LIBERTYVILLE, IL. – Valent BioSciences Corporation (VBC) announced that Ted Melnik has joined the company as Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer. Beginning August 26, Ted will assume leadership for the day-to-day business operations of VBC including responsibility for achieving its short- and mid-range business plans.
Melnik will report directly to Mike Donaldson, President and Chief Executive Officer of VBC. He joins Andy Lee, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer for Valent U.S.A. Corporation and Roberto Carpentier, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Pace International as recent additions to the Sumitomo and VBC Management team. Melnik fills a position that was envisioned in 2009 when Donaldson’s responsibilities expanded to include leadership of Sumitomo Chemical’s Health and Crop Sciences companies in NAFTA and Latin America, as well as his continuing role as Executive Officer at SCC in Tokyo.
According to Donaldson, Melnik’s history of innovation and leadership in biorational development for agriculture align well with the company’s future growth expectations. “Ted’s experience and first-hand knowledge of the biorationals business and industry make him an excellent fit for this important position,” Donaldson said. “The business models of VBC, Valent U.S.A. and Pace International each have unique requirements and roles within the global SCC agricultural market segments. Ted’s addition will allow for increased collaboration and synergies between all SCC Regional affiliate companies worldwide, including both conventional and biorational crop production solutions.”
Melnik comes to VBC with more than thirty years of experience including leadership positions with both biorational and conventional chemistry companies. In 2001, Melnik was named President of the newly created Novozymes Biologicals Inc., a position he held until 2010. Melnik has a proven track record of leadership in global business management, operations, acquisitions and integrations, marketing, and new product development. He also has significant experience in the management of biological manufacturing operations and will play a key role in overseeing the commissioning of VBC’s new $150 million biorational manufacturing facility in Osage, Iowa, that will come on line in 2014.
“I am excited about the opportunities for VBC as well as the other Sumitomo Chemical affiliate companies around the world,” Melnik said. “With its continually expanding portfolio of innovative and high quality products, VBC has strengthened its position as the worldwide leader in the development and commercialization of biorationals. VBC’s recent acquisition of Pace International for postharvest solutions and the construction of its new biorational manufacturing plant in Osage, Iowa are testaments to the company’s success, the vision of its leadership, and its commitment to its partners and customers worldwide.”
VBC is the leader in developing and commercializing biorational products in 95 countries around the world. Biorationals are products typically derived from biological origins (natural or synthesized) that are highly specific in their activity while providing economic, health, and/or environmental benefits. These products include microbial insecticides, fungicides and nematicides, as well as plant growth regulators used in seed treatment, production agriculture, postharvest and management of stress in crops.
About Valent BioSciences Corporation
Headquartered in Libertyville, IL, Valent BioSciences is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sumitomo Chemical Company. Valent BioSciences is the worldwide leader in the development, manufacturing and commercialization of biorational products, with sales in 95 countries around the world. Valent BioSciences is an ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company. For additional information, visit the company’s website at www.valentbiosciences.com.
About Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited
Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Sumitomo Chemical Company is one of Japan’s leading chemical companies, offering a diverse range of products globally in the fields of basic chemicals, petrochemicals, IT-related chemicals and materials, health and crop science products, and pharmaceuticals. The company’s consolidated net sales for fiscal year 2012 were JPY 1.95 trillion. For additional information, visit the company’s website at www.sumitomo-chem.co.jp/english/.
About Valent U.S.A. Corporation
Valent U.S.A. Corporation, headquartered in Walnut Creek, Calif., develops and markets products in the United States and Canada that protect agricultural crops, enhance crop yields, improve food quality, beautify the environment and safeguard public health. Valent is a leader in marketing and sales of both traditional chemical products and also biorational products developed by its affiliate, Valent BioSciences. Valent products include a well-known line of quality herbicide, insecticide, fungicide and plant growth regulator products for agricultural, seed protection and professional use. For more information about Valent U.S.A. Corporation or our full product line, please call 800-6-VALENT (682-5368) or visit www.valent.com.
About Pace International, LLC
Pace International, LLC collaborates with growers, packers and agricultural organizations to develop innovative solutions to enhance, protect, and preserve fruit and vegetable quality. Pace is the leading provider of post-harvest solutions and technologies, equipment and technical services to maximize efficiencies in packing operations and increase the value of crops being processed. Pace International, LLC is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, USA with R&D, Manufacturing and Administration in Wapato, WA and Sales and Technical Service Offices around the world. For more information, visit http://www.paceint.com
Source: Valent BioSciences Corporation
