Press Release
Following the General Shareholders’ Meeting held by Syngenta Group on February 14, 2025, the Company is pleased to announce the unanimous election of Alf Barrios as a new independent director. His appointment is effective immediately, and he will also serve on the Board’s Compensation Committee and Audit Committee.
Alf Barrios brings with him an impressive portfolio of experience, boasting over 35 years in the natural resources and energy sectors on a global scale. He concluded his tenure at Rio Tinto, a leading global mining and materials company, at the end of 2024. Throughout his career, Barrios has demonstrated exceptional leadership and operational acumen, making significant contributions to the organizations he has been a part of.
At Rio Tinto, Barrios held several key positions, including Chief Commercial Officer and Chairman for both China and Japan (based in Singapore) starting in 2021. He initially joined Rio Tinto in 2014, taking the reins as the CEO of its global Aluminum business, based in Montreal, Canada. Before his tenure at Rio Tinto, Barrios dedicated 21 years to BP, one of the world’s foremost oil and gas companies, where he ultimately served as Executive Director and Executive Vice President Downstream for TNK-BP, headquartered in Moscow, Russia.
Recognized as an international leader, Barrios has excelled in managing global value chains, production processes, trading, supply and logistics, as well as sales and marketing across diverse regions, including Europe, the Americas, Asia, the Middle East, Russia, Africa, and Australasia. His extensive background in these areas positions him well to contribute to Syngenta Group’s strategic objectives.
Li Fanrong, Chairman of Syngenta Group, expressed enthusiasm regarding Barrios’s appointment, stating, “We are delighted that Alf Barrios is joining our Board. His deep knowledge in managing global value chains will be invaluable to us and will assist Syngenta Group in pursuing our goal of providing agronomic solutions and digital services that farmers require to cultivate healthy food while conserving natural resources and protecting the environment.”
In response to his election, Alf Barrios remarked, “I am delighted to join the Syngenta Group Board of Directors. Syngenta is one of the world’s largest agricultural innovation companies, operating in over 100 countries. I look forward to leveraging my experience in managing complex global businesses to support the Group’s mission.”
As Syngenta Group continues to enhance its role in agricultural innovation, the addition of Alf Barrios to the board underscores the Company’s commitment to bringing diverse expertise and perspectives to its leadership. Barrios’s extensive experience in the energy and natural resources sectors aligns seamlessly with Syngenta’s dedication to sustainable agricultural practices.
The appointment comes at a critical time for Syngenta Group, as it seeks to navigate the evolving landscape of global agriculture while addressing challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and the increasing demand for food security. Barrios’s unique insights into global supply chains and market dynamics will be instrumental in steering the Company through these challenges and ensuring its continued success in delivering value to stakeholders.
As a prominent player in the agricultural sector, Syngenta Group is committed to innovation and sustainability. The Company focuses on providing farmers with cutting-edge agronomic solutions and digital services that enhance productivity while minimizing environmental impact. The addition of Barrios to the board reflects an ongoing commitment to leadership that is well-equipped to address the complexities of the global agricultural market.
With Barrios on board, Syngenta Group anticipates strengthening its strategic initiatives and enhancing its capability to deliver high-impact solutions that meet the needs of farmers and the broader agricultural community. His proven track record of success in leading large, complex organizations will provide invaluable guidance as the Company continues to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing demands of the agricultural industry.
Syngenta Group’s leadership is excited about the prospects that lie ahead with Alf Barrios as part of the team. His appointment is a testament to the Company’s strategy of investing in talent that brings diverse perspectives and deep industry knowledge to the forefront of its operations. As the Company looks to the future, it remains committed to fostering innovation, promoting sustainability, and delivering exceptional value to its customers and partners worldwide.
For more updates and insights into Syngenta Group’s initiatives and developments, we invite you to subscribe to our newsletter. Stay informed about the latest advancements in agricultural technology and solutions that support sustainable farming practices.
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