Apr 6, 2023

Senior director of field R&D named at Valent

Valent U.S.A. LLC has named Kenneth “Kenny” Seebold as senior director of field research & development.

Seebold replaces Mike Riffle, who announced his plan retire at the end of June, after more than 35 years of service. The appointment became effective April 3.

As Valent’s field R&D executive, Seebold will be responsible for all technical programs that drive field development of the company’s agricultural crop protection and enhancement portfolio for North America. He will oversee all field R&D operations including Valent’s research stations, product development, field discovery biology, technical operations and field market development teams.

“Kenny is an exceptional leader with a proven track record of developing innovative solutions to meet the needs of growers across North America,” Matt Plitt, Valent’s president and chief executive officer, said in a news release. “He is known for building effective, collaborative relationships with team members and customers alike and I’m excited for him to step in and lead our field R&D team as they continue to advance our portfolio and pipeline.”

Seebold joined Valent in 2014 and, before his promotion, was manager, seed protection R&D where he managed a team charged with developing traditional and biological seed treatments for a variety of crops. Prior to joining Valent, Seebold was an associate Extension professor with the University of Kentucky’s Department of Plant Pathology and was also an assistant professor in plant pathology with the University of Georgia.

Seebold earned a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Pest Management, and a Master of Science in plant pathology from Auburn University. He earned his PhD in plant pathology from the University of Florida. Seebold also authored and co-authored numerous agricultural journal articles and book chapters and is the recipient of several awards for excellence in agriculture.

Based in San Ramon, California, Valent develops and markets products in the U.S., Canada and Mexico that advances sustainable agriculture, protects crops, enhances crop yields, improves food quality, beautify the environment and safeguards public health.

Valent products include herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and plant growth regulator products for agricultural, seed protection and professional use. Valent BioSciences LLC markets traditional chemical products and biorational products developed.