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People

Alzbeta Klein will become the new director general (DG) of the International Fertilizer Association (IFA) on 11th January 2021. She succeeds Charlotte Hebebrand who resigned in May to become Nutrien’s chief sustainability officer and executive vice president (EVP) for stakeholder relations. Patrick Heffer is currently acting as IFA’s interim DG.

Ms Klein brings significant experience of global finance, sustainability and emerging markets to IFA, including executive roles at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of World Bank Group. Following several years at Export Development Canada, Alzbeta went on to enjoy a successful career at World Bank Group, making rapid progress after joining in 1997. Her roles, both at Washington DC headquarters and overseas, have included: chief of staff to the CEO of IFC; global co-head of industrials and agribusiness; and global head of climate business. She has served on the corporate boards of leading agribusiness companies, including South African-headquartered Hans Merensky Holdings and Argentina’s Grupo Los Grobo, and on advisory boards of Nespresso and the New York University Stern School of Business.

A citizen of Canada and Slovakia, Ms Klein is a chartered financial analyst who has worked in emerging markets throughout her career. She holds an engineering degree from Prague University and a master’s degree in economics from the University of Ottawa. Alzbeta completed her executive education at Harvard Business School and INSEAD.

“We are delighted to welcome Ms Klein”, said IFA chairman, Mostafa Terrab. “We are convinced that her breadth of knowledge, as well as her global expertise in finance, sustainability and emerging markets, together with her proven leadership skills, will serve the industry well.”

IFA’s board of directors also took the opportunity to thank Patrick Heffer for stepping in as interim DG, praising him for his proficient management and for ensuring operational continuity.

Sam Bell became the new chair of the Fertiliser Executive Committee of the UK’s Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) at the end of October. She is CF Industries’ UK commercial director.

Jo Gilbertson, AIC’s fertilizer sector head, said: “Sam’s appointment comes at a critical time for the sector and we are delighted that she has accepted the role. I am confident that Sam will build on the excellent work that Peter Scott, technical director, Origin Fertilisers, has driven over the last two years.”

Steering the UK fertilizer sector along the right path, post-Brexit, will be one of Sam’s main objectives. She said: “Significant change is on the horizon and we need to respond with creativity, diligence and energy to provide solutions to achieve a productive, sustainable future for UK agriculture.”

Julie Scheck Freigang has joined CF Industries as vice president and chief information officer. She will be responsible for the company’s global technology strategy, information technology operations and cybersecurity.

“Julie’s strong track record as an information leader building progressive and innovative solutions will serve CF well in the years ahead,” said Tony Will, CF’s president and CEO. “We look forward to her insight and guidance as we continue to grow our technology capabilities to support the CF team and better serve our customers.”

Prior to joining CF, Ms Freigang was vice president and chief information officer at Franklin Electric. She has also served previously in leadership roles at Eaton. Julie holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Valparaiso University.

Jeff Ivan has joined Soilgenic Nutrients, a subsidiary of ESG Global Impact Capital, as CEO. He was previously international sales director at AGI Fertilizer Systems, and H J Baker’s marketing and business director prior to that.

David Berg, ESG’s CEO, said: “Jeff Ivan’s experience and knowledge of the global fertilizer industry and distribution network, combined with his deep understanding of the growing demand for sustainable fertilizer alternatives will be instrumental in the future development of Soilgenic Nutrients. In addition, Mr Ivan’s career in the agtech industry has provided him with exposure to a large international network of fledgling sustainable fertilizer companies. We believe as their partner, we have the potential to be an industry disrupter by sustainably impacting crop yields and quality by addressing nutrient imbalances.”