his blend of expertise in strategy, sales and retail development
are exactly the skills needed to elevate our business to the
next level.”
Before joining Horizon Genetics, Kiernan was president and chief
executive officer of Langeveld International, where he was
responsible for global operations and charged with transforming
the company by focusing on strengthening its core business,
recapturing market share and repositioning the company for
future growth. Before joining Langeveld, Kiernan was vice
president of retail development for True Value Company, where he
was responsible for growing the businesses of the co-op’s
domestic and international members. Prior to True Value, he
served as director of national account sales for Monsanto
Company’s lawn and garden business, previously known as the
Solaris Group. When The Scotts Company purchased Monsanto's lawn
and garden business in 1999, the operation was renamed the Ortho
Business Group, and Kiernan continued to serve as its director
until 2002.
Kiernan has also served as national account sales manager and
Canadian sales manager for the Specialty Products Division of
Rubbermaid Inc., managing the company's outdoor furniture,
automotive, pet, lawn and garden and sporting goods product
lines. He also spent seven years with Grosfillex Inc., a French
window and furniture manufacturer as North American sales
director. Kiernan graduated from John Carroll University with a
bachelor’s degree in English.
“I feel privileged to have the opportunity to lead such an
outstanding company,” said Kiernan. “I am looking forward to
working with our dynamic management team to develop innovative
new ways to strengthen the company’s performance through process
improvements and cost effective programs.”
“Barry Parsell is a great addition to our sales team,” said
Sales Manager Eric Kunzeman. “He has an extensive agricultural
background, including experience as a seed consultant as well as
in the agriculture retail sector and will be a valuable resource
for our customers in central-east Illinois.”
Parsell, who has 30 years of experience in the seed industry,
was Agrigold Hybrids’ district sales manager for McLean,
Livingston and Ford counties in Illinois before joining Horizon
Genetics.
He is a Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) with knowledge in seed/soil
agronomics, weed and insect troubleshooting and soil fertility.
At a time when some smaller seed companies are seeking
shelter under the corporate umbrella of large international seed
companies, Mason City, Ill.-based Horizon Genetics, Inc. is
continuing to take the opposite path. Established in 1998, the
private company has gained a strong foothold in the heart of the
Midwest’s competitive wheat, corn and soybean producing area as
a truly independent seed company dedicated to serving
professional farmers. Horizon Genetics believes that seed
purchases today are an investment in a farmer’s future and is
committed to providing the finest value and highest return by
utilizing outstanding quality, exceptional biotechnology,
value-oriented programs and tools and personalized relationships
and services. |
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