Arysta LifeScience Corporation announced that Wayne Hewett, currently Chief Operating Officer, has been named President and Chief Executive Officer, effective today. As part of the Company’s previously announced executive team transition plan, Hewett will succeed Chris Richards, who will become Chairman of the Arysta LifeScience Board of Directors. Former Board Chairman David Jones will assume the role of Advisor to the Board.
Richards commented, “Since becoming COO, Wayne has had an impressively rapid and positive impact on the Company. As a result, our management transition plan announced in August 2009 has progressed well ahead of schedule and I was very pleased to recommend to the Board that we accelerate Wayne’s appointment as President and CEO. I am completely confident that Wayne is the right person to lead the Company into the next important stage of global growth. As Chairman of the Board, I look forward to working with Wayne and the rest of the executive leadership team as we continue to realize the potential of this outstanding company.”
“Chris has been a great partner through the transition process and will remain a tremendous asset to the Company as Chairman of the Board,” Hewett added. “Arysta LifeScience is very well-positioned to take advantage of numerous global growth opportunities and I am thrilled to assume this new role as the Company continues to realize its potential of becoming a market leader in the agrochemicals sector. Our global presence, quality products, superior customer service and exceptional team will continue to drive our success, and I look forward to the bright future ahead of us.”
Hewett joined Arysta LifeScience in October 2009 as Chief Operating Officer, and has worked to further the Company’s efforts to drive global operational excellence and execute management’s initiatives company-wide. Hewett’s career prior to joining Arysta LifeScience includes more than 20 years with various international divisions of GE, including roles as the President, GE Plastics Pacific, VP of GE Supply Chain and Operations, and President and CEO of GE Advanced Materials. Hewett, who has lived in Japan and in China, was also a member of GE’s Corporate Executive Council. Hewett holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in industrial engineering from Stanford University.