President of Yara North America Peter Scott Valesares, 45, passed away in his sleep unexpectedly on April 1st during an overseas business trip in Istanbul, Turkey.
In a statement, Yara said that Pete had worked at Yara since 1994 and was considered one of the bright young leaders in the fertilizer industry. He attended Valparaiso University, and while attending graduate school at St. Xavier University in Chicago, Illinois, Pete began his career with an entry-level position within CF Industries. He quickly developed a sincere interest and care for the domestic fertilizer market, and devoted his entire professional career to the industry.
In 2007, Pete Valesares was appointed President of Yara North America. Pete’s thorough understanding of the industry and his company’s leading position in the nitrogen sector led to unprecedented growth for Yara in the region.
Since his appointment to the top spot, Pete and his management team have constructed and opened two deepwater fertilizer terminals and led the landmark purchase of Saskferco in Canada Yara’s largest investment ever.
“Besides growing our business, Pete touched many lives in a positive way. He will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with his wife and his two sons,” said Yara’s Head of Downstream Egil Hogna.
Pete is survived by his wife, Janet, and his 15-year-old twin sons, Christian and Peter. He was an avid supporter, volunteer, and coach of youth basketball programs. He was also a three-time finisher of Ironman distance triathlons, including the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.
Visitation will take place on Monday, April 11th, from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at Blount & Curry Funeral Home, 605 South MacDill Avenue, Tampa, FL 33609. A Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Peter Valesares, officiated by the Rev. Dan Brammeier, will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 12th, at the Good Shephard Lutheran Church, 501 S. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33609, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that contributions be made to the Peter Valesares Scholarship Fund, which has been established in his memory to assist student athletes at the Tampa Preparatory School in Tampa. Please make donations payable to Tampa Preparatory School, in care of the Development Office, 727 W. Cass St., Tampa, FL 33606.
Yara has appointed Terje Eide for an interim period to run the North America business operation until the position can be filled permanently.