Farmers Business Network said Thursday it has named a former BASF executive to lead the growing e-commerce platform and farmer-to-farmer network.
Diego Casanello will take over as CEO effective March 1, replacing interim chief executive Devin Lammers. Lammers has been at the helm since November following the departure of former CEO Amol Deshpande, who stepped down to pursue other interests.
"After a comprehensive search, the board is pleased to have found a leader as exceptionally well-suited to advance our long-term strategy and accelerate growth as Diego,” Alan Willits, FBN's chair of the board of directors, said in a statement. “He has a track record of strong leadership in agribusiness and crop protection, as well as fintech and entrepreneurial environments."
Casanello most recently served as managing partner and CEO of Vidavo Ventures, a private equity firm that invests in rural prosperity. He also has experience in the crop protection industry, serving as CEO of Arysta Life Science Inc. and spending more than 20 years at BASF leading business units across four continents.
The appointment comes as FBN expands its product offerings and services to become a one-stop shop for farmers to enroll in insurance plans, apply for loans and more. The company recently expanded services and products for growers in Canada.
"The opportunity to advance agriculture and farmers’ livelihoods is massive," Casanello said in a statement. "FBN is at the forefront of this revolution. Together, we'll continue to push boundaries and empower farmers to achieve even greater success.”
