Bayer Announces Mike Graham as Global Head of Research and Development

Bayer announced on Monday (24) that Mike Graham will be the new global head of Research and Development (R&D) for its agricultural division Crop Science. Graham will replace Robert Reiter, who has decided to retire after 27 years with the company and 34 years in the agricultural sector. The change will take place on April 15, 2025.

Graham currently leads Bayer’s global plant breeding organization. He has extensive experience in agricultural research and technology development for the production sector.

Reiter has been in charge of R&D for the Crop Science division since 2018. During his tenure, he coordinated the development of important technologies, including the herbicide Icafolin and the Preceon Smart Corn system.

Robert Reiter began his career at Bayer in 1998. Over the course of nearly three decades, he held strategic positions in the area of ​​research and innovation. He distinguished himself by developing advanced genetic selection methods in plants and contributed to consolidating Bayer's global leadership in seeds and agricultural biotechnology.

Bayer’s global president of Crop Science, Rodrigo Santos, highlighted the importance of Reiter’s work. “Bob was a strong advocate for agricultural innovation. He directly contributed to farmers being able to produce more food with fewer natural resources,” said Santos. “His absence will be felt not only in the R&D area, but by all colleagues around the world,” he added.

During the transition period, Reiter will remain active in the company, supporting Graham through the change in leadership process.

Mike Graham joined Bayer in 1996. Since then, he has built a solid career within the company. He has worked directly on the development of seeds and advanced agricultural technologies. Under his leadership in the area of ​​genetic improvement, the company has invested in new technical and digital methodologies.

Graham will work directly from St. Louis, USA. The name of his successor as head of the Plant Breeding business will be announced at a later date by Bayer.