John Sorenson, who led Syngenta’s successful acquisition of Garst® Seed Co. and Golden Harvest® Seeds, as Global Head of Syngenta’s corn and soybean business, has been named head of Syngenta’s biotechnology business. Jeffrey Cox, formerly Global Head of Diverse Field Crops for Syngenta, will succeed Sorenson as Global Head of Corn and Soybean Seed.

“With the successful acquisitions of Garst and Golden Harvest led by John and his team, Syngenta has built a seeds platform which offers growers more choice than ever,” said Michael Mack, Syngenta Chief Operating Officer, Seeds. “Now he will lead the next phase of our strategy, which is to fully leverage this enhanced platform and deliver a complete and competitive traits pipeline in corn and soybeans, as well as biopharma and enzymes.”

Sorenson, who has headed the Syngenta corn and soybean seed business since 2003, will lead crop genetics, biotechnology regulatory affairs and plant science development.

Cox will assume leadership of Syngenta Global Corn and Soybean Seeds September 1. “Jeff has a demonstrated track record of leading high performance teams and delivering results,” said Mack.

Cox has more than 20 years of agribusiness experience across a range of global markets in both seeds and crop protection products, most recently heading the Syngenta sugar beets, oilseeds and cereals seed business. “Our customer is at the center of the Syngenta strategy,” said Cox, “and through Garst, Golden Harvest and NK® Brand, we provide a clear product choice for corn and soybean growers that delivers the best value on the market.”

In July, when it announced its half-year financial results, Syngenta credited the successful acquisition and integration of Garst and Golden Harvest into its seeds business as a key contributor to its 14 percent increase in sales over the same period last year.

Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative research and technology. The company is a leader in crop protection, and ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in 2004 were approximately $7.3 billion. Syngenta employs some 19,000 people in over 90 countries. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in New York (SYT).