SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, US — Brett Morris has been named managing director of Cavallo Ventures, the venture capital arm of Wilbur-Ellis.

In his new role, Morris will be responsible for evaluating and developing technology investment opportunities for the business divisions of Wilbur-Ellis, an international marketer, distributor and manufacturer of agricultural products, animal nutrition and specialty chemicals and ingredients.

“Brett will help us identify early-stage investment opportunities, as well as managing these relationships, evaluating the valuation of investment opportunities and negotiating investment parameters and deal structures,” said Mike Wilbur, chief executive officer and president of Cavallo Ventures. “It’s a big job, but with his deep experience in developing opportunities, he’s perfectly suited for Cavallo Ventures.”

Morris’ experience includes executing investments across ag, animal health and nutrition industries. He also has experience helping develop and operate an ag biotechnology startup and an animal health product development company, as well as structuring, negotiating and executing commercial licenses, joint ventures, new company spinouts and acquisitions.

Morris joins Cavallo Ventures from TechAccel, LLC in the Kansas City, Kansas, US, where he was vice president and director of investments. Prior to TechAccel, he worked in corporate development and strategy for Lansing Trade Group.