Plant Impact plc. Appoints New CEO
Plant Impact announces that John Brubaker is to be appointed Chief Executive Officer with effect from 1 September 2011. Brubaker succeeds Peter Blezard, who has resigned his position with immediate effect.
David Jones, Chairman of Plant Impact, commented, “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am delighted that the Company has secured the commitment of such a high calibre individual to lead it as the CEO. Plant Impact is expanding its customer base internationally while continuing to invest in innovative new technologies, and further developing its relationships with strategic partners. For this new and exciting phase of the Company’s growth, the Board is confident that John will bring the right blend of skill and experience to Plant Impact.”
Until recently, Brubaker served as the global head of business development for Tokyo-based Arysta LifeScience Corporation (“Arysta”), a 9.1% shareholder in Plant Impact and a key commercial partner for the future . Having worked at Arysta since 2005, he was responsible for all aspects of global acquisitions, divestures and various other strategic initiatives. He was a member of Arysta’s global executive staff and operating committee. Prior to Arysta, Brubaker was the director, business development at R4 Global Solutions, a San Francisco based technology start-up since acquired by Verisign. He has also worked as an investment banker and as a product and accounts manager at an early-stage software and telecoms company. Brubaker holds a bachelor’s degree from Yale University and master’s degree from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.
“Plant Impact has developed a platform of high-potential crop enhancement and anti-stress technologies, and I believe the Company is well-positioned to emerge as a leader in the sector,” explained Brubaker. “I am eager to start work with the Company’s commercial team, its scientists and its customers to achieve Plant Impact’s aspirations for the immediate future and over the coming years.”
David Jones, Chairman of Plant Impact, added:“The Plant Impact Board pays tribute to the outgoing CEO Peter Blezard. We recognise and appreciate the energy and tenacity he has applied to build the business to its current level. Since the founding of the Company, Peter has overseen the launch of the Plant Impact’s product lines, the listing of the Company’s shares on the AIM market in 2006 and the recent strategic investment by Arysta LifeScience. We wish him well in his future endeavours.”