DES MOINES, IOWA, U.S. — Pioneer Hi-Bred announced on March 22 two new leadership positions.

Alejandro Munoz was named vice-president, Americas Group and Global Production, with commercial business responsibility for the U.S., Canada and Latin America regions. In addition, Munoz also will have global responsibility for seed production and safety/risk management. He reports to Paul E. Schickler, president, Pioneer.


Judd O'Connor was named vice-president, regional director for the U.S. region. He will be responsible for Pioneer operations within the six business units in the U.S. and PROaccessSM Genetics, focusing on providing leading-edge seed genetics and services to growers on a targeted, local basis.

“These leadership announcements are consistent with our long-held principle of positioning Pioneer closer to the customer to anticipate needs and market demands,” said Schickler. “The operations that Munoz and O'Connor lead are composed of smaller, cross-functional teams with clear objectives and accountability for decision-making and for specific local needs. This creates faster decision-making and more nimble teams to serve customers still better.”

Munoz and O'Connor will continue to be based in Johnston, Iowa, U.S.