SAINT LOUIS, MO | March 1, 2023 – NewLeaf Symbiotics, a company that specializes in
harnessing the power of naturally occurring microbes to increase agricultural sustainability,
announced today that Brent Smith has been appointed as its new President, following a
national search process.
With over 25 years of experience in the agricultural industry, and background in business development, strategic marketing and innovation, Smith is an accomplished executive leader with a proven track record of exceeding revenue, profit, and share targets, as well as building long-term value and expanding global reach.
Before joining NewLeaf Symbiotics, Smith served as President of Loveland Products, a subsidiary of Nutrien, where he played a crucial role in expanding the company’s growth and global presence. “We are thrilled to welcome Brent to the NewLeaf team,” said Steve Kahn, Chief Executive Officer of NewLeaf Symbiotics. “His extensive experience in the agriculture industry, combined with his strategic vision and leadership skills, make him the ideal candidate to lead the company through its next phase of growth and development.”
As President of NewLeaf Symbiotics, Smith will oversee the company’s commercial operations,
including sales, marketing and business development. He will also work closely with the
company’s research and development teams to advance the expansion of its innovative
biologicals and technologies.
“I am excited to join the NewLeaf team and help lead the company into its next chapter,” said
Smith. “NewLeaf has a strong history of innovation and a deep commitment to sustainable
agriculture. I look forward to working with the team to build on this foundation and drive
growth for the company.”
For this recruitment, NewLeaf partnered with Kincannon & Reed, the largest retained search
firm focused on food and agriculture clients. Jon Leafstedt, Cassie Edgar, and Crystal Strauss
led Kincannon & Reed’s identification, recruitment, and evaluation of a strong slate of well-
qualified candidates.
About NewLeaf Symbiotics
NewLeaf Symbiotics is an agricultural technology company engaged in discovery, development,
production and commercialization of products containing beneficial plant microbes. NewLeaf’s
family of products helps farmers increase yield by promoting stronger plants and better
nutrient uptake, ultimately contributing to the transformation of agriculture towards a more
sustainable future.
