Corteva has named the executive leadership team for its upcoming advanced seed and genetics company, signaling a key step toward its planned separation and listing of the business in the fourth quarter of 2026.

The new entity—currently referred to as “SpinCo”—will be led by Corteva CEO Chuck Magro, who will assume the role of chief executive officer upon separation. The move is part of a broader strategic restructuring aimed at unlocking value and sharpening focus on high-growth agricultural technologies.

Building a Science-Led Growth Engine

SpinCo is being positioned as a next-generation innovation platform anchored in elite germplasm and advanced biotechnology. The company will focus on scaling capabilities in gene editing and molecular breeding—areas increasingly central to improving crop productivity, resilience, and sustainability.
The strategy also includes expanding into new row crops and exploring adjacent opportunities beyond traditional agriculture, while growing a licensing business that monetizes its intellectual property and technology platforms.

Leadership Bench for Scale

The newly announced executive team reflects a blend of operational, technical, and digital expertise:

David Johnson as Chief Financial Officer

Judd O’Connor as Chief Commercial and Operations Officer

Sam Eathington as Chief Technology Officer

Audrey Grimm as Chief People Officer

Brian Lutz as Chief Digital and Information Officer

Jennifer Johnson as Chief Legal Officer

The team is expected to take charge at the time of separation, with a mandate to drive innovation-led growth and expand the company’s global footprint.

Strategic Separation, Broader Ambition

The spin-off reflects a wider trend across agribusiness, where companies are reorganizing to isolate high-growth, technology-driven segments from legacy operations. By creating a standalone entity, Corteva aims to provide greater strategic flexibility, capital allocation focus, and market visibility for its seed and genetics business.

Investor Focus Builds Ahead of Listing

SpinCo’s leadership team is scheduled to outline its strategy in greater detail during an investor day at the New York Stock Exchange on September 15. Additional details, including the company’s name and branding, are expected in the coming months.

As agriculture enters a phase defined by biotechnology, data, and climate resilience, Corteva’s spin-off signals a bet that specialized, innovation-driven platforms will be better positioned to capture the next wave of growth.