Leadership transition aims to drive growth and strengthen ADAMA's global position
ADAMA Ltd., a global crop protection company, has announced major leadership changes as it prepares for its next phase of growth and development. The company has appointed Dr. Zhigang Hao as its new President and Chief Executive Officer and Sammy Leibowitz as its new Chief Financial Officer.
The appointments are part of ADAMA's ongoing efforts to strengthen its leadership team and support long-term business growth. Dr. Hao will officially assume the role of President and CEO on November 1, 2026, while Leibowitz will take over as CFO on October 1, 2026.
Dr. Hao succeeds Gaël Hili, who has led ADAMA through an important period of progress and transformation. Hili will move into a new position within the Syngenta Group, where he will serve as President of Seeds. In this role, he will oversee a combined seeds portfolio that includes field crops and vegetable seeds. He will also remain closely connected to ADAMA by serving as Chairman of the company's boards and continuing to support its long-term strategy.
Dr. Hao joins ADAMA with extensive international business experience. He currently serves as CEO of Adisseo, a global company specializing in specialty chemicals and animal nutrition. Throughout his career, he has held leadership roles focused on business operations, transformation, governance, and growth across multiple global markets.
His experience in managing complex organizations and leading business improvements is expected to help ADAMA continue building a stronger and more competitive global business. As he takes on his new role, Dr. Hao will relocate from France to Israel, where ADAMA is headquartered.
Sammy Leibowitz also brings significant experience and familiarity with the company. He currently serves as Global Head of Performance Acceleration at Syngenta Group and has previously spent more than 13 years in senior leadership positions at ADAMA.
"Over the past two years, ADAMA has made important progress, strengthening the foundations of the business and establishing a clear strategy for sustainable, profitable growth. I would like to thank Gaël for his leadership, dedication and commitment to ADAMA and its people, and I am pleased that he will remain closely connected to the company as Chairman of the Boards,” said Hengde Qin, CEO of Syngenta Group.
During his earlier years with the company, Leibowitz held important roles in finance, strategy, and corporate development. He played a key role in supporting ADAMA's transformation initiatives and business planning efforts. His return is expected to provide continuity and strategic insight as the company advances its growth plans.
Leibowitz succeeds Efrat Nagar, who will leave the company after more than two decades of service. During her 22 years at ADAMA, Nagar held several senior finance leadership positions and served on the Global ADAMA Leadership Team. She spent the last three and a half years as Chief Financial Officer and helped guide the company's financial strategy through a period of change and development.
The leadership changes have received strong support from Syngenta Group leadership. Company executives highlighted the progress ADAMA has made in recent years, including strengthening its business foundations and creating a clear path toward sustainable and profitable growth.
They also noted that the combined experience of Dr. Hao and Leibowitz will help ADAMA continue executing its strategy while responding to the evolving needs of farmers, customers, and agricultural markets around the world.
"I am excited to join ADAMA and build on the company's strong foundations and position in global agriculture. ADAMA is supported by talented people and deep expertise across the organization. Together with the Global ADAMA Leadership Team and our colleagues around the world, I look forward to further strengthening the company's performance, serving farmers and customers, and realizing the many opportunities ahead," said Dr. Hao.
As agriculture continues to face challenges related to productivity, sustainability, and food security, ADAMA remains focused on providing crop protection solutions that help farmers improve yields and protect their crops. The company believes its new leadership team will play an important role in supporting innovation, strengthening customer relationships, and delivering long-term value.
With experienced leaders at the helm and a clear strategic direction, ADAMA is positioning itself for continued success in the global agricultural industry. The appointments of Dr. Zhigang Hao and Sammy Leibowitz mark a significant step forward as the company works to build on recent achievements and pursue future growth opportunities.
Photo caption: Sammy Leibowitz (l) and Dr. Zhigang Hao
Photo Credit: ADAMA