Guru Ramamurthy Named Chief Financial Officer of Bayer’s Crop Science Division
Bayer AG announced today that Guru Ramamurthy will take on the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the company’s Crop Science division, effective July 1, 2025. Ramamurthy will succeed Oliver Rittgen, who has decided to leave Bayer after an impressive 25-year career with the organization to pursue a new professional opportunity outside of the company.
Currently serving as CFO of Bayer US, Ramamurthy brings over two decades of financial leadership experience within Bayer, encompassing a wide range of business segments and global markets. His appointment reflects Bayer’s commitment to strengthening its financial leadership at a pivotal time, as the Crop Science division focuses on innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth to meet the evolving needs of global agriculture.
Throughout his 24-year tenure at Bayer, Ramamurthy has distinguished himself through his ability to lead financial transformations, foster business growth, and implement strategic initiatives across multiple geographies. Since joining the company in 2001, he has held a series of increasingly senior finance roles. These include country and regional CFO positions, as well as leadership roles in Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States. His global experience provides him with a comprehensive understanding of diverse business environments and financial systems.
Prior to his current role as CFO of Bayer US, Ramamurthy served as CFO of Asklepios BioPharmaceutical, Inc. (AskBio), Bayer’s wholly owned and independently operated gene therapy company. During his time at AskBio, he played a critical role in aligning financial strategies with the company’s ambitious research and development goals, helping to drive forward innovations in the field of genetic medicine. Before joining AskBio, he was the Global CFO for Bayer’s Medical Care division, where he was instrumental in refining financial operations and contributing to significant growth and restructuring initiatives.
In his upcoming role as CFO of the Crop Science division, Ramamurthy will be based in St. Louis, Missouri — a key hub for Bayer’s agricultural business. His successor for the Bayer US CFO position will be announced at a later date.
Rodrigo Santos, Member of the Board of Management of Bayer AG and President of the Crop Science Division, expressed strong confidence in Ramamurthy’s appointment. “Guru has a strong track record of enabling business turnarounds and driving transformation through a holistic business perspective,” Santos said. “His ability to shape business strategies that enhance profitability and stimulate growth while consistently delivering measurable results has made him a standout leader. In addition, his talent for building and leading high-performing finance teams, combined with his collaborative and innovative approach to problem-solving, has amplified his impact across the organization. I am personally looking forward to working closely with him to shape the future success of our Crop Science division.”
Santos also highlighted that under Ramamurthy’s financial leadership, Bayer’s Crop Science division would continue its transformation efforts with a focus on sustainability, digital innovation, and enhancing long-term value creation for farmers, shareholders, and society at large.
The announcement of Ramamurthy’s appointment comes as Bayer bids farewell to Oliver Rittgen, a seasoned finance executive who has been instrumental in Bayer’s success over the past two and a half decades. Rittgen began his career at Bayer in 2000 and has since served in several key leadership roles across the organization’s financial operations. Before being appointed as CFO of the Crop Science division in 2024, Rittgen served as CFO for Bayer’s Consumer Health division, where he played an important role in enhancing operational efficiency, leading transformative initiatives, and driving growth strategies. Earlier in his career, he held regional CFO positions and corporate finance leadership roles in Germany, Finland, and Thailand, building a reputation for financial excellence and strategic foresight.
Reflecting on Rittgen’s contributions, Santos shared his appreciation and gratitude: “Oliver has successfully driven business performance and transformation across several of Bayer’s divisions. He has consistently demonstrated a commitment not just to achieving financial targets, but also to building strong, resilient teams and nurturing leadership talent within the organization. His innovative and entrepreneurial thinking has been vital in further developing the financial operations of our businesses. On behalf of Bayer, I would like to sincerely thank Oliver for his outstanding contributions and wish him all the best as he embarks on the next chapter of his career.”
This leadership transition comes at a critical time for Bayer’s Crop Science division, which is navigating a dynamic market landscape characterized by evolving customer needs, technological innovation, and global sustainability challenges. The division continues to invest heavily in cutting-edge technologies such as digital farming platforms, biotechnology advancements, and innovative crop protection solutions. With a new financial leader at the helm, Bayer aims to strengthen its competitive position while delivering long-term, sustainable growth.
Guru Ramamurthy’s extensive experience managing finance functions across complex, multinational organizations positions him well to support Bayer’s goals. His appointment underscores Bayer’s strategy of promoting experienced, visionary leaders who have a deep understanding of both the company’s operations and the broader industry landscape.
Looking ahead, Ramamurthy’s leadership will be essential as Bayer’s Crop Science division seeks to fulfill its mission of “Health for all, hunger for none” by delivering innovative agricultural solutions that increase productivity, support climate resilience, and foster food security worldwide.
The financial community, as well as Bayer’s global stakeholders, will be watching closely as Ramamurthy steps into his new role and leads the Crop Science division through its next phase of growth and transformation.
