The Andersons, Inc. has announced the appointments of Weston Heide and Mark Simmons as Executive Vice Presidents to oversee its Agribusiness and Renewables segments, respectively. These appointments will take effect on January 1, 2025, marking a strategic transition to a two-segment operational and reporting structure. This move aims to streamline efficiency, enhance collaboration, and drive growth within the organization.
Under the new structure, the Agribusiness segment will integrate operations from the former Nutrient & Industrial and Trade segments. This realignment is intended to maximize value creation across the company’s agribusiness portfolio. Meanwhile, the Renewables segment will retain its existing framework but with an enhanced focus on growth opportunities. Financial reporting for 2024 will continue under the current structure, with the transition to the new structure beginning in the first quarter of 2025.
“We are excited to simplify our organization to enhance our ability to meet the evolving needs of our customers and stakeholders,” said Bill Krueger, President and CEO of The Andersons. “With the experience and leadership of Weston and Mark, we are confident that this change will improve efficiency, foster innovation, and enable us to deliver a seamless, ‘one-company’ experience.”
Weston Heide’s Leadership in Agribusiness
Weston Heide, who joined The Andersons in 2019 as part of its acquisition of Lansing Trade Group, will lead the newly formed Agribusiness segment. Heide currently serves as Senior Vice President of Trade and Processing, overseeing key business units, including commodity merchandising, grain handling assets, specialty ingredients, and facility operations and safety. With more than 15 years of experience in the agribusiness sector, Heide has held a variety of corporate and commercial roles, building a robust track record in operational and strategic leadership.
“Weston’s deep understanding of the agribusiness landscape and his proven leadership make him ideally suited to lead this important segment,” added Krueger. “His expertise will be instrumental in unifying our efforts and driving growth across our agribusiness operations.”
Mark Simmons’s Role in Renewables
Mark Simmons, also a 2019 addition through the Lansing acquisition, will lead the Renewables segment. Simmons currently serves as Vice President of the Renewables business, where he oversees ethanol marketing, trading, and plant originations. His career began in trading feed ingredients, and he transitioned to renewable fuels in 2006, playing a pivotal role in the success of the ethanol trading business. With over 25 years of experience in agriculture and the renewables industry, Simmons has also held various trading roles in crude oil, biodiesel, and refined products.
“Mark’s extensive experience in the renewables sector positions him well to advance our growth strategy in this vital area,” said Krueger. “His leadership will ensure we continue to capitalize on opportunities in the renewables market while maintaining our commitment to operational excellence.”
A Strategic Shift for Long-Term Success
The transition to the two-segment structure is a significant step in The Andersons’ strategy to enhance productivity and align its operations more closely with customer needs. Both Heide and Simmons will initially oversee day-to-day operations under the current framework as they prepare to assume their new roles fully. Their primary focus will be on fostering cross-functional partnerships, improving efficiency, and positioning the company for sustained long-term success.
“This reorganization reflects our commitment to operational excellence and our vision for the future,” said Krueger. “Weston and Mark bring exceptional expertise and leadership that will guide us through this transition and help us achieve our strategic objectives.”
The new leadership structure is designed to create a more agile and responsive organization, better equipped to navigate the complexities of the agribusiness and renewables sectors. By simplifying its operational model, The Andersons aims to strengthen its competitive position and deliver enhanced value to its customers, stakeholders, and shareholders.
