John Nelsen, executive vice president and general manager of the RiceTec Seed Business Unit since 1999, has been named president and chief executive officer of RiceTec Inc., replacing Fred Fuller, who retired on June 1.

Prior to joining RiceTec, Nelsen was employed by Asgrow Seed Co. for 27 years, where he held positions as strategic planner and business analyst for Monsanto Global Seed Group, general manager for U.S. and Canada seed businesses for Asgrow, and vice president of global oil seed business for Asgrow.

A native of Iowa, Nelsen earned a bachelor's degree in business management and administration from Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, Mo.

RiceTec Inc. is an integrated rice company specializing in the breeding, development, production and marketing of high-value rice products. Headquartered in Alvin, Texas, the company operates the primary rice research center for RiceTec AG, an international rice technology venture. RiceTec Inc. is the first company to commercialize hybrid rice seed in the United States and is a leading producer, miller and marketer of specialty consumer rice products sold in more than 20,000 supermarkets in North America. The company has 180 employees.