In an effort to proactively strengthen profit-driven technologies and products, Verdesian Life Sciences has expanded its team. Jake Underwood has been hired as the new executive vice president of nutritionals and John “Sam” Wilson, Ph.D. will now be serving in the role of vice president of technology development.

“Global agriculture provides a unique challenge because there are so many variables,” said J.J. Grow, chief executive officer at Verdesian Life Sciences. “Jake’s and Sam’s perspectives on products and technologies in the industry will add a lot of value to our team as we look to make the Verdesian portfolio to be all-inclusive for farmers seeking healthier, more robust crops and a greater return on investment.”

Underwood has more than 16 years of experience in delivering results in sales, marketing and management. In his new role, Underwood will provide strategic direction for the Verdesian nutritionals and micronutrients business. He will lead the nutritional management and sales team and report directly to chief operating officer Greg Thompson.

Wilson brings more than 30 years of experience to lead the development of new technologies in all product categories. Prior to this position, he served as the global field development manager for FMC, where he managed new product development and led research for more than 250 trials around the world.