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FBN®, the farmer-to-farmer network, and agriculture's leading ecommerce platform for inputs, capital, and services, today announced the appointment Dean Williams to lead FBN Direct, our agricultural inputs division.
The appointment of Williams follows a robust search. He starts in his role on July 8th.
Williams is an experienced leader in the agriculture industry where he’s excelled at developing and growing retail distribution businesses. Before FBN, he was Head of Product Management at Simplot Grower Solutions where he managed their proprietary Innvictis business as well as overseeing procurement of Crop Protection and Seed from Branded Suppliers. As a strategic leader, Williams played a pivotal role at UAP helping it grow by scaling the Retail business and expanding into new territories and regions. Williams has held key leadership roles at Simplot Grower Solutions, Pinnacle Agriculture, Terral Seed and Nutrien/UAP. He has a track record of growing businesses, optimizing profitability and navigating market challenges.
"FBN has differentiated itself as a farmer-facing marketplace powered by technology and rooted in data and transparency," Williams said. "I look forward to working with such a dedicated, farmer first team. FBN is showing that technology can be a game-changer for farmers and their operations."
"After a comprehensive search, the board is pleased to have such an experienced leader at the helm of our FBN Direct business,” said Alan Willits, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Dean is the right person to lead FBN Direct and execute on our vision."
"Dean’s background in the ag retail sector is a great fit to lead FBN Direct. Every role Dean has had was centered on serving farmers. At FBN we put farmers first and are obsessed with delivering the best customer experience and value to our members. With his expertise, we are positioned to continue our growth as a leader in ag tech," said Diego Casanello, CEO of FBN.
In addition to Williams’ appointment, FBN announced today that Ian Loar, currently Country Manager of FBN Direct for the U.S., will transition to lead FBN’s Platform Development efforts, reporting to Diego Casanello, FBN’s CEO. Ian Loar’s role will focus on building strategic partnerships with leading agribusiness companies seeking to access the growing Ag’s digital-commerce space with the objective to bring new portfolio categories and product offers to FBN’s more than 85,000 farmer members in the U.S. and Canada.
This announcement comes on the heels of several FBN milestones, including the appointment of Casanello as CEO, the appointment of Guillaume Lubke as CFO, surpassing $2B in financing provided to U.S. growers, reaching the company's 10 year anniversary, and growing sustainability programs for farmers.
Dean is a seasoned leader with extensive experience in the ag sector leading sales, distribution, procurement, crop production and business development. With over 20 years of experience, Dean has a proven ability to establish and maintain long-term business relationships, drive growth and motivate teams.
With a background steeped in the ag sector, Dean has demonstrated a great ability to lead wherever he’s needed. From leading sales teams to heading up acquisitions to operationalizing a vision and executing on that vision, Dean has demonstrated he knows how to be strategic, achieve goals and get things done.
Dean lives in Boise, Idaho. He holds a Bachelors in Business Administration from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. When he isn’t working, he enjoys hunting, hiking and doing anything outdoors with family and friends.
Keith Chapman: Keith@chappublicrelations.com
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