Syngenta announced today the appointment of J. Erik Fyrwald, currently President and CEO of the U.S. chemistry distribution company Univar Inc., as Chief Executive Officer effective June 1.

Erik succeeds John Ramsay who has been ad interim CEO since November 2015.

Michel Demaré, Syngenta Chairman, said: "After a rigorous search, the Board concluded that Erik's leadership and considerable experience in both agriculture and chemicals, along with his strong track record of success as a CEO made him the outstanding candidate for the role. Erik has demonstrated throughout his career the ability to work successfully in different environments, designing and leading strategies which resulted in impressive value creation. I look forward to working with him to create the next chapter of Syngenta's story of success.

I thank John for his exemplary leadership of Syngenta over the last six months. He has ensured that the company has continued to move forward both strategically and operationally, and has delivered results. He has my sincere appreciation for having taken on this additional responsibility at a critical time for the Company. John has also served with considerable distinction as Chief Financial Officer for the past nine years. He will work closely with Erik to ensure a smooth transition and support the closing of the ChemChina transaction."

John Ramsay, ad interim CEO and CFO, said: “I welcome Erik to his new role and wish him every success. I should like to thank all my colleagues for their support during the past six months. I will continue to offer my support and ensure that the Company continues to drive forward.”

Erik Fyrwald, incoming CEO, said: "I have admired Syngenta from the outside for many years and am delighted, therefore, to have been chosen to lead the company in the next exciting phase of its journey. I greatly look forward to meeting employees, leaders, customers and other stakeholders after I join in June and to working with them to achieve further success in the years to come."

Click here to read the full news release.