Gugger Leads Ag Biotech Exec Search Firm’s New NC office
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| Heiri Gugger, Ph.D., speaks to NCBiotech Jobs Network audience. |
Heiri Gugger, Ph.D., has turned another spotlight on North Carolina’s fast-growing global leadership in agricultural biotechnology.
Gugger, known around the world as an ag biotech expert, has become managing director of a Research Triangle Park office for Kincannon & Reed, the leading global retained executive search firm serving the agribusiness, food and life science sectors.
As head of the firm's newest office, Gugger supports North Carolina's agribusiness and biotechnology sectors by recruiting talented leaders, locally and globally.
Gugger, who previously served 11 years on the NCBiotech board of directors, is the former CEO of Paradigm Genetics, which later became Icoria. He’d also held increasingly senior positions in the merger string of Ciba-Geigy, Novartis, and Syngenta, ultimately serving as president of Syngenta Crop Protection. And he led global business units for Ciba/Novartis with regional oversight for Asia Pacific and Europe.
He was among presenters at the NCBiotech Jobs Spring Workshop: Work Styles, Strengths and Skills. Supported in part by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, the March 6 event drew a wide range of job seekers and others interested in learning more about the process.
"Heiri's track record of leadership and insight, in addition to his broad network in the biotechnology arena, make him an outstanding addition to our team," said Greg Duerksen, president of Kincannon & Reed.
"The unique entrepreneurial drive and economic development structure in North Carolina creates an attractive location for a new office in our global network."
Gugger added, "I am thrilled to join the Kincannon & Reed team and look forward to engaging the leadership of North Carolina's companies to source the talent necessary to sustain their successful growth. I know firsthand how rewarding it is to work in the state of North Carolina; that experience will help me promote the area to others."