Dow AgroSciences has formed an urban pest management business that combines its pest management unit with its turf, ornamental and technical products division.
“Forming an Urban Pest Management business creates synergy within Dow AgroSciences and with our channel customers,” says Dave Morris, commercial business leader. “It brings our best people together to more intensely concentrate on these important market segments, and allows us to be even more dedicated to insect, weed and disease problems in urban environments, including homes, golf courses and nurseries, while increasing our productivity and quality.”
Changes associated with the announcement include the appointment of a national account manager, product technology specialist and product communications manager.
- Mark E. Neterer, national account manager for the U.S. Pest Management team, has assumed additional leadership responsibilities as the T&O National Accounts Manager. In his new, expanded role, Neterer, who has more than 20 years of industry experience, will manage T&O distributor accounts nationwide and will manage the technical products account managers who work with formulators. The move marks his return to the turf and ornamental group after having served in the pest business as the national sales manager and a marketing manager. Before that he was a T&O district sales manager for five years. He earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering from Michigan State University. Neterer replaces Dan Bouck and Brad Cochran, both of whom have taken on other leadership roles within the company.
- Mike Lees, who started with Dow AgroSciences in 1988 and now works as a subterranean termite research specialist, will bring his expertise to the T&O group as a product technology specialist. He will partner with university cooperators throughout the western United States to plan and execute field research. He also will be responsible for product development of new and existing molecules. Lees graduated from the University of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in plant protection science. He has held various positions at Dow AgroSciences focusing on insect, disease and weed management and has been active in the Western Society of Weed Science and the Entomological Society of America. Lees replaces Randy Smith, who was promoted within the company’s research and development organization.
- In addition, Dow AgroSciences has named Nikki Hall as product communications manager for the newly created Urban Pest Management business as well as the Dow AgroSciences Vegetation Management business. Hall will manage and implement marketing communications plans, coordinate tradeshow involvement and serve as media spokewoman. Previously Hall was a project manager for two years and a pest management sales representative in north Florida for four years. She graduated from the University of Kentucky with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education and a minor in plant and soil science. Hall replaces Susan Carney, who was promoted to the U.S. Crops fungicide marketing specialist position.