PBI-Gordon Cos. chief operating officer Jackie Applegate, Ph.D., has been named the company's next president and chief executive officer.
Applegate (right) has been COO of Shawnee, Kansas-based PBI-Gordon Cos. since July 2024 and will succeed Steve Clifford effective Nov. 1. She will head PBI-Gordon Companies and its subsidiaries that include PBI-Gordon Corp., Pegasus Laboratories, Pet-Ag and TriviumVet. The COO position will not be filled; rather, each of the businesses will report to Applegate. PBI-Gordon Companies develops, manufactures, and markets leading products to the professional turf and ornamental industry as well as the companion animal health industry through its three subsidiaries.
Applegate, who earned a joined PBI-Gordon Cos. after spending 32 years at Bayer with extensive experience in global agribusiness, animal health, and specialty markets. In her new role, she will focus on advancing the company’s leadership position in the specialty turf and ornamental, animal health, and pet care markets. Most recently, she was president of Bayer Crop Science from 2021 to 2024.
The announcement coincides with PBI's strategic growth plan for the future that includes dedicated efforts to increase sales, jobs at the employee-owned company and its commitment to research and development.
"I am honored to lead PBI-Gordon Companies and build on the strong foundation Steve has established," Applegate said. "Our talented team is dedicated to delivering trusted solutions that enhance our communities and the lives of our people and pets, and I’m excited about the opportunities ahead."
PBIG also announced new positions within the executive leadership team.
Scott Howard, an 18-year veteran of the company, has been named chief scientific and technical officer, and will lead the efforts to accelerate research and development.
Tim Demerath, who has been with the company since 2019, will fill the newly created position of chief transformation officer and will be responsible for initiatives to drive growth.
Joyce Lee has joined the company as general manager and senior vice president of Pegasus Laboratories. Based in Pensacola, Florida, Pegasus develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceutical and medical products for the pet industry.
The company has made significant investment in R&D, and earlier this year completed the acquisition of Trivium Vet, a Waterford, Ireland firm focused on health solutions in the pet industry. Rounding out PBIG's focus on pet health is Hampshire, Illinois-based PetAg, which develops, manufactures and markets companion animal nutritional products, health supplements and grooming products.