Kenneth J. Clemmer, Chairman of PrimeraTurf, Inc., announced today that John Gertz will join the leadership team at the end of June, 2011. On October 1, 2011 Gertz will replace Frans Jager as CEO of PrimeraTurf. Jager, who has led PrimeraTurf from infancy during the 2000’s, is retiring on September 30, 2011.

Gertz comes to PrimeraTurf from Winfield Solutions in Shoreview, Minn., where he served in the director, Professional Products Business role. Prior to that, Gertz was with MANA, Inc. in Raleigh, N.C. His career started with Dow AgroSciences in Indianapolis as a sales representative before being promoted to higher roles with SePRO Corporation in Indianapolis and Sipcam Agro USA located in Roswell, Ga. as national sales and marketing manager – US Crop Protection.

Clemmer stated, “We are pleased to welcome John to the PrimeraTurf team. We believe that his sales management, industry experience and customer service capabilities will assist PrimeraTurf with accelerated growth and strategic direction in the immediate future."

Clemmer said Gertz will be in contact with all PrimeraTurf member/owners and suppliers in the next few months as he and Jager transition. Gertz will be introduced to the cooperative at PrimeraTurf’s Annual Meeting and Trade Show in Minneapolis on July 12 – 14, 2011.

"PrimeraTurf is forever indebted to Jager for his leadership and dedication during our development years," Clemmer said. "He has become recognized as an industry pillar."