By Patience Gondo
SEED Co has announced changes to its Board of Directors marking both a new chapter and a farewell as the African seed company strengthens its leadership while recognising long standing service.
In a statement issued by the company on December 17 2025 Seed Co said it had appointed Mr Rogério Alvares de Andrade as a non-executive director effective 22 November 2025 subject to ratification at the next Annual General Meeting. Mr de Andrade was nominated by the Limagrain Group and succeeds Mr Frederic Savin.
The appointment brings to the board an agribusiness executive with deep roots in agricultural research and development.
Seed Co said Mr de Andrade has built a distinguished career across the global agricultural landscape with experience spanning Africa, Asia and the Americas.
His work has focused on driving innovation leading high-performing teams and delivering market-ready crop solutions.
According to the statement, Mr de Andrade’s expertise covers the full spectrum of agricultural research and development with particular emphasis on the management and commercialisation of genetically modified traits and the development of new high yielding cultivars.
Since 2019 he has served as Head of Research at Limagrain Field Seeds Asia Pacific where he oversees research strategy for key crops including corn, rice, barley and pearl millet across multiple markets.
Seed Co said in this role Mr de Andrade has led scientific development of advanced hybrids and varieties while serving on several joint venture boards effectively linking research business strategy and commercial implementation.
His academic background includes an INSEAD Leadership Certificate, an Executive MBA from the Dom Cabral Foundation, a Master of Science in Genetics and Plant Breeding, and a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy both from Vicosa University.
At the same time, the company announced the retirement of Mr Frederic Savin as a non-executive director effective 5 September 2025.
Mr Savin’s departure brings to a close a period of service the board described as impactful and instrumental to Seed Co’s growth on the continent.
“The Board expresses its sincere appreciation and best wishes to Frederic Savin for his outstanding service and lasting contributions to Seed Co’s success in Africa,” said Seed Co.