N-7 LLC, a joint venture between OCI NV and Dakota Gasification Co. in the U.S., announced that effective July 1, 2021, David Schramm will assume the position of Executive Chairman of N-7’s Board of Directors until he retires from the company in February 2022. John Ringkob will succeed Schramm as President.
Ringkob has been with OCI and N-7 for the past four years, and the company said he has been instrumental to its success in growing the DEF business from inception to a leader in the North American DEF industry, including originating and executing the DEF, Urea Liquor, and Automotive Grade Urea Marketing Agreement with Dyno Nobel. In addition, he has driven N-7’s penetration into industrial urea markets and has led its urea marketing and trading activities.
Before joining OCI, Ringkob was a principal and Vice President of Dasco Inc., a U.S.-based trader of crop nutrients, feed ingredients, and industrial chemicals, including DEF, which he co-led for 13 years. The company said he brings 20 years of fertilizer and industrial products trading experience to OCI and has a demonstrated history of driving commercial excellence in his tenure at the company.
Ringkob holds a B.S. in Agricultural Business with a minor in Agronomy from Iowa State University.
“We thank Dave for his tremendous contributions to OCI’s growth and success in its North America business over these past eight years,” said Ahmed El Hoshy, OCI CEO. “Dave was instrumental in the development of OCI’s Iowa Fertilizer company greenfield project from inception, establishing our North American commercial presence and building and leading the N-7 joint venture. We are excited for this next chapter in N-7’s development and Dave’s continued stewardship of the business alongside John as its new leader. John has been an invaluable asset to OCI and N-7 over these past four years, and has demonstrated an ability to drive growth and excellence in our commercial activities.”
Chris Kayl has been appointed Vice President of Commercial. He will be responsible for product management and sales for N-7 across products. He joined OCI in 2017 and has led its ammonia trading activities in the U.S., as well as providing support to the global ammonia trading team. Alongside Ringkob, Kayl was responsible for the development of N-7’s DEF commercial activities and helped grow the business. He joined OCI from Koch Fertilizer, where he spent 14 years, most recently as Senior Vice President of International Terminals and Trading. He brings 27 years of experience in the fertilizer trading and agriculture industry. He holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Mount Mercy College.