Jean-Charles Ganas, chief operating officer of Harris Moran Seed Company, has been promoted to a position within the parent company of Harris Moran and will soon vacate his Modesto post.

Ganas will become chief executive officer of the commercial vegetable division of Groupe Limagrain. He will be based in Chappes, France.

Ganas came to Harris Moran 2 ½ years ago to oversee the merger of Ferry-Morse Seed Company and Harris Moran. During his tenure, he successfully blended two separate corporate cultures into one focused company. Though sales have climbed during his watch, it is the successful transition of the merger that will become his legacy at Harris Moran.

"We have come a long way since the merger days," says Ganas. "Our breeding programs, our seed production, and our sales department have coalesced into one team. I have our people to thank for that. Together, we have created a solid foundation, upon which I'm confident Harris Moran will continue to grow."

Ganas' successor will be Bruno Carette, who is currently CEO/President of Limagrain Genetics Corp. (U.S.) and Limagrain Genetics, Inc. (Canada), based in Peoria, Illinois. Like Ganas, he is an agronomist by training. He has been with the Field Seed Division since 1994, serving as vice president of marketing/sales for Biotechnica/LG Seeds for two years, then as its COO/President, until 1997. Between 1988 and 1993, he worked for Vilmorin, another Groupe Limagrain company, initially managing offshore production activities until 1990, when he became vice president of production.

"I welcome the opportunity to guide Harris Moran into its next phase," says Carette. "In the two short years since the merger, a vibrant and innovative company has sprung to life. I look forward to harnessing its energy and potential."

Carette takes over as COO the first week in January.

Company news release
N2385