American Vanguard® Corporation (AVD), a leader in crop protection, nutrition, turf and ornamental management, and commercial pest control, has announced the appointment of Douglas A. (“Dak”) Kaye, III as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective December 9, 2024.The decision, unanimously approved by the company’s Board of Directors, signals a bold step forward in the company’s ongoing business transformation and growth strategy.

A Visionary Leader for a Transformative Era

Dak Kaye brings over 13 years of senior leadership experience from Albaugh, LLC, one of the world’s top ten crop protection companies. Most recently, he served as President, North America, overseeing operations in the company’s largest regional market. Previously, he held the role of Group Chief Commercial Officer, managing global activities across North America, Europe, Brazil, Argentina, and Latin America. His seven-year tenure as President of the European Region also highlights his exceptional global agricultural expertise.

In addition to his time at Albaugh, Mr. Kaye has held prominent leadership roles in other industries, including serving as CFO and Director at a subsidiary of Adama, a leading crop protection company, and as Co-CEO at an international automotive logistics organization. A graduate of Auburn University, he holds both a Master of Accountancy and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Recently, Mr. Kaye was elected to the Executive Board of CropLife America (CLA), further cementing his reputation as a visionary leader in the agricultural industry.

A Bold Transformation for American Vanguard

With Mr. Kaye’s appointment, American Vanguard is preparing to enter a new phase of growth and innovation. The company has set ambitious goals, including achieving an adjusted EBITDA margin of 15%. Mr. Kaye’s global experience, strategic vision, and proven leadership in driving business transformations are expected to be instrumental in achieving these objectives.

“We are excited to welcome Dak to American Vanguard,” said Scott Baskin, Lead Director of the Board. “His appointment is the result of a comprehensive search process that attracted many outstanding candidates. Dak is the right executive to drive the Company to achieve its transformation goals and strategically position it for future growth.”

Mr. Baskin also expressed gratitude to the members of the Office of CEO (OCEO), who have led the company since July 2024, for their dedication and leadership during the transition period.

Dak Kaye’s Vision for the Future

In his first statement as incoming CEO, Dak Kaye shared his enthusiasm for leading American Vanguard into its next chapter:
“I am grateful to be named American Vanguard’s Chief Executive Officer at this important point in the Company’s history. I have admired American Vanguard for many years as a trusted provider of solutions with strong customer relationships. I’m confident we can accelerate the transformation underway, driving revenue growth and margin improvement. I look forward to leading the team to success!”

Looking Ahead

Mr. Kaye will officially assume his role at American Vanguard’s global headquarters on January 6, 2025. With his deep expertise in agriculture, financial acumen, and global leadership experience, the company is poised for a transformative era of innovation and growth.

Stay tuned as American Vanguard, under Dak Kaye’s leadership, continues to shape the future of sustainable and effective agricultural solutions.

Source – Amavac