Agtech startup’s successful soil probiotic technologies and carbon platform are attracting key industry talent

Technology Advancements Drive Top Agriculture Executives to Take New Leadership Positions at Locus AG   

SOLON, Ohio (April 15, 2021) As the search intensifies for tools to maximize ROI and lower the environmental impact of farming operations, technology advancements at Locus Agricultural Solutions^® (Locus AG) are driving top agriculture executives to join the startup’s leadership team. The unprecedented success of the this agtech’s soil technologies and environmental platform are attracting big talent; most recently announcing the addition of seasoned industry vets Kevin Hodges and Chad Pawlak. Hodges will lead commercial marketing and strategy, and Pawlak will oversee the company’s commercial row crop division.

“Locus AG’s technologies and environmental platform are unlike anything I’ve seen in the industry.” — Kevin Hodges

Locus AG has gained rapid recognition for its revenue-boosting soil probiotic technologies and award-winning CarbonNOW™ carbon farming program. Its initial product line, Rhizolizer^® Duo, has been used to boost yields across more than two dozen crop categories, reduce fertilizer and other input use, and supercharge soil carbon sequestration—which maximize on-farm profits. Voted the top environmental project in the U.S., CarbonNOW is the first and only program to get a U.S. farmer a high-volume carbon credit payment from a corporate buyer (Shopify), and provides unique full-circle value chain benefits through a new alliance with respected carbon retailer, Bluesource. The innovative advancements are what attracted Hodges and Pawlak to take the new executive positions.

“I want to be part of something bigger, something that will truly make an impact on the industry—andLocus AG gives me the opportunity to do that,” said Kevin Hodges, senior vice president of commercial marketing & strategy. “Locus AG’stechnologies and environmental platform are unlike anything I’ve seen in the industry. I’m confident in the company’sunmatched abilityto ensure a successful and profitable future for agriculture.” 

Hodges brings 21+ years of progressive experience driving business operations across the agriculture value chain for prominent companies including General Mills and Bayer Crop Science (formerly Monsanto), and agtechs such as Arcadia Biosciences. As SVP of commercial marketing & strategy, he will lead Locus AG’s tactical go-to-market execution to expand the reach of the company’s agricultural microbials and carbon sequestration across the U.S. and in key global countries.

“Locus AG is solving soil health issues, increasing crop yields and reducing carbon footprint across the entire value chain, which is exactly why I chose to join the team.” — Chad Pawlak

Hodges will be joined by Chad Pawlak, vice president of commercial row crops—where Locus AG has been driving its CarbonNOW program. Pawlak is an active global entrepreneurial executive who brings a unique range of experience across agribusiness, including crop protection, genetics, dairy and specialty foods. His proven track record for building new companies and turning ideas into commercialized products makes him a valuable addition to the Locus AG team. Pawlak will drive commercial sales strategy, execution and expansion of the company’s row crop offerings with an initial focus on the Midwest, including the western, central, and eastern corn belt regions.

“I’m passionate about finding innovative solutionswithin the food system fromthe field through manufacturing and retail. Locus AG is solving soil health issues, increasing crop yields and reducing carbon footprint across the entire value chain, which is exactly why I chose to join the team,” Pawlak said. “Locus AG has the portfolio of tools and knowledge needed to solve the tremendous financial and environmental challenges growers are facing, and I’m eager to continue expanding these resources throughout the market.”

For more information on Locus AG’s offerings and additional career opportunities, visit LocusAG.com. To request interviews with Hodges and Pawlak, contact Locus AG’s marketing department.