Verdesian Life Sciences, Cary N.C., reports that its board of directors named Kenneth Avery as CEO, effective Sept. 19. He succeeds J.J. Grow, who will move into a new role as board chairman. Avery will report directly to Grow.
Avery was with Monsanto for nearly 10 years, most recently as vice president and head of global vegetables. He also served as vice president and CFO at Delta & Pine Land Co, and was a partner with Arthur Andersen LLP. Avery earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from Mississippi State University, and is a CPA.