Following its General Shareholders’ Meeting on February 14, 2025, Syngenta Group has officially announced the appointment of Alf Barrios as a new independent director on its Board of Directors. His election was unanimous, and he has also been assigned key roles within the Board’s Compensation Committee and Audit Committee. Barrios’ appointment is effective immediately, marking a significant addition to the company’s leadership team as it continues its strategic global expansion and commitment to sustainable agriculture.
A Distinguished Global Leader Joins Syngenta
Alf Barrios brings with him an extensive and distinguished career spanning more than 35 years in the natural resources and energy sectors. His vast expertise in managing global value chains and international business operations will be instrumental in guiding Syngenta Group’s future initiatives. As one of the most respected professionals in his field, Barrios’ appointment underscores Syngenta Group’s dedication to strengthening its leadership with experienced and knowledgeable executives who can drive sustainable growth and innovation.
Barrios recently retired from Rio Tinto, a leading multinational mining and materials company, where he served in several high-profile positions. From 2021, he held the roles of Chief Commercial Officer, China Chair, and Japan Chairman based in Singapore. His tenure at Rio Tinto began in 2014 when he took on the role of CEO of the company’s global Aluminum business, headquartered in Montreal, Canada. Before his time at Rio Tinto, he spent 21 years at BP, a globally recognized oil and gas company. His final role at BP was as Executive Director and EVP Downstream for TNK-BP in Moscow, Russia, where he was responsible for overseeing downstream operations and managing one of the world’s largest vertically integrated oil and gas businesses.
Strengthening Syngenta Group’s Leadership in Sustainable Agriculture
As an independent director on Syngenta Group’s Board, Barrios is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the company’s future, particularly in enhancing its approach to sustainable agricultural solutions. His expertise in managing production, trading, supply and logistics, and sales and marketing across multiple continents—including Europe, the Americas, Asia, the Middle East, Russia, Africa, and Australasia—positions him as a valuable asset in expanding Syngenta’s global footprint.
Commenting on the appointment, Syngenta Group Chairman Li Fanrong stated: “We are delighted that Alf Barrios is joining our Board. His deep knowledge in managing global value chains will be invaluable to us and help Syngenta Group pursue our goal of providing agronomic solutions and digital services that farmers need to grow healthy food while conserving natural resources and protecting the environment.”
Li Fanrong’s endorsement highlights the importance of Barrios’ experience in leading multinational companies and navigating the complexities of global supply chains. His ability to integrate innovative solutions with operational excellence will support Syngenta’s long-term vision of advancing sustainable agriculture through cutting-edge technology and environmentally conscious practices.
Alf Barrios’ Perspective on Joining Syngenta Group
Expressing his enthusiasm for his new role, Alf Barrios shared his thoughts on joining Syngenta Group’s Board: “I am delighted to join the Syngenta Group Board of Directors. Syngenta is one of the world’s biggest agricultural innovation companies, operating in more than 100 countries. I am especially looking forward to supporting the Group with my background in managing complex global businesses.”
Barrios’ statement underscores his commitment to leveraging his vast experience to drive Syngenta’s growth while ensuring operational efficiency and sustainability. His leadership will be instrumental in reinforcing Syngenta’s mission of delivering agricultural innovations that help farmers address challenges such as climate change, soil degradation, and food security.
The Growing Importance of Independent Directors in Agribusiness
The appointment of Alf Barrios as an independent director is part of a broader trend among leading agribusinesses to bring in diverse leadership perspectives that can address the evolving challenges of global agriculture. Independent directors play a critical role in ensuring transparency, governance, and strategic oversight. Their expertise provides invaluable guidance in shaping corporate policies, risk management, and long-term sustainability initiatives.
With a rapidly changing agricultural landscape driven by technological advancements, shifting regulatory requirements, and increasing consumer demand for sustainable food production, Syngenta Group’s decision to strengthen its Board with industry veterans like Barrios is a strategic move. His background in leading complex international operations and supply chains will help Syngenta navigate these changes while ensuring profitability and sustainability.
Syngenta Group’s Commitment to Innovation and Sustainability
Syngenta Group has long been recognized for its commitment to agricultural innovation and sustainability. The company continues to invest in cutting-edge research and development to create solutions that improve crop yields, reduce environmental impact, and enhance food security worldwide. With a presence in over 100 countries, Syngenta plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of global agriculture through advanced biotechnology, crop protection, and digital farming solutions.
Barrios’ appointment aligns with Syngenta’s ongoing efforts to enhance its leadership team with professionals who have a track record of managing complex, global enterprises. His expertise in supply chain management and commercial strategy will be vital as Syngenta expands its initiatives in regenerative agriculture, precision farming, and climate-resilient crop solutions.
Looking Ahead: What Alf Barrios’ Appointment Means for Syngenta
As Syngenta Group continues to grow, the addition of Alf Barrios to its Board signals the company’s commitment to strengthening its governance, global reach, and strategic planning. His extensive background in international business, supply chain management, and commercial operations will provide valuable insights into optimizing Syngenta’s market position while driving long-term sustainable growth.
Barrios’ leadership will help Syngenta refine its strategies in areas such as digital agriculture, smart farming technologies, and environmentally sustainable practices. His experience working across diverse markets will contribute to Syngenta’s ability to tailor its solutions to different regions, ensuring that farmers worldwide have access to innovative, science-based agronomic tools that enhance productivity and sustainability.
With the appointment of Alf Barrios, Syngenta Group reinforces its position as a global leader in agricultural innovation, dedicated to delivering sustainable solutions that benefit farmers, consumers, and the planet. His wealth of experience will undoubtedly play a key role in shaping the company’s future as it continues to drive progress in the agricultural sector.
