Genus names Jorgen Kokke as its next CEO

Animal genetics company Genus announced the appointment of Jorgen Kokke as its chief executive officer-designate on Monday, with plans to take over as CEO on 1 July, succeeding Stephen Wilson, who would retire on 30 September.

The FTSE 250 company said Wilson, who has served as CEO for six years, would step down from the role, but would remain actively involved in the company to support the smooth transition of responsibility.

He would deliver the full year results in September, and continue in his role as an executive director until his retirement.

Kokke, meanwhile, would bring experience in the international food and agriculture sectors, having spent the last 14 years in global business leadership roles of increasing responsibility at Ingredion - a food and beverage ingredient solutions company listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

As executive vice-president and president of the Americas geography at Ingredion, Kokke was responsible for all operational and strategic management decisions across the firm’s $6bn North and South American businesses.

He drove growth by leveraging research and development-led innovation and commercial and operational excellence, Genus explained.

Before his time at Ingredion, Kokke worked at CSM - another global ingredients company - where he was vice-president of food and nutrition, and at Unilever.

“I am delighted to welcome Jorgen to Genus - he is an internationally experienced business leader with extensive food sector knowledge,” said chairman Iain Ferguson.

“Jorgen has proven international leadership, clear strategic vision, and the ability to engage and continue to motivate our employees and porcine and bovine customers.

“He is ideally suited to lead Genus through the next stage of our continued growth, and it is clear that Genus will continue to be in strong hands.”

At 0809 BST, shares in Genus were up 0.04% at 2,875.16p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.