In a ceremony held in London on Nov. 11, Agrow World Crop Protection News named Arysta LifeScience CEO Chris Richards the 2009 “Best Manager with Strategic Vision” in the crop protection industry.

Nominees for the prestigious award were judged on their ability to lead initiatives resulting in a markedly positive impact in company fortunes. Winners were selected by an independent panel of 12 judges. Richards was noted for successfully maintaining his company’s culture and environment while responding to the expectations of its new owners.

When Industrial Equity Investments Limited (IEIL) assumed ownership of Arysta LifeScience in 2008, Richards faced the challenge of meeting heightened business goals while reinforcing a positive culture and environment in which employees could continue to thrive. Specifically, IEIL and its parent company, Permira, charged Richards with the following objectives: 1) Implement a five-year plan for growth; 2) Optimize the company’s supply chain; 3) Optimize the Arysta LifeScience product development process; and 4) Effectively manage human capital resources for maximum return.

While implementing initiatives aligned with these objectives, Richards remained committed to managing the business with a keen attention to unique customer needs, while understanding employees’ needs, being accessible and involved in region-specific activities and maintaining his consensus-driven leadership approach.

“All of us in the crop protection industry have had to become more resourceful, creative and smart in the
way we conduct business and solve problems,” said Richards. “I am honored to receive this recognition, yet much of the credit is due to the strength of my leadership team and our employees. And we have found that our relentless focus on meeting customer needs provides a guiding light as we navigate our day-to-day business challenges and opportunities. Also, Permira Funds’ investment and ongoing support has helped us fine-tune our operations in a way that ensures our continued growth and allows employees opportunities.”

Established in 1985, Agrow maintains a global network of journalists to provide news, analysis and data to the global crop protection industry. This is the second year of the Agrow Awards, which include 14 categories, including “Best Manager with Strategic Vision.”