Bunge Global SA (NYSE: BG) has unveiled the executive leadership team that will steer the combined Bunge and Viterra business post the anticipated transaction closure. Following the previously announced plan, Greg Heckman, Bunge’s current Chief Executive Officer, and John Neppl, Bunge’s Chief Financial Officer, will continue to lead the combined company.
David Mattiske, the CEO of Viterra, will take on the role of Co-Chief Operating Officer (COO) alongside Julio Garros, Bunge’s Co-President of Agribusiness. As Co-COOs, they will jointly oversee the commercial activities of the integrated organization, including commodity value chains, regional structures, Centers of Expertise, and Industrial Operations & Safety.
Greg Heckman, CEO of Bunge, emphasized, “The future combined company will significantly broaden its scope across various crops and countries, providing farmers with enhanced market access and innovative solutions. This move creates the Co-COO positions to ensure focused leadership across multiple commercial and operational streams, optimizing the strengths of both organizations globally as we unify under One Bunge.”
Joining the executive leadership team of the merged entity are Kellie Sears as Chief Human Resources Officer; Joe Podwika as Chief Legal Officer; Robert Wagner as Chief Risk Officer; Pierre Mauger as Chief Transformation Officer; Debra King as Chief Technology Officer; and Robert Coviello as Chief Sustainability Officer and Government Affairs.
These global functional leaders will spearhead the global strategy, concentrating on streamlining processes and systems to better support the business. Regional and local execution will complement this global effort, fostering greater agility across value chains and optimizing combined assets.
Christos Dimopoulos will take on the role of Executive Vice President, Global Markets, partnering with the Co-COOs to drive the commercial strategy and risk deployment. He will also oversee ocean freight, global logistics, research, financial services, central hedge desk, and special risk units. Aaron Buettner will continue to lead Food Solutions, overseeing Bunge’s food go-to-market strategy and collaborating with value chains to expand the business with food customers.
These leadership appointments will take effect upon the transaction’s closure, expected in mid-2024, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
