PORTLAND, OREGON, US — Columbia Grain International (CGI), a global supplier of grains, beans and pulses, has promoted Kurt Haarmann to chief commercial officer and Sergio Hernandez to vice president of operations.

Most recently senior vice president and general manager of the company’s Grain Division, Haarmann will oversee all merchandising, freight and logistics operations in his new role. 

“With 32 years of dedicated service at CGI, Kurt has proven to be an invaluable asset to our team,” CGI said. “Drawing on his extensive experience, Kurt is eager to develop a cohesive program.”

Haarmann has worked in the grain handling and export industry since 1993, when he joined CGI. During his career he has gained experience in the full cycle of procurement, exports sales, execution and operations management. 

In 2014, Haarmann moved to Pacificor, LLC, a CGI joint venture, to become the senior vice president of marketing and wheat product line manager. In 2018, he returned to CGI as senior vice president of the Grain Division.

Hernandez, previously Midwest assistant vice president of business execution for CGI, has 25 years of grain industry experience with a variety of ag commodities. In his new role, he will oversee all grain facilities across the Pacific Northwest, Montana, and North Dakota.

“Sergio’s commitment to excellence, innovative approach to operations, and deep understanding of our business make him the perfect leader to help drive Columbia Grain’s continued growth and success,” CGI said.

Based in Portland, Oregon, CGI is a global leader in the origination, processing, logistics and distribution of high-quality bulk grains, pulses, edible beans, oilseeds and organics for US domestic and worldwide export markets.