SiteOne appointed Ken Hutto, Ph.D., as director of agronomic research and development, a new role focused on advancing innovation across its LESCO brand.
Hutto will identify opportunities for new products, strengthen research supporting LESCO products and help address emerging agronomic challenges. He will collaborate with SiteOne’s supply partners, land-grant universities and other independent researchers to evaluate product performance, validate claims and explore new solutions to evolving market needs.
Hutto will also expand access to technical information and education for SiteOne’s customers and internal teams.
“LESCO has a long history of serving turf and landscape professionals, and we see opportunities to build on that foundation through continued innovation,” said Cordie Morgan, senior director of category management at SiteOne. “Bringing Ken’s expertise into the organization gives us a dedicated resource to help us think differently about how we develop products, approach research and bring new ideas to the market. He will be a great partner in the continued evolution of the LESCO brand.”
Before joining SiteOne, Hutto spent 17 years with FMC Global Specialty Solutions, where he held roles in technical service and product development before becoming assistant director of research and development. Most recently, he served as solution development manager for North America with Envu, focusing on professional pest management and mosquito management.
Earlier in his career, Hutto was a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Florida’s West Florida Research and Education Center, where he focused on turf pest management and cultural practices. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology from Auburn University and a Master of Science degree and a Doctorate in weed science from Mississippi State University, specializing in turfgrass weed management.