SAKATA SEED - April 28, 2009
 

Sakata has recently added new positions to its sales and marketing team in the Trans-Atlantic ornamentals market of Europe and the U.S.

Marc Englert joined Sakata as Senior Flower Sales and Marketing Manager.  Based in the California office, Marc will lead Sakata’s North American ornamentals sales and marketing team, including Australia and New Zealand.   Marc has worked with well recognized horticultural companies in both Europe and the U.S.   With an agricultural marketing degree from Holland University in The Netherlands and fluency in six languages, Marc contributes to an international perspective to the U.S. based team.

Natalia Hamill has been appointed to the newly created Retail Category Manager (Ornamentals) role.   Natalia will work with Sakata’s distribution partners, growers and retailers to develop marketing programs. Natalia brings broad experience in horticultural marketing, including brand management and marketing strategy development, for other global horticultural companies. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture from the University of Missouri and did masters work at the University of Georgia. With her deep understanding of plants, commercial grower needs, retail programs and consumer perceptions, Natalia brings a wealth of insight and experience to the Sakata ornamentals team.

Oscar Rietkerk has been appointed Trans-Atlantic Product Manager for cut flowers and is based in The Netherlands. Oscar adds to the Sakata team his solid experience in the global cut flower business, including the key markets of Europe and Africa.  Oscar will work across the Trans-Atlantic market to support Sakata’s leading cut flower assortment.

Tracy Lee joins the Sakata ornamentals team as the North America Bedding Plant Product Manager.  Tracy brings a rich background in horticulture management with recognized U.S. based companies.  Her experience includes product management & marketing, brand development, merchandising and creative development as well as strategic planning.  Tracy has served with the National Garden Bureau (NGB), All-America Selections (AAS) and the American Seed Trades Association (ASTA).

“These experienced professionals will strengthen our global ornamentals team, as we align our marketing efforts in a dynamic and globalizing market place,” said Dave Armstrong, head of Sakata’s Trans-Atlantic ornamentals business.

Sakata Seed Corporation, founded in 1913, is recognized today among the world leaders in research, production and commercialization of flower and vegetable genetics.   The corporation has a global presence including 32 subsidiary companies. 
www.sakata.com