Corteva Inc. has reached a pivotal milestone in its corporate restructuring, announcing the executive leadership teams that will guide its transition into two independent, publicly traded entities.
The separation, which will result in the formation of New Corteva and SpinCo, is expected to be finalized in the fourth quarter of 2026.
New Corteva: A Focus on Crop Protection
Luther “Luke” Kissam has been appointed as the future chief executive officer of New Corteva, the entity that will retain the company’s crop protection portfolio. Kissam is scheduled to join the firm on June 1 as CEO.
Corteva’s Greg Page says the company board of directors selected Kissam following a global search, citing his ability to drive growth through innovation. Page notes that Kissam’s history of leading public companies and delivering market-focused solutions will benefit farmers and shareholders alike, according to a company press release.
Kissam brings a background in both agriculture and specialty chemicals to the new role. He previously served as the chairman and CEO of Albemarle Corporation and held legal and executive positions at Monsanto and Merisant Company.
Joining Kissam at New Corteva in key leadership roles will be:
- Jeff Rudolph, chief financial officer
- Brook Cunningham, chief commercial officer
- Ralph Ford, chief integrated operations officer
- Reza Rasoulpour, chief technology officer
- Jim Alcombright, chief digital and information officer
SpinCo: Advancing Seed and Genetics
The second entity, provisionally named SpinCo, will operate as a standalone seed and genetics company. This business will focus on elite germplasm and cutting-edge biotechnologies, including gene editing and molecular breeding for row crops.
Current Corteva CEO Chuck Magro will transition to the role of SpinCo CEO at the time of formal separation. Magro says SpinCo’s success will be built on technological investments that allow farmers to increase yields in row crops and potentially new markets.
Along with Magro, the leadership team for SpinCo will include:
- David Johnson, chief financial officer
- Judd O’Connor, chief commercial and operations officer
- Sam Eathington, chief technology officer
- Audrey Grimm, chief people officer
- Brian Lutz, chief digital and information officer
- Jennifer Johnson, chief legal officer
