Kenneth J. Clemmer, Chairman of PrimeraTurf, Inc., announced today that John Gertz will join the leadership team at the end of June, 2011. On October 1, 2011 John will replace Frans Jager as chief executive officer of PrimeraTurf. Jager, who has led PrimeraTurf from infancy to industry leadership during the 2000s, is retiring September 30, 2011.
Gertz comes to PrimeraTurf from Winfield Solutions, Shoreview, Minn., where he served as the
director of professional products business role. Prior to that, John enjoyed a successful career with MANA, Inc. in Raleigh, N.C. His progressive career started with Dow AgroSciences in Indianapolis, Ind. as a sales representative before being promoted to higher roles with SePRO Corporation in Indianapolis and Sipcam Agro USA located in Roswell, Geo. as national sales and marketing manager – U.S. crop protection.
“We are pleased to welcome John to the PrimeraTurf team," says Clemmer. "We believe that his
sales management, industry experience and customer service capabilities will assist PrimeraTurf with accelerated growth and strategic direction in the immediate future. John will be in contact with all PrimeraTurf member-owners and suppliers in the next few months as he and Mr. Jager transition. Mr. Gertz will be introduced to the cooperative at PrimeraTurf’s Annual Meeting and Trade Show in Minneapolis on July 12 – 14, 2011. PrimeraTurf is forever indebted to Mr. Jager for his leadership and dedication during our development years. He has become recognized as an industry pillar."