In a move to bolster its leadership, Syngenta Group has announced the appointment of Alf Barrios as an independent director following its General Shareholders’ Meeting on February 14, 2025. Barrios, a Spanish and U.S. citizen with extensive experience in global industries, will also serve as a member of the Board’s Compensation Committee and Audit Committee, bringing his wealth of expertise to the company’s strategic decision-making.
A Distinguished Career in Global Industries
With a career spanning over 35 years in the natural resources and energy sectors, Barrios is no stranger to managing large-scale, complex global operations. Until the end of 2024, he was a key figure at Rio Tinto, one of the world’s largest mining and materials companies. He held several senior roles there, including Chief Commercial Officer, China Chair, and Japan Chairman (based in Singapore), demonstrating his ability to navigate international markets and complex supply chains. Barrios initially joined Rio Tinto in 2014 as the CEO of its global Aluminum business, headquartered in Montreal, Canada, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s strategies and operations.
Before his tenure at Rio Tinto, Barrios spent more than two decades at BP, the multinational oil and gas giant. During his 21 years there, he took on multiple leadership roles, with his last position being Executive Director and EVP Downstream for TNK-BP in Moscow, Russia. His vast experience in overseeing production, trading, supply and logistics, and sales and marketing across Europe, the Americas, Asia, the Middle East, Russia, Africa, and Australasia has cemented his reputation as a global leader in managing value chains.
Syngenta Group’s Enthusiastic Welcome
Syngenta Group’s Chairman, Li Fanrong, expressed his enthusiasm about Barrios joining the board, emphasizing the value he brings to the company. “We are delighted that Alf Barrios is joining our Board. His deep knowledge in managing global value chains will be invaluable to us and help Syngenta Group pursue our goal of providing agronomic solutions and digital services that farmers need to grow healthy food while conserving natural resources and protecting the environment.”
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Barrios’ Vision for the Future
Barrios, in response to his appointment, shared his excitement about contributing to one of the world’s leading agricultural innovation companies.
“I am delighted to join the Syngenta Group Board of Directors. Syngenta is one of the world’s biggest agricultural innovation companies, operating in more than 100 countries. I am especially looking forward to supporting the Group with my background in managing complex global businesses.”
A Global Perspective for Long-Term Growth
This appointment comes at a time when Syngenta Group is pushing forward with its mission to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability worldwide. The company has been at the forefront of providing cutting-edge agronomic solutions, integrating advanced technology with traditional farming practices to support global food security. With Barrios on board, Syngenta is poised to strengthen its leadership in agricultural innovation, ensuring that farmers have access to the tools and resources needed to cultivate crops efficiently and sustainably.
As the agricultural sector continues to evolve with advancements in biotechnology, digital farming, and climate resilience strategies, Syngenta Group’s decision to bring in a leader with a strong global perspective underscores its commitment to long-term growth and sustainability. With his extensive background in handling complex global operations and market dynamics, Barrios is expected to provide strategic insights that will further enhance Syngenta’s position in the global agricultural landscape.
His addition to the board also signals a continued focus on operational excellence and governance within Syngenta. Given his experience in overseeing financial operations, logistics, and international trade, his role in the Compensation and Audit Committees will likely contribute to ensuring financial transparency and efficiency within the company.
As Syngenta Group moves forward with its vision of creating a sustainable future for agriculture, the inclusion of leaders like Barrios reinforces its commitment to innovation, efficiency, and environmental stewardship. His expertise in managing large-scale businesses and navigating global market complexities will undoubtedly help Syngenta strengthen its foothold as a leading force in agricultural solutions worldwide.
