Martin Resource Management Corp. (MRMC), the owner of Martin Midstream GP LLC, the general partner of Martin Midstream Partners LP (MMLP), on Sept. 24 removed Scott Martin as a member of the board of directors of the general partner. The company said action was taken as a result of the collective effect of Scott Martin’s recent activities, which the MRMC board determined were detrimental to both MRMC and MMLP. Scott Martin does not serve on any committees of the board of the general partner.
Scott Martin, 42, the brother of Ruben Martin, 56, president and CEO of MMLP’s general partner, had filed suit earlier in the month against MRMC and four MRMC directors, as well as 35 other officers and employees of MRMC. The suit is in Harris County, Texas, district court. MMLP is not a party to the lawsuit and does not assert any claims against MMLP. Ruben Martin issued a statement saying every claim will be vigorously defended.
Scott Martin filed a letter with the Securities Exchange Commission relating to his departure from the board, saying the decision was not a unanimous board decision and was made by the parties being sued in the lawsuit. Scott Martin alleges that brother Ruben and the other defendants have increased outstanding shares of the company so as to entrench their control. Scott Martin also noted that he was removed as an officer of MRMC and as an officer and director of MMLP. He was most recently listed as executive vice president of the general partner in SEC filings.
CF Industries Holdings Inc. reports that Monty Summa, its vice president, sales, will retire at year-end. Summa, 55, has led the company’s sales organization since August of 2003, when he joined CF. “In his five years at this company, Monty Summa has redirected the sales organization from its focus of serving the needs of our previous owner cooperatives to its present position as a strong, reliable supplier to the broader North American agriculture market,” explained Stephen Wilson, CF chairman and CEO. Summa led development of CF’s sales programs and tools, notably its Forward Pricing Program and PROMISE(SM), a state-of-the-art e-business customer service tool.
“Monty will leave our sales organization well-positioned to remain a leading player in the fertilizer industry. He will retire with my sincere appreciation for a job well done,” Wilson added. The company has begun the search to replace Summa, and expects to name his successor prior to the end of the year.
Bunge North America, the North American operating arm of Bunge Ltd., has named William Eberth and Alan Stone to the positions of director of trading and logistics of the North American fertilizer unit. Eberth joins Bunge with more than 30 years of experience in the fertilizer industry. Most recently, he served as sales manager of the Eastern Cornbelt for Koch Nitrogen Co., where he was responsible for building the customer base, increasing sales volume, and engaging in market analysis and strategic planning. Stone comes from Archer Daniels Midland, where he has served in various positions since 1981. Most recently, he was manager of wholesale crop nutrients for ADM Benson-Quinn Kansas City. In this role, he was responsible for development, transportation, and key relationship management.
“We are pleased to have Bill and Alan joining our team and believe their experience will be valuable as we develop and grow our fertilizer marketing and distribution business,” said Olavo Dietzsch, vice president and general manager of the North American fertilizer unit. “In their new roles, Alan and Bill will be responsible for sourcing fertilizer products (NPK) for sale to domestic dealers and co-operatives.”
American Fertilizer Exchange of Tampa has announced Cyndi Wenzel has left her position as an administrative assistant with the company, where she worked for 21 years, to return to New York for personal reasons. Wenzel was replaced by Ana Rubio, a bilingual graduate of the University of South Florida’s School of International Business, on Oct. 6.