Canpotex Limited today announced that the Board of Directors has appointed Ken Seitz as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective November 1, 2015. After 32 years of dedicated service, Steve Dechka will retire as President and CEO at the end of the year.
“We’re very pleased to announce Ken as the next President and CEO of Canpotex,” stated Chuck Magro, President and CEO of Agrium Inc. “He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to Canpotex, and we are thrilled to have him.”
“The Board conducted a thorough search process to identify the best candidates, and we unanimously agree that Ken is the right person to lead Canpotex,” said Jim Prokopanko, President and CEO of The Mosaic Company.
“Ken has deep expertise in marketing and business development, and we have every confidence that he will continue his record of success in his new role at Canpotex,” said Jochen Tilk, Canpotex Board Chair and President and CEO of PotashCorp.
Prior to joining Canpotex, Seitz was Senior Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer of Cameco Corporation. He was responsible for most of the commercial aspects of the organization. He has over 20 years of industrial experience, primarily in the resource industry, and has focused expertise with acquisitions and divestitures, business development, and marketing and sales. Ken’s role at Cameco required him to interact with business executives and governments around the world.
“I am both honoured and excited to join the Canpotex team. Canpotex has grown significantly and succeeded under Steve’s leadership. I share his belief in the power of people, and in his unwavering commitment to customers,” Seitz said. “We will build upon the strong foundation he has helped to create. I look forward to getting to know our employees, customers, vendors, community members and other stakeholders.”
Seitz has three degrees from the University of Saskatchewan (Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Engineering and a Master of Business Administration) and is a Professional Engineer with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan. Seitz has earned an Executive Certificate in Management from the Stern School of Business, New York University.
“The Board of Directors wishes to thank Steve for his exceptional service as President and CEO of Canpotex,” said Tilk. “Since joining Canpotex in 1983, becoming President in 1991 and CEO in 2001, Steve has consistently demonstrated his abilities to build networks, inspire achievement and to lead by example. He has dedicated his professional life to building strong relationships with the goal of bringing Saskatchewan potash to the world and helping farmers grow more food. We are pleased that Steve will remain with Canpotex in an advisory capacity in order to support the leadership transition process. Steve will work with Ken to ensure the transition is smooth and seamless.”
“I am privileged to have served Canpotex for nearly 33 years,” said Dechka. People are at the heart of our business and it is these people – our employees, customers and other business and community partners – that have created our success. I believe Canpotex is in strong hands with Ken and I am excited to watch the Company continue to thrive under his leadership.”