AgTech Enko Chem, a Leading AgTech Innovator, Announces CEO Transition
Enko Chem, Inc., a leading agricultural technology company specializing in AI-driven and sustainable crop protection solutions, has announced a significant leadership transition. Anthony Klemm has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective March 3, 2025. He succeeds Jacqueline Heard, who has served as Enko’s CEO since its founding in 2017. Heard will remain an advisor to the company, ensuring a seamless transition and continued strategic growth.
A Leadership Transition Marking a New Chapter
The appointment of Klemm marks a pivotal moment for Enko Chem as the company continues its mission of revolutionizing crop protection through innovative and sustainable technologies. With over 30 years of experience in agricultural biotechnology, Klemm brings a wealth of expertise in business strategy, innovation, and market expansion.
Most recently, Klemm served as Vice President of Global Business Development and Licensing at Corteva Agriscience, where he played a crucial role in shaping the strategic growth of the Seeds Business Unit. His extensive career also includes leadership roles at Dow AgroSciences and DowDuPont, where he contributed to major advancements in agricultural research and business development. Additionally, Klemm has been actively involved in the industry, having served as a board member of Crop Life International and the National FFA Foundation Sponsor’s Board.
Industry Leaders Welcome Klemm’s Appointment
The transition has been met with enthusiasm by industry leaders and Enko’s board members, who believe Klemm’s leadership will drive Enko’s next phase of growth.
Tim Hassinger, Enko’s Board Chair, expressed gratitude to Heard for her leadership and vision in establishing Enko as a global leader in crop protection innovation:
For Klemm, the opportunity to lead Enko represents a unique moment to propel the company into a new era of accelerated discovery and commercialization.
Jacqueline Heard’s Legacy and Continued Influence
Since founding Enko in 2017, Heard has transformed the company from an early-stage startup into a globally recognized agricultural research powerhouse. Under her leadership, Enko has established multiple significant global research collaborations, developed innovative technologies, and built a strong foundation for continued growth.
Reflecting on her tenure, Heard expressed immense pride in Enko’s achievements and optimism for the company’s future under Klemm’s leadership:
Enko’s Future: Advancing AI-Driven Crop Protection
As Enko enters this next chapter, the company remains committed to driving breakthrough discoveries in sustainable agriculture. Enko’s proprietary ENKOMPASS™ platform utilizes cutting-edge artificial intelligence and machine learning to identify novel crop protection solutions that address some of the most pressing challenges in modern farming. These challenges include resistance management, environmental sustainability, and ensuring food security for a growing global population.
With Klemm at the helm, Enko is poised to:
- Accelerate commercialization efforts to bring innovative crop protection products to market more efficiently.
- Strengthen strategic partnerships with industry leaders, research institutions, and farmers worldwide.
- Enhance AI-driven discovery capabilities to develop more effective, sustainable, and scalable agricultural solutions.
- Expand global reach to ensure farmers in diverse regions have access to cutting-edge crop protection technologies.
