Some of the most significant advances in science have been in fields as diverse as biochemistry, genetics, ecology, microbiology and pharmaceuticals. 

The pace of discovery is growing even as researchers in the agriculturally-based life sciences turn these discoveries into products that grow more – and better – food for a rapidly expanding world population.

The job of developing and commercializing these innovations is not only technically complex. It often is challenging competitively and socially and in many cases requires significant financial resources. 

Products must be technically sound; address pertinent social, political and regulatory issues; and realize financial success.

Meet the Expert

About Thomas

  • Twenty-plus years of leadership and business experience in agricultural and pharmaceutical life science businesses.
  • Expertise includes: New product development from discovery to commercialization; science and technology investment options and opportunities; sales force productivity; licensing and intellectual property strategy; merger, acquisition and alliance value capture.
  • Leader of research or business units for Syngenta, Pharmacia and Monsanto.
  • Seven years in-country management experience in Europe and South America.

Experience

Strategic Business and Technology Consulting • Independent consultant
2006 — Present
  • Advises companies in the agriculture and food industries in areas of strategy, operations and new technology.
  • Focuses on understanding value creation and capture, especially in areas of new crop protection, genomic, genetics, breeding, seed treatment and biotechnology trait technologies for use in animals and plants and their expected introduction, adoption, use and benefits.
  • Conducts strategic business analysis and identifies targets and opportunities in areas of technical and product development, business growth and operational enhancement.
Head, NK Brand, Syngenta Seeds; Plant Science Corn and Soybean Business Units • Syngenta
2002 — 2006
  • Syngenta is a global agribusiness company with more than 28,000 employees in 90 countries and $14.6 billion in sales in 2013.
  • Directed all aspects of NK Brand corn and soybean seed business with 225 employees

  • Led and directed business development efforts resulting in commercialization of Agrisure GT and RW corn technology.
  • Directed and implemented entry into technology and germplasm licensing business, including launch of Greenleaf Genetics business unit.
Executive Business Director, Latin America • Pharmacia Corporation
1999 — 2002
  • Developed and implemented strategic business plan for a pharmaceutical business with more than $500M in annual revenue and 2500 employees.

  •  Led and coordinated regional and country-specific business development initiatives (product acquisitions, licensing, co-promotion agreements)

  •  As COO - Brazil (1999-2001), increased ethical pharmaceutical sales over a two-year period and grew market shares for key branded products; coordinated integration of Brazilian pharmaceutical business units of newly created Pharmacia Corporation; formulated business redesign and portfolio optimization in key emerging market.

President, Member of Board of Directors, Monsanto-Brazil • Monsanto Company
1983 — 1999
  • Led an agricultural business with 1000 employees, managed profit & loss and enhanced working capital position during 40% currency devaluation.

  •  Designed and implemented new sales and marketing strategy that integrated seed and agricultural chemical products into a single product offering.

  • As director of mergers and acquisitions (1997-98), initiated, developed and introduced a common system for integrating newly acquired companies into existing Monsanto business operation; coordinated integration of newly-acquired seed companies representing an investment of over $5 billion,

  • As business director, corn (1993-97), developed innovative licensing of corn and soybean biotechnology products to about 250 seed companies; led and coordinated acquisition of Holden's seed company valued at $1B; directed business team responsible for introduction of insect-protected and herbicide-tolerant biotechnology products for corn.

Education

University of Minnesota
PhD, Agronomy, 1983
University of Missouri - Columbia
Master of Science, Agronomy, 1980
University of Missouri - Columbia
Bachelor of Science, Animal Science, 1978
Packages with Thomas starting from $495

Your Expert Package Includes:

Best Practices

Access to ALL Best Practices authored by TrustedPeer Expert Thomas Klevorn PhD on this topic.

Pre-Meeting Discovery Process

Review and analysis of your issue with pre-meeting discovery questions by Thomas, followed by a 30- or 60-minute one-on-one call. Sample

One+-on-One Call

Your (+colleagues) meeting is directed and focused from the first minute.

Meeting Summary Report

After your call, Thomas completes a Meeting Summary Report to provide you with the session’s discussion topics, analysis, assessment and recommendations for next steps. Sample

Post-Meeting Engagement

After your meeting, continue your relationship with Thomas on your own, or with TrustedPeer’s support.
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