Apr 12, 2021
Clinton A. Lewis Jr. named chief executive officer for AgroFresh

AgroFresh Solutions Inc. announced April 12 that Clinton A. Lewis Jr. has been appointed as chief executive officer and to the company’s board of directors, effective immediately.

Lewis succeeds Jordi Ferre as CEO, who is expected to work with Lewis and the rest of the team in the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition.

Clinton A. Lewis Jr.

According to a news release, Lewis brings 30-plus years of experience in the life sciences space, serving in a number of national and international leadership roles at Pfizer and Zoetis, the world’s largest animal health company. Mr. Lewis was instrumental in executing the carve-out of Zoetis from Pfizer and driving the profitable growth story that followed.

“Clint is a seasoned executive with a track record of enhancing operations and driving growth. We are pleased to appoint him as the next CEO of AgroFresh,” said Nance K. Dicciani, Chairman of the Board of AgroFresh. “AgroFresh is at a key inflection point, and the Board believes that Clint is the right person to lead the Company forward. We are confident that he will leverage his life sciences experience and significant leadership abilities to pursue strategic growth opportunities, increase efficiencies and create shareholder value. The Board is grateful to Jordi for his contributions and wishes him well in his next chapter.”

“AgroFresh has best-in-class post-harvest solutions, a diverse customer base and a global footprint, and I am honored to take on this role and build on the Company’s strong foundation,” Lewis said. “I intend to hit the ground running, starting by collaborating with the Board, Jordi and the rest of themanagement team to review the business and identify opportunities to drive growth and create value. I look forward to working with my colleagues at all levels to provide customers with the food preservation and waste reduction solutions they count on as we deliver value for shareholders.”

Lewis  most recently served as executive vice president and group president responsible for international operations, commercial development and global genetics at Zoetis Inc. Prior to being named to that role, Lewis previously served at Zoetis as president of international operations from 2015 to 2018 and as president of U.S. operations from 2013 to 2015. Prior to the formation of Zoetis, Lewis served as president of U.S. operations at Pfizer Animal Health, which he joined in 2007. Mr. Lewis first joined Pfizer in 1988 in the human health pharmaceutical segment and held positions of increasing responsibility in various commercial operations and general management roles.

Lewis currently serves on the Board of Directors of International Paper. He formerly served as chairman of the board for the Animal Health Institute (AHI), an industry trade association in the U.S., and served as treasurer for the International Federation for Animal Health (IFAH), an industry trade association in EuropeMr. Lewis holds a B.S. from Fairfield University and an M.B.A. from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

AgroFresh’s mission is to prevent food loss/waste and conserve the planet’s resources by providing a range of science-based solutions, data-driven digital technologies and high-touch customer services.

AgroFresh supports growers, packers and retailers with solutions across the food supply chain to enhance the quality and extend the shelf life of fresh produce. The AgroFresh organization has 40 years of postharvest experience across a broad range of crops, including revolutionizing the apple industry with the SmartFresh™ Quality System for more than 20 years. This is powered by a comprehensive portfolio that includes plant-based coatings, equipment and proprietary solutions that help improve the freshness supply chain from harvest to the home.

Visit here to learn more.

 




Current Issue

Summer cover crops: A matter of timing, seed choice

Onion meeting meeting highlights labor, exports, disease

 

see all current issue »

Be sure to check out our other specialty agriculture brands

produceprocessingsm Organic Grower