PBI-Gordon promotes duo

The employee-owners of PBI-Gordon Corporation announced the promotion of Jason Manz to the newly created role of vice president, strategic marketing and new business development. Eric Smith has been promoted to vice president of regulatory, formulation and GLP. Most recently, Smith was senior director of regulatory, formulation and GLP.

In his new role, Manz will lead PBI-Gordon’s planning process to develop, enhance and implement strategic marketing and operations plans. He will also serve as the lead for the company’s subsidiaries in the areas of acquisitions, licensing of technology, negotiations with third parties, and sourcing the development of new business opportunities that support PBI-Gordon’s overall growth strategy.

Manz joined PBI-Gordon in 2020 as senior director of national accounts and will maintain his responsibilities as he transitions to his new role. Prior to joining PBI-Gordon, he held product management and sales positions with BASF and Bayer Crop Science.

Manz holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural studies from Iowa State University and an MBA from Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota.  

“Jason has been an excellent coach and mentor to many employee-owners within and outside of our team,” PBI-Gordon senior vice president Neill Cleveland said. “His attitude, values, and willingness to do whatever is necessary to drive excellent results will serve him well in his new role. This is a well-deserved promotion for Jason.”

After holding regulatory and research positions with United Industries Corporation and Incyte Genomics, Smith joined PBI-Gordon in 2014 as federal registrations manager – responsible for the management of all FIFRA-related regulatory actions in support of the registration and sale of PBI-Gordon products.

Since then, Smith’s duties have expanded to include oversight of the company’s lab services team, oversight of state and federal regulatory affairs, the development and execution of strategic and tactical plans, and staff mentorship.

“Since joining the company eight years ago, Eric’s leadership skills, insights, values, and focus have become a tremendous asset to PBI-Gordon, our employee-owners, and – ultimately – our customers and business partners,” Cleveland said. “This is a well-deserved promotion, and we wish him all the best for continued success.”

Smith is a graduate of Milliken University, holding bachelor’s degrees in biology and psychology.