Bunge and Viterra announce new executive leadership after merger

Bunge Global SA has announced the executive leadership team that will lead the new organization resulting from the merger with Viterra. The transaction is expected to close in mid-2024, subject to regulatory approval and other customary conditions.

Bunge CEO Greg Heckman will remain in charge as executive director, alongside John Neppl, the company's current financial director. A new feature in the leadership structure is the introduction of the positions of co-chief operating officers (Co-COOs), which will be occupied by David Mattiske, current CEO of Viterra, and Julio Garros, co-president of agribusiness at Bunge. Together, they will oversee the commercial activities of the future combined organization, including commodity value chains, regional and country structures, centers of expertise, and industrial operations and security.

"The future combined company will expand its reach to more crops and countries, offering farmers greater market access and differentiated, bundled solutions across all major origins. Food, feed and fuel customers will benefit from a broader product portfolio and expanded global sourcing options,” commented Greg Heckman.

The executive leadership team will also include Kellie Sears as chief human resources officer; Joe Podwika, legal director; Robert Wagner, chief risk officer; Pierre Mauger, director of transformation; Debra King, chief technology officer; and Robert Coviello, director of sustainability and government affairs.

According to the company's statement, they will define strategies on a global scale, focusing on the rationalization and standardization of processes and systems to more effectively support the business. This global initiative will be complemented by regional and local execution.

Other commercial leaders of the future organization named in the release include Christos Dimopoulos, who will take on the new role of executive vice president of global markets. He will work in partnership with the Co-COOs to drive commercial strategy and risk allocation, while also being directly responsible for ocean freight, global logistics, research, financial services, central hedge desk and special risk units.

Aaron Buettner will continue to lead "food solutions", covering the value chain of tropical oils, specialty oils, food proteins, lecithin and corn milling, responsible for leading Bunge's food market strategy, working closely with the chains of value to expand business with customers in the food sector.