FBN has named its fourth CEO to lead the company since its founding. Diego Casanello assumes the role on March 1 after Devin Lammers served as interim CEO for three months following John Vaske’s eight month tenure.
“I’m thrilled and privileged to work with the incredibly talented FBN team and build on FBN’s impressive foundation,” Casanello said in a company statement. “FBN has become a vital partner to tens of thousands of farms. It proves how technologies like ecommerce, fintech, and artificial intelligence can create enormous value for farmers. The opportunity to advance agriculture and farmers’ livelihoods is massive. FBN is at the forefront of this revolution. Together, we’ll continue to push boundaries and empower farmers to achieve even greater success.”
Unlike previous CEOs with technology and finance dominated backgrounds, Casanello’s resume is heavy in the crop protection business.
Casanello brings more than 30 years of leadership experience. He was previously CEO of Arysta Life Science Inc., COO of UPL Ltd., and had international roles with BASF. He joins FBN having most recently been managing partner and CEO of Vidavo Ventures, a venture capital.
As previously reported, FBN’s board had launched a search for the next CEO for the company.
“After a comprehensive search, the board is pleased to have found a leader as exceptionally well-suited to advance our long-term strategy and accelerate growth as Diego,” said Alan Willits, Chair of the Board of Directors. “He has a track record of strong leadership in agribusiness and crop protection, as well as fintech and entrepreneurial environments. This, combined with his international and public company experiences, makes him well-positioned to successfully lead FBN into the future.”
One of the two co-founders of FBN remains at the company, Charles Baron. He offered in company announcement the following: “Diego is extremely well suited to lead FBN and further our mission to put Farmers First. We look forward to Diego joining and helping catalyze the next era of FBN’s growth, powering the prosperity of family farms and rural communities, and making FBN an outstanding place to work.”
