New General Counsel appointment reinforces Green Plains’ governance and long-term strategy
Green Plains Inc. a leading producer of low-carbon fuels and high-protein feed ingredients, has announced the appointment of Ryan Loneman as General Counsel and Secretary, effective January 26, 2026. The appointment marks a significant leadership addition as the company continues to advance its long-term strategic initiatives, strengthen governance practices, and navigate an increasingly complex regulatory and business environment.
In his new role, Loneman will oversee Green Plains’ global legal function and serve as a trusted advisor to the company’s executive leadership team and Board of Directors. His responsibilities will span a wide range of legal and strategic areas, including corporate governance, compliance, mergers and acquisitions, securities law, risk management, and regulatory affairs. As General Counsel and Secretary, Loneman will also play a central role in supporting Green Plains’ transformation strategy, which focuses on innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainability across its asset base.
Chris Osowski, President and Chief Executive Officer of Green Plains, highlighted the importance of the appointment and Loneman’s background in corporate leadership.
“Ryan brings a wealth of legal experience and a strategic perspective that will be invaluable to Green Plains,” Osowski said. “His expertise in corporate governance, compliance, and complex transactions positions him well to support our long-term growth strategy. As we continue to evolve our business and pursue opportunities that create value for our shareholders, Ryan’s leadership will be instrumental in ensuring we operate with integrity, discipline, and strong governance.”
Loneman joins Green Plains from Lindsay Corporation, a global leader in irrigation and infrastructure solutions, where he held a series of increasingly senior legal roles after joining the company in 2016. Most recently, he served as Vice President – Legal, where he was responsible for overseeing legal affairs across multiple jurisdictions, advising on strategic transactions, and supporting executive leadership on corporate governance and compliance matters. During his tenure at Lindsay, Loneman played a key role in managing legal risk, supporting business expansion initiatives, and strengthening internal governance frameworks.
Before his time at Lindsay Corporation, Loneman served as Vice President and General Counsel at Signal Security, an international security services franchisor with operations across the United States and abroad. In that role, he led the company’s legal and compliance efforts, advised on franchise law matters, managed litigation and regulatory issues, and supported growth initiatives within a highly regulated industry. His experience working with franchise systems and international operations provided him with a strong foundation in managing legal complexity while aligning legal strategy with business objectives.
Earlier in his career, Loneman practiced law at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, one of the world’s largest and most respected law firms. At Kirkland & Ellis, he worked on a wide range of corporate matters, including mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, and corporate governance issues. His time at the firm exposed him to sophisticated transactions and high-stakes legal environments, helping to shape the analytical and strategic approach he brings to in-house leadership roles.
A Nebraska-licensed attorney, Loneman holds a Juris Doctor, with distinction, from Stanford Law School, one of the nation’s top-ranked legal institutions. While at Stanford, he developed a strong academic foundation in corporate law, governance, and regulatory policy. He also earned an undergraduate degree in Finance and Philosophy from Creighton University, a combination that reflects both his analytical capabilities and his thoughtful approach to ethical decision-making in business. In addition, Loneman is a 2019 Leadership Omaha graduate, demonstrating his commitment to community engagement and leadership development.
Loneman’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Green Plains as the company continues to execute its strategic vision of becoming a leading producer of low-carbon, high-value agricultural and energy products. Over recent years, Green Plains has focused on optimizing its ethanol production platform, expanding its high-protein feed ingredient portfolio, and investing in technologies that reduce carbon intensity and improve sustainability outcomes. These efforts require careful navigation of regulatory frameworks, evolving environmental standards, and complex commercial agreements—areas where strong legal leadership is essential.
As General Counsel and Secretary, Loneman is expected to work closely with Green Plains’ executive team to support strategic transactions, ensure compliance with securities and regulatory requirements, and maintain best-in-class corporate governance practices. His role will also include advising the Board of Directors on governance matters, overseeing corporate records, and supporting transparent communication with shareholders and stakeholders.
Green Plains has emphasized the importance of aligning legal strategy with business goals, particularly as the company explores new markets, partnerships, and technologies. Loneman’s background in both public company governance and operational legal leadership positions him well to help the company manage risk while pursuing growth opportunities. His experience across industries—including agriculture, infrastructure, security services, and private equity transactions—adds a diverse perspective to Green Plains’ leadership team.
Industry observers note that the role of General Counsel has become increasingly strategic in recent years, particularly for companies operating in regulated sectors such as energy and agriculture. Beyond traditional legal responsibilities, today’s general counsels are often deeply involved in shaping corporate strategy, advising on ESG initiatives, and guiding organizations through regulatory change. Loneman’s appointment reflects Green Plains’ recognition of this evolving role and its commitment to building a leadership team capable of supporting long-term value creation.
With Loneman stepping into the role in January 2026, Green Plains aims to ensure continuity, strong governance, and disciplined execution as it moves forward with its growth and sustainability objectives. The company believes his legal expertise, leadership experience, and strategic mindset will contribute meaningfully to its mission of delivering innovative, sustainable solutions for the agriculture and energy markets.
As Green Plains continues to position itself at the intersection of renewable energy, agriculture, and advanced processing technologies, the addition of Ryan Loneman as General Counsel and Secretary underscores the company’s focus on strong leadership, responsible governance, and thoughtful execution in an increasingly dynamic global landscape.
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