Jeremy Williams says he has always been interested in science.
“I’ve been a science geek as long as I can remember,” he told the St. Louis American.
Williams came to the United Sates as an immigrant of African descent from Georgetown, Guyana to attend Swarthmore College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry and French.
He now serves as Head of Climate LLC, Digital Farming and Commercial Ecosystems for the Crop Science division of Bayer, where he leads a team that develops digital tools “to help unlock the next wave of agriculture innovations.”
His talent could have led him in many directions, but fate sent him to St. Louis where he attended Washington University and earned a Ph.D. in Molecular Biophysics in 1999.
Williams said he gained “broader exposure” at Wash U. and through “a lucky coincidence,” was a co-founder scientist of the start-up company Divergence with friends from the prestigious university.
He held scientific research and leadership roles at Divergence, including vice president of discovery research. Williams is a co-inventor of several patents held by Divergence and its collaborators, and he was named a Senior Monsanto Fellow in 2016.
Monsant was later acquired by Bayer in 2018.
Williams took his 20 years of diverse biotechnology and agrochemical R&D experience to Bayer Crop Science in 2018, after having served in several research and development leadership roles at Monsanto including head of chemistry research and development.
He now serves as Head of Climate LLC, Digital Farming and Commercial Ecosystems for the Crop Science division of Bayer, where he leads a team that develops digital tools “to help unlock the next wave of agriculture innovations.”
Williams, who is also a member of the Crop Science Executive Leadership Team, will receive the St. Louis American Foundation Corporate Executive of the Year award on Feb. 20, 2025, during the 23rd Annual Salute To Excellence in Business Networking and Awards Luncheon at the Ritz-Carlton St. Louis.
“This was a surprise,” said Williams.
“Those who know me well know I just like to get the work done.”
Upon learning of his award, Williams posted on Instagram, “It is a great honor, and I am truly humbled. This award is a testament to the dedication, leadership, and impact that we strive to create in our industries and communities.”
“A huge thank you to my family, mentors, colleagues and friends for your unwavering support throughout my journey. I look forward to celebrating this moment with all of you.”
Williams said many friends, co-workers and fellow professionals have contacted him with congratulations.
“So many people have had such positive reaction,” he said.
Williams, a staunch supporter of diversity in his and corporate workplaces, said his honor is important for what is portrayed.
“It lets people see what is possible, regardless of their background,” he said.
“It can help people dream big and have successful careers. Don’t let the fact that you might be highly underrepresented in a field limit your ambition.
“I’ve been one of a small number many times.”
Williams said, “if you do the work, a mentor or someone else will see that you are someone they should invest in.”
He endorses “following dreams,” down a path of the future.
“I’ve always followed my passion for science – but also the passion to apply science,” he said.
Before advancing to his current position, Williams served as a member of the Research & Development Leadership Team as senior vice president, head of Plant Biotechnology for the Crop Science division of Bayer.
In that role, he led a global team to “enable a robust plant biotechnology pipeline developing highly effective solutions to strengthen a plant’s resistance to insects, diseases and other environmental stresses.”
He says he is also passionate about inclusion and diversity and has served as the president of the African Americans in Monsanto business resource network and as a sponsor for the WiSE Guys ally network.
In July 2024, Williams posted on Instagram, “Being the lone voice means almost always carrying an additional invisible load that one needs to manage carefully if one is to remain effective and stay grounded.”
“I’m very fortunate to work for a company like Bayer, which remains committed to diversity, equity and inclusion to help us be a stronger, more innovative and competitive company.
He is currently a member of the GROW Cabinet, and a United Way of Greater St. Louis board member.
Williams lives in St. Louis, with his wife Rachel Presti and their children Deryck and Isabelle. His hobbies include, of course, science fiction & fantasy. He is also a wine connoisseur and is a taekwondo devotee. He and his family love to travel for vacation.
Tickets for The Salute to Business Networking Reception and Awards Luncheon on February 20, 2024 may be purchased here.