Sumitomo Chemical Co. has named Michael Donaldson the president and CEO of Valent USA Corp., Valent BioSciences Corp. and the Region Americas operating entities. In this newly created role, Donaldson is responsible for strategic oversight of the Valent U.S.A. and Valent BioSciences businesses, as well as for the Latin America, Mexico and Canadian regions of Sumitomo Chemical.
Donaldson has more than 28 years of experience in leading global teams for both traditional and biorational products in agriculture, forestry and public health business areas. He was previously president and COO of Valent BioSciences Corp., headquartered in Libertyville, Illinois. He has been in this role since 2000, when Sumitomo Chemical acquired the business from Abbott Laboratories. During his tenure, Donaldson was responsible for significantly growing the company through various business and product acquisitions, product life cycle management of existing base products, and introduction of new products and technologies into new markets in all major regions of the world.
As a result of the appointment, openings of executive vice president and COO have been created in both Valent U.S.A. and Valent BioSciences. These positions, which will report to Donaldson, will be responsible for managing the day to day business operations for each company and achieving the short and mid range business plans.