WOODLAND, CA - A new chapter is on the horizon for Sakata Seed America, as the company announces a strategic executive leadership transition. Effective April 1, 2025, Dave Armstrong, who has served as President and Chief Executive Officer for over 15 years, will step into the role of Executive Chairman. In this capacity, Armstrong will continue to provide strategic oversight and guidance for the company, while Eduardo (Ed) Flores will assume the position of President and Chief Executive Officer, leading Sakata Seed America into its next phase of growth.

According to the press release, Ed Flores joined Sakata Seed America in 2021 as Chief Operating Officer and has been instrumental in adapting the company’s supply chain capabilities to support its growing crop portfolio. Flores also played a key role in the recent relocation of Sakata’s regional headquarters to Woodland, CA. With over 20 years of experience in leading regional businesses, commercial activities, supply chain management, and strategy development for global breeding companies, Flores brings a wealth of expertise to his new role. He holds an MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a B.S. in Engineering from the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education.

Reflecting on his tenure, Dave Armstrong shared, "It has been an incredible honor to lead Sakata Seed America for the past fifteen and a half years. I am immensely proud of our success, our teams, culture, and the impact we’ve made in the seed industry. As I step into the role of Executive Chairman, I look forward to supporting the company’s continued success under Ed’s leadership."

"It's an honor to be chosen to serve Sakata Seed America, a company I have long admired and respected given its strong legacy of innovation, collaboration, and commitment to our customers and partners. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead this exceptional organization and continue driving our mission forward," stated Incoming President and CEO Ed Flores with excitement for the future.

The leadership transition also includes other key changes within the company’s executive team. John Nelson, currently serving as Executive Vice President, will take on the role of Executive Advisor to support the business during this transition. Nelson, who has been with Sakata for over 30 years, will continue to lend his expertise until his planned retirement in January 2026. Additionally, Hiroyuki (Hiro) Hashimoto will step into the role of Vice President, further strengthening the company’s leadership team.

This transition underscores Sakata Seed America’s commitment to its half-century legacy of quality, service, and reliability. As the company continues to deliver high-quality seed and genetic solutions to growers and consumers across North and Central America and throughout its global network, this new leadership team is poised to drive the company’s mission forward.