Interview With Christina Coen, Chief Technology and Transformation Officer, and Head of Sustainability at UPL Corp

Christina Coen serves as the Chief Technology and Transformation Officer, and Head of Sustainability at UPL Corp, where she leads a multi-billion-dollar global portfolio dedicated to delivering innovative agricultural solutions. Christina’s role also involves forming strategic alliances and overseeing mergers and acquisitions to optimize UPL’s cost position and expand its portfolio access.

Before joining UPL Corp in 2022 as Chief Marketing Officer, Christina held numerous leadership roles in the agriculture and chemical industries. At Nalco Water, an Ecolab company, she served as Vice President and General Manager of the Institutional Division. Her career began at Dow AgroSciences, where she spent 15 years in various leadership roles, including Head of Global Licensing and Marketing. Following her tenure at Dow, Christina joined FMC as Marketing Head for North America, eventually becoming the Commercial Head for the region’s business operations.

She serves on the Board of Directors for multiple agricultural startups and as Director for the Agricultural Retailers’ Association. A graduate in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University, Christina also holds an MBA from Northwood University.

Q1. Tell us about your career path. How would you describe your journey? What has been your favorite part?

I would describe my career path as a dynamic blend of determination, learning and building meaningful relationships. My background as a mechanical engineer opened doors to the chemical manufacturing industry, where I spent over 20 years delivering results in various roles. Those years helped me develop a strong foundation. Today, as Chief Technology and Transformation Officer at UPL Corp, I lead a multi-billion-dollar portfolio. I am deeply committed to driving our growth strategy through marketing excellence, innovation and sustainable solutions.

The most rewarding part of my career has been empowering people — whether it is mentoring a team member, building an inclusive corporate culture or providing innovative tools that improve the lives of farmers around the world. Helping others grow has been the most fulfilling aspect of this incredible journey.

Q2. Your leadership is often described as dynamic and deeply inspiring. What fuels your drive? How do you navigate the balance between ambition, success and humility?

My drive comes from a deep sense of purpose. Agriculture is one of the most vital industries. Yet it faces challenges like resource scarcity, climate change and the growing need for sustainable food systems. Knowing that my work can contribute to solving these problems motivates me to push boundaries every day.

Balancing ambition, success and humility is never easy. I have found that staying grounded in my values is the key. I remind myself that leadership is not about titles or accolades — it is about people. Celebrating wins as a team and taking the time to truly listen keeps me humble. At the same time, I view every obstacle as an opportunity to learn and grow professionally and personally.

Q3. Agriculture has traditionally been a male-dominated industry. As a woman in a leadership role in this industry, what challenges did you face, and how did you turn them into opportunities? What advice would you give to aspiring leaders?

Agriculture, like many industries, has traditionally been male-dominated, but I have found that this has given me the opportunity to approach challenges — and leadership itself — from a unique perspective.

One of the key challenges I faced early on was being underestimated; this often allowed me to focus on exceeding expectations and proving myself through results rather than words. Over time, I noticed these results started to shift perceptions, not just about me, but also about the value women bring to agriculture.

Building relationships was and remains the key. Agriculture is rooted in community, and I made a conscious effort to find mentors, allies and peers who believed in my abilities, regardless of preconceived biases. Likewise, I always make it a priority to support and uplift others whenever possible. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing someone you have mentored thrive.

My advice to aspiring leaders is simple: never underestimate the power of empathy and authenticity. Be yourself, invest in lifelong learning and always lift others as you climb. If you face barriers, remember they are often just stepping stones in disguise.

Q4. UPL operates with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation. How do you shape the company’s marketing strategy to reflect these values and drive meaningful impact?

Sustainability and innovation are at the heart of UPL Corp’s purpose. We believe in a future where farming works for everyone – where farms succeed, communities thrive and the planet will feed us for generations.

We have grown based on three key commitments: innovation that makes an impact, sustainability with real results and collaboration that breaks down barriers. Our roots are in providing farmers with reliable, proven solutions, but now we are pushing boundaries with our innovations too.

We are becoming known for fresh thinking that leads to unique products and more sustainable farming tools. What matters most to us is making sure these new ideas solve real problems for farmers. Through our OpenAg® approach, ideas, technologies and partnerships work together to solve agriculture’s biggest challenges. This ensures that great ideas, no matter where they come from, get into the hands of farmers faster.

Q5. What are your future goals for UPL Corp and sustainable agriculture? How do you want to get there?

My ultimate goal is to ensure that every farmer, regardless of geography or scale, has access to the tools they need to thrive sustainably. We have grown with a clear mission in mind. By working with more farmers, creating new practical solutions and showing what sustainable farming looks like, we are building lasting success for ourselves and the growers who rely on us.

What comes next is about smart growth, fresh ideas that work and making a bigger difference where it matters. Everyone at UPL Corp helps shape this future. Because we are not just waiting to see what farming will look like tomorrow — we are digging deep and building it, together.