Based in Leamington, Ontario, Plant Products has appointed Scott Hodgins to the newly-created position of general manager. In his new role, he will be responsible for the day-to-day management and execution of the Plant Products North America business, allowing Chris Stickles, president of Plant Products, to focus on the long-term strategic direction of the company.
“Scott will become the right hand of the organization while I will remain the left,” explained Chris Stickles. “I will look to dedicate more of my attention to long-term planning and strategy, working with our staff to support career development, succession planning, and engaging key customers at the ownership level.”
A veteran of the agricultural industry, Hodgins joined the company four years ago after a 20-year career with BASF, a key Plant Products supplier partner. Initially, Hodgins was tasked with developing and implementing a strategy to help the company’s pesticide supplier partners to bring products to Canada’s outdoor fruit and vegetable markets which grew into the independent Cohort Wholesale business, selling and supporting crop protection products to channel customers across Canada.
During the Biobest Group’s acquisition of Plant Products, Hodgins returned to Plant Products to lead the marketing and business development team. These roles, combined with his experience and willingness to pitch in, have given him a broad understanding of Plant Products’ businesses, including the opportunities available and the challenges faced.
Both Chris Stickles and Scott Hodgins remain open and available to provide support to customers, suppliers and colleagues wherever then can.
Chris Stickles and Julie Reiter, director of HR and IT, remain active partners in the business for the long term.
The role of marketing and business development director will remain open for the time being.
While his roles and responsibilities will not change, Rob Lee’s title will become manager-USA for the Canton, Michigan location to avoid confusion with Scott Hodgins’ job title.
Source : The Grower