Syngenta Australia-New Zealand moving into a new stage in 2024, with the appointment of David Van Ryswyk to the role of country head, while predecessor Paul Luxton has transitioned to the role of head of Asia division.
Paul has successfully served as country head since 2008, with his tenure marked by significant achievements and contributions to the company's success in the region.
"I am honoured and excited to take on this new role as head of Asia for Syngenta,” Mr Luxton says.
“The agricultural landscape in Asia presents many opportunities, and I am looking forward to working with our dedicated teams to further strengthen Syngenta's presence in this crucial market,” he says.
As Paul settles into his new responsibilities Mr Van Ryswyk will bring his own extensive experience and strategic vision to lead Syngenta ANZ into its next phase of growth.
And he won’t have any trouble getting to know the business, he has been with Syngenta since graduating from university in 2004.
“Working for Syngenta was my first official job after I was approached by HR management for a customer service role, which back then was an entry level position and a good way to get your foot in the door,” Mr Van Ryswyk says.
Fast forward two decades and he remains as passionate about Syngenta as he was back then.
His previous roles have been extensive, taking him from key planning roles in Syngenta’s Swiss head office and back to Australia as head of supply and production for ANZ and, most recently, as head of Syngenta professional solutions and Macspred.
“It is funny but I always thought I would be an agronomist because that was the avenue I studied at university – but my passion has certainly changed over the years.
“My new role is a great opportunity to lead this organisation into an area I believe in and there are some clear objectives I want to focus on, including sustainability from both an agricultural and environmental perspective including biological and digital innovation,” Mr Van Ryswyk says.
His determination to help boost sustainable agriculture began at a young age after growing up on a family dairy farm in Victoria’s south Gippsland.
“Even though I was about 16 when we left the farm, my love of the land has stayed with me and I really love that I have the opportunity in this role, to build on my passion to support and educate the wider community on the importance of agriculture to our nation.”
He says it is “so important” to have a sound understanding of what happens at ground level.
“We have a growing population and with increasing land pressures we have to do better and more with what we have, and I truly believe innovation and vision will help drive that success.”
Mr Van Ryswyk says biological control will evolve and become part of an integrated approach, along with alternative ways of improving soil health, to ensure crops are less susceptible to disease.
“Chemical use over the years has reduced as yields have increased and combined with advances in digital technology, we are also looking at a reduction in chemical resistance which really is a good thing.”
Head of crop protection marketing for Australia and Japan, Ioana Tudor, says Syngenta is confident David will build on the strong foundation laid by Paul Duxton and continue to drive excellence.
“David brings a wealth of experience and knowledge having worked with Syngenta customers across the business for 20 years. With a strong commitment to prioritising customer needs and a bold approach to innovation, David will lead the ANZ business to new heights,” Ioana said
, while predecessor Paul Luxton has transitioned to the role of head of Asia division.
Mr Luxton has successfully served as country head since 2008, with his tenure marked by significant achievements and contributions to the company's success in the region.
"I am honoured and excited to take on this new role as head of Asia for Syngenta,” Mr Luxton says.
“The agricultural landscape in Asia presents many opportunities, and I am looking forward to working with our dedicated teams to further strengthen Syngenta's presence in this crucial market,” he said.
As Mr Luxton settles into his new responsibilities Mr Van Ryswyk will bring his own extensive experience and strategic vision to lead Syngenta ANZ into its next phase of growth.
And he won’t have any trouble getting to know the business, he has been with Syngenta since graduating from university in 2004.
“Working for Syngenta was my first official job after I was approached by HR management for a customer service role, which back then was an entry level position and a good way to get your foot in the door,” Mr Van Ryswyk says.
Fast forward two decades and he remains as passionate about Syngenta as he was back then.
His previous roles have been extensive, taking him from key planning roles in Syngenta’s Swiss head office and back to Australia as head of supply and production for ANZ and, most recently, as head of Syngenta professional solutions and Macspred.
“It is funny but I always thought I would be an agronomist because that was the avenue I studied at university – but my passion has certainly changed over the years.
“My new role is a great opportunity to lead this organisation into an area I believe in and there are some clear objectives I want to focus on, including sustainability from both an agricultural and environmental perspective including biological and digital innovation,” Mr Van Ryswyk says.
His determination to help boost sustainable agriculture began at a young age after growing up on a family dairy farm in Victoria’s south Gippsland.
“Even though I was about 16 when we left the farm, my love of the land has stayed with me and I really love that I have the opportunity in this role, to build on my
passion to support and educate the wider community on the importance of agriculture to our nation.”
He says it is “so important” to have a sound understanding of what happens at ground level.
“We have a growing population and with increasing land pressures we have to do better and more with what we have, and I truly believe innovation and vision will help drive that success.”
Mr Van Ryswyk says biological control will evolve and become part of an integrated approach, along with alternative ways of improving soil health, to ensure crops are less susceptible to disease.
“Chemical use over the years has reduced as yields have increased and combined with advances in digital technology, we are also looking at a reduction in chemical resistance which really is a good thing.”
Head of crop protection marketing for Australia and Japan, Ioana Tudor, says Syngenta is confident David will build on the strong foundation laid by Paul Duxton and continue to drive excellence.
“David brings a wealth of experience and knowledge having worked with Syngenta customers across the business for 20 years. With a strong commitment to prioritising customer needs and a bold approach to innovation, David will lead the ANZ business to new heights,” Mr Tudor said.
