Franck Berger, vice president of sales and marketing for Harris Moran Seed Company, has accepted an executive position with a Japanese affiliate.

Berger, who spearheaded HM's sales and marketing effort for the past three and a half years, joins Kyowa Seed in Tokyo as Executive Vice President in charge of seed activity. He will report to Mr. Nakamura, Kyowa's president.

Harris Moran's parent company, Limagrain, recently purchased a controlling share of the Japanese company to fulfill its strategy of developing a strong presence in the Asia Pacific area.

Berger will play a key role in directing the seed business activities within Kyowa and integrating it within the vegetable division of Groupe Limagrain.

"Franck will lend his considerable expertise in sales, marketing and research to further Kyowa's success, just like he has done here," says Bruno Carette, COO of Harris Moran, based in Modesto, California.

"We are pleased for Franck but saddened by his departure from Harris Moran, even though his new position remains within our Limagrain family."

Berger's promotion takes effect January 1, 2001. A replacement will be named at a later date.

Company news release
N3128