Former Syngenta Executive Takes Key Role in BRANDT Agronomy Business
BRANDT has announced the appointment of Carl Kessler as Vice President of BRANDT Agronomic Services. Effective July 1, Kessler will lead the company’s direct-to-grower retail business in Central Illinois. He succeeds John Allen and will work closely with the BRANDT Executive Team to support business strategy, management, and future growth.
Kessler brings more than two decades of experience in the agriculture industry. Before joining BRANDT, he spent 23 years with Syngenta Crop Protection, where he held several leadership positions. During his career, he managed important sales territories, supervised teams, and contributed to the success of multiple business units.
In his most recent role, Kessler led one of the company’s highest-performing districts in the United States. His responsibilities included key account management, team development, sales leadership, and agronomic training. He also coached employees in strategic planning, negotiation, and customer relationship management.
“We are all ecstatic to welcome Carl to Team BRANDT,” said Rick Brandt, President & CEO of BRANDT. “My dad and aunt started BRANDT as a retail business 73 years ago and that’s still the core of what we do in Central Illinois. We’re looking for Carl to come in and build on that heritage in ways that always keeps us innovating and out front with our farmer customers.”
“I have really enjoyed my time at Syngenta and am proud of the team that I’ve been part of. I’m confident they will continue to build that business,” said Kessler.
He continued, “But I look forward to my future at BRANDT. I’ve known BRANDT—and admired their culture—for more than 25 years as a supplier. Their unmatched reputation is built by over 70 years of trust, integrity and service with local farmers. I’m excited to learn from John Allen and the rest of the team to carry on the tradition as the farmers’ trusted advisor.”
Joining BRANDT also marks a return to Kessler’s retail agriculture roots. Early in his career, he worked at Frontier FS Cooperative, where he served as a crop specialist and plant manager.
As Kessler steps into his new position, John Allen will remain with the company during the transition period. Allen has spent nearly 50 years with BRANDT and played a major role in expanding its agronomic services business.
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