BRANDT® Hires Business Manager for Discovery & Innovation Team
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois (April 1, 2016) – BRANDT has named Doug Pottinger as Business Manager of its Discovery & Innovation (D&I) team, effective immediately. Pottinger will report to Dr. Julian Smith, Director of D&I. He will work out of his home office in Minnesota, where he lives with his wife Allison and children Lauren and Kelsey.
A team of 12, D&I is globally responsible for developing and testing BRANDT proprietary products, expanding the BRANDT product portfolio through partnerships and providing agronomic support and advice within the company’s Specialty Formulations division.
“We are thrilled to have Doug join the BRANDT team,” said Smith. “He promises to bring a business mindset to our development efforts, acting as a liaison to our marketing, sales, regulatory and legal teams.”
Pottinger has nearly 20 years of experience in various agriculture roles. Most recently, he was co-owner of Midwest Independent Soil Samplers. Previously, he held positions of increasing responsibility with Ziegler Caterpillar and Agco Corporation.
“I’ve known BRANDT for many years and I am excited to get started,” said Pottinger. “I’m joining a strong team, as evidenced by BRANDT’s highly-regarded products and technology. This is a team I really want to be a part of.”
Pottinger has long been active in the agriculture industry. He was a member of the Board of Directors of Minnesota Crop Production Retailers from 2004-2010.
“In D&I we have a wide variety of active projects going on around the world at any one time,” explained Smith. “Doug will fill an important, strategic role in managing and tracking those projects, helping us focus on efforts that we can commercialize and take to the market.”
Pottinger holds a Masters of Business Administration from Guelph University and a BA in Business Administration from Brandon University. A decorated athlete, he was the 2004 United States Curling Champion. He continues to be active with the US Curling Association and the US Olympic Committee.
About BRANDT
A leading agricultural company, BRANDT serves growers around the globe. Founded in 1953 by Glen Brandt and his sister Evelyn Brandt Thomas to help Illinois farmers adopt new and profitable technologies, the company has experienced aggressive growth under the leadership of President and CEO Rick Brandt. BRANDT’s focus is providing the products and services that give growers the best opportunity for return while building a stronger, healthier and more abundant food supply.