Dec 3, 2020

Johnny’s Selected Seeds adds Kevin Cook, new VP of R&D

Johnny’s Selected Seeds has promoted Kevin L. Cook to the position of vice president of research and development. In his new role, Cook will be leading Johnny’s product innovation and will oversee product selection and trialing, breeding, seed  production and quality assurance.

According to a news release, Cook brings 25 years of experience in the agriculture industry to his new role. He joined Johnny’s Selected Seeds as the Director of Plant Breeding in April 2020. Prior to joining Johnny’s, Cook worked with Syngenta Seeds/Rogers, completing his tenure there as the Global & Regional Breeding Leads for pepper. He has developed numerous squash and pepper varieties.

His formal education, practical seed and plant knowledge, professional experience, and lifelong enthusiasm for growing seeds and plants make him a unique fit for the role. Over his short time at Johnny’s, he has proven himself to be a leader with a managerial style that reflects a supportive and professional work environment.

Cook joins a seasoned team, and since joining Johnny’s this spring has already begun evaluating breeding material and working with the product selection team on the company’s product strategy. As Co-CEO Dave Mehlhorn notes, “The goals associated with this role will be to create an overarching operational plan for the R&D functions, and build out our future strategy as well as the infrastructure plans for the product side of our business.”

Johnny’s Co-CEO Gretchen Kruysman adds, “From his first visit to Johnny’s we recognized Kevin as a good fit for Johnny’s. He developed a passion for gardening as a young boy growing up in the Catskills and has continued growing ever since. Kevin is passionate about discovering and developing new varieties to fulfill the needs of our customers.”

Established in 1973, Johnny’s Selected Seeds is a 100% employee-owned company and purveyor of high quality seeds and tools. Johnny’s is committed to a grower’s success and provides superior products, information, and service. Johnny’s products are 100% guaranteed.