Valent names exec vp/COO

Valent U.S.A. Corp. today announced that Andy Lee has been hired as its new executive vice president and chief operating officer. Lee will assume his new role on Dec. 12, according to Mike Donaldson, president and chief executive officer of Valent U.S.A. Corporation, Valent BioSciences Corporation and Sumitomo Chemical Latin America.

“Andy is extremely well respected in the industry and has had an impressive career with a number of noteworthy crop protection companies marketing both traditional and biorational products,” said Donaldson. “I am confident that he will bring a unique perspective to our organization and an invaluable combination of vision and know-how to help lead Valent U.S.A.—and ultimately our customers—into an even more successful and profitable future.”

In his new position, Lee will oversee day-to-day operations for the company’s growing agricultural, professional and consumer products business units in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Lee will be based in Walnut Creek, Calif., working closely with Donaldson and the Valent de Mexico and Valent U.S.A. leadership teams.

Lee joins the organization at an important period, as the company is poised to launch several new agricultural and seed protection products in the coming months. The company continues to build on its strong base of agricultural, professional and consumer products.
“Valent is uniquely positioned in our industry, offering innovative biorational and traditional solutions that deliver proven results,” Lee said. “This variety of tools helps customers sustainably grow more profitable crops and maintain healthy green spaces, forests and waterways. I am excited to join an organization with such a broad portfolio of trusted products, a research-proven pipeline of new active ingredients and a team of committed, trusted professionals. With them, I look forward to helping transform the ongoing Valent investment in research, development and talent into an even stronger return on investment for our customers.”

Prior to this role at Valent U.S.A., Lee held a number of operational, marketing and technical leadership positions with several major global crop protection companies. He served most recently as chief executive officer of Sipcam Agro USA, Inc., and ADVAN, LLC. Lee also served as operations director of the U.S. crop protection business for the BASF Corporation, following roles in the global marketing group. Lee started his career in Europe, working for American Cyanamid a number of roles, including European technical director and European commercial director based in Belgium. Lee obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in applied biology from Hertfordshire University, England, and is originally from Bath, England.