FMC Corporation has named Eric Kalasz as the managing director of its business in Australia and New Zealand, effective 15 November 2022.
Ini this role Mr Kalasz will oversee the commercial strategy for ANZ, responsible for driving business growth while strengthening the company’s commitment to quality, safety and sustainability. Mr Kalasz will be based in Sydney and reports to FMC Asia Pacific president Pramod Thota.
Mr Thota said, “We are excited to have Eric join us in Asia Pacific to lead ANZ, a key market for the region. Eric brings with him a deep understanding not just of the FMC business, but more than 25 years in the crop protection industry.
“His broad experience in strategic planning, business development and fostering partnerships will be critical in helping us strengthen FMC’s value proposition to our customers, growers and industry partners in ANZ.
“I am confident Eric will expand FMC’s presence in the agriculture industry through the delivery of innovative technologies and new product offerings, alongside a focus on local manufacturing and developing new talent.”
Mr Kalasz said, “This is a great opportunity to be able to contribute and support the growth of sustainable agriculture in a different part of the world. I am eager to work closely with the local teams in ANZ to understand the unique challenges of this market, and look forward to deepening our engagement with growers, customers and industry partners.
“R&D and local manufacturing remain cornerstones of our strategy – many of FMC’s industry-leading products, including Overwatch and Rustler herbicides, are formulated and distributed from the Wyong manufacturing site here in Australia.
“Our pipeline is strong and together with digital tools and precision technologies, we will focus our efforts where it matters the most, supporting advisors and growers with improved advice, insights and solutions they need.”
Mr Kalasz joined FMC in 2020 as US marketing director, before being appointed director of strategy, business development and partnerships for US Crop and Global Specialty Solutions in 2021.
He has significant industry experience, having held positions in marketing, business development, strategic account management and sales with companies like BASF US Crop Corporation, Dow AgroSciences and Bayer Environmental Science.
Mr Kalasz holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Sarasota, US, and graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business.
