Leadership changes at Sakata Seed America

Sakata Seed America, which develops and markets a variety of melon and vegetable seeds, plans to change its executive leadership.

After more than 15 years of service as Sakata Seed America’s president and chief executive officer, Dave Armstrong plans to step into the role of executive chairman, where he will continue to provide oversight and guidance for the business.

Eduardo (Ed) Flores will assume the position of president and CEO, taking over operational responsibility and leading Sakata Seed America into its next phase of growth, according to a news release.

Flores joined Sakata Seed America in 2021 as chief operating officer and has played a significant role in adapting the company’s supply chain capabilities to a growing crop portfolio. Through a recent relocation of Sakata’s regional headquarters to Woodland, California, Flores brings more than 20 years of experience in leading regional businesses, commercial activities, supply chain management and strategy development for global breeding companies, according to the release.

Flores earned an MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a B.S. in engineering from the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education.

John Nelson, Sakata Seed America’s current executive vice president, will take on the role of executive advisor and support the business during the transition. John will share his expertise and leadership developed over a 30 year career with Sakata, until his planned retirement scheduled for January 2026. Hiroyuki (Hiro) Hashimoto will step into the role of vice president, further strengthening the company’s executive team, according to the release.

The changes are scheduled to become effective April 1.

“It has been an incredible honor to lead Sakata Seed America for the past fifteen and a half years,” Armstrong said in the release. “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.”>

In the release, Flores said he was honored to be chosen to serve Sakata Seed America, a company he has long admired and respected.