Neal Gutterson Email Address

Chief Technology Officer

Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a DuPont business, is the world's leading developer and supplier of advanced plant genetics to farmers

I have dedicated 30+ years to the improvement of agriculture, working primarily in small Ag biotech companies, with a focus on improving crop production and quality through both genetic modification and chemical treatments. I have led research groups of various sizes, been a CEO of a pioneering biotechnology & genomics company, developed patent and science strategies, and collaborated with some of the world's largest seed and crop protection companies. My scientific background is in molecular biology, biochemistry and genomics, and I an a named inventor on more than 3 dozen patents and pending patent applications. I have focused on structuring organizations to be successful, creating great groups and strong cultures, and believe that corporate and R&D culture are critical to success. I worked to develop genetically improved microbial biocontrol agents in my first industrial science role at Advanced Genetic Sciences, which merged with DNA Plant Technology in the late 1980's. I spent a total of 18 years at AGS and DNAP, where I managed diverse research programs and corporate relationships. I focused mainly on improvement of produce crops for quality traits, and provided technical leadership on intellectual property strategy. I served as VP, R&D for several years. I spent 12 years at Mendel Biotechnology, first as VP R&D, then as President & CEO for more than 7 years. There I led the company in its focus across development of biotech traits, development of novel agrochemicals for crop productivity, the establishment of a new biomass crop (miscanthus), and a biologicals strategy for improved crop productivity. After 30 years in small companies I decided to join a large seed company, leading R&D now at DuPont Pioneer. The opportunity to set our overall research strategy, and to lead the development of new products and service offerings for millions of farmers worldwide, was compelling. The combination of new genomics tools and data analytics will be the foundation of more sustainable ways to produce food, feed and fiber for a growing middle class around the world. I have also been active in the industry in a number of initiatives, including at BIO, and now serving on the Board of Trustees of CIMMYT, a CGIAR center focusing on the improvement of maize and wheat cropping systems for smallholder growers to reduce poverty and hunger around the world. --