Corteva named Luther “Luke” Kissam chief executive officer of its future crop protection company, with the appointment taking effect June 1 as he takes over the crop protection business ahead of the planned separation in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Kissam will become CEO of the new publicly traded company at separation. The company said the move follows a search that reviewed multiple candidates and comes as Corteva prepares to split off the crop protection unit into a standalone business.
Kissam was previously chairman, president and CEO of Albemarle until his retirement in June 2020. He joined Albemarle in 2003 and later held roles including vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary, senior vice president of manufacturing and law, and president beginning in 2010. Before Albemarle, he was vice president, general counsel and secretary at Merisant and earlier served as associate general counsel at Monsanto.
Corteva said the new company will focus on innovation-driven crop protection, with targeted investments and an asset-light operating model. The company also said its executive leadership will host an investor day on Sept. 15 at the New York Stock Exchange. The market has reacted to these announcements by moving the company's shares 0.85% to a price of $82.73. If you want to know more, read the company's complete 8-K report here.
