Syngenta appoints two new Technical Managers for turf

Syngenta has announced the appointment of Dr Julie Dionne as Global Technical Manager Turf and Neil Young as Global Technical Manager Turf Operational. Both will operate within the Technical Management Group, located in Basel, Switzerland.

Dr Dionne has 20 years experience and extensive knowledge of turf management and the turf industry.  She previously held the position of Director, Green Section/ Government Relations with the Royal Canadian Golf Association.  She has served on many industry committees, including the Turfgrass and Environmental Research Steering Committee of the US Golf Association (USGA).  Dr Dionne holds a masters degree and a doctorate in Turf physiology and Turf management from the University of Laval in Quebec, Canada and has published over 60 peer-reviewed articles and other technical publications.

Dr Dionne (above) has taken over the position previously held by Dr Sowmya (Shoumo) Mitra, who moved to Singapore, where he will take over the role of Regional Technical Manager Lawn and Garden.  

Neil Young is currently completing a doctorate degree in turf sciences at the University of Florida.  He is a turfgrass professional with scientific knowledge in soil science, turf physiology, and crop protection.  He is highly experienced in golf course maintenance and construction and has extensive experience as a greenkeeper and other related management roles in Scotland, the United States and Australia. 

Mr Young (above) holds a Master of Science degree in soil and water from the University of Florida and a Bachelor of Science in Turfgrass Science from the University of Central Lancashire, England.

Commenting on the appointments, Dr Andree-Anne Couillard, Syngenta Global Turf Business Manager, highlighted the company is committed to strengthening its leadership position in turf through research and development.  "Turf management is evolving rapidly, with increasing demand for products that deliver high performance in terms of improved playability, while providing turf health benefits, environmental sustainability and economic value. "With an expanding Syngenta new product pipeline, additional research and development resources are required to successfully bring new and highly innovative solutions to market."

If you have a question for the Syngenta Technical Managers - either at a Global level or for UK Turf Technical Manager, Dr Simon Watson, please post a comment on the GreenCast Forum - click here to view.