28 Sep 2015 07:00
For Immediate Release 28 September 2015
Plant Impact Plc
("Plant Impact" or "the Company")
Plant Impact further expands R&D team with three significant appointments
UK-based Plant Impact Plc (AIM : PIM) today announces another step in its growth strategy with the recruitment of three senior research and development leaders: Bruce Luzzi, Andy Fowles and Adam Hajjar. These arrivals bring over 70 years of combined experience in key roles with multinational agri-technology leaders in the seed, agrochemical and biologicals industries. All three individuals will be based at the company's head office and research facility at the Rothamsted Centre for Research and Enterprise.
Dr. Bruce Luzzi, R&D Programme Manager, Soybeans
Bruce is a soybean specialist. He received his BSc degree at the University of Illinois and MSc and PhD at the University of Georgia before joining the University of Guelph as an Assistant Professor in oilseed breeding. While based in the USA, he held soybean development positions with Monsanto and Pioneer, then a cotton positon with Stoneville Pedigreed Seed Company, and a position with BASF Plant Science where he led a significant global trial programme focused on soybean, oilseed rape, and rice research. Bruce joins Plant Impact from Syngenta, where he was Soybean Seeds Project Manager.
Dr Andy Fowles, Global Formulation Manager
Andy has carved out an impressive career within formulation chemistry, analysis and packaging. He completed his PhD in Plant Hormone Chemistry and Bioactivity at Bristol University, in the UK. During a long and varied career with Dow Agrosciences, he has been located in the UK, South Africa and France. As European Trade Area Leader for Formulations, Analytical & Packaging, he also became a member of Dow AgroSciences' Global Cereal & Broad-leaf Crop Business Line Management Team before joining Plant Impact back in the UK as Global Formulation Manager.
Dr Adam Hajjar, Portfolio Innovation Manager
Adam holds both a BSc in Microbiology from the University of Aberdeen and a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Kent. His career to date has included several roles involving technology strategy and acquisition, technology transfer and Intellectual Property management. Adam returns to Rothamsted after working for the biofertilizers and biopesticides company MicroBio as well as technology transfer company, Plant Bioscience Ltd, the consumer diagnostic company, Swiss Precision Diagnostics and with several leading London-based universities. He will be responsible for leading Plant Impact's technology and innovation strategy as well as its Intellectual Property management activities.
Dr Steve Adams, R&D Director, Plant Impact, commented: 'We are continuously looking for unique and experienced individuals to expand the capability of our R&D team and crop research programmes. Bruce, Andy and Adam will be invaluable to Plant Impact's development and will support our goal of driving forward innovation in crop enhancement while continuing our commitment to robust testing and research standards.'
For further information, contact:
Plant ImpactJohn Brubaker, Chief Executive Tel: +44(0) 1582 465 540Ailish Tracy, Global Communications www.plantimpact.com
Peel Hunt - Nominated Advisor and BrokerDan Webster Tel: +44 (0) 207 418 8900Richard BrownGeorge Sellar
BuchananCharles Ryland Tel: +44(0) 207 466 5000Sophie CowlesJane Glover
Notes for editors
About Plant Impact Plc
We lead research and development in crop enhancement to create products that growers can rely on to get more yield from their crops. Then, we use our agricultural industry experience to find efficient, cost effective ways to offer our solutions to those growers, worldwide.
Find out more or contact Ailish Tracy, Global Communications Manager Tel: 01582 465542