Basel, Switzerland: Syngenta has announced the establishment of a new position, head of key accounts, and the appointment of a new district sales manager for its Professional Solutions business.

The roles will allow Syngenta to strengthen its commitment to the turf, ornamental and pest management industries to best serve customers and distributor partners in the United States with their agronomic needs.

Todd Loecke has been appointed to the newly created role of Head of Key Accounts, managing six key account managers across the turf, ornamentals, professional pest management and consumer businesses.

After graduating from Iowa State University with a bachelor of science in agricultural studies, Loecke started his career in 1991 with a Syngenta legacy company as a crop protection territory manager. He began supporting Syngenta Professional Solutions in 1998 as a territory manager.

In 2007, Loecke became the Midwest district sales manager for turf and ornamentals, a position he held until he began his new role this year.

“For over 15 years, Todd has demonstrated his leadership skills and passion for our industry. His experience and excellent communication skills have gained the respect of his team, our customers and industry partners,” Dave Ravel, Head of Sales for Syngenta Professional Solutions, was quoted as saying by Golf Course Industry News.

“With his guidance, I am excited to see our key accounts team flourish and further provide the value and support our customers expect,” added Ravel.

With the addition of this new position, Syngenta has now added three new key account manager positions since early 2022 with previous roles being filled by Jason Whitecliffe and Gracee Hendrix. The new and current key account managers will focus on the growth of the Professional Solutions businesses in key markets.

Troy Rippy has been appointed the new Midwest district sales manager within the turf and ornamentals businesses. He will be leading a team of nine territory managers covering the central region of the United States.

Rippy is a graduate of Trine University where he received his bachelor of science in marketing. Prior to joining Syngenta, he served as a golf course superintendent at Eagle Glen Golf Course and worked with Simplot as a distributor sales representative.

Since joining Syngenta in 2006 as a territory manager in Indiana and northwest Ohio, Rippy has established a strong track record of customer focus and vast industry experience.

Ravel said: “With Troy’s previous experience as a superintendent, distributor sales representative and Syngenta territory manager, we’re excited to elevate him into this new role.

“We’re confident his robust experience and strong customer relationships will be a great foundation for him as the Midwest district sales manager.”

Syngenta is an Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.