Monsanto exec is Webster’s 2007 President/CEO of the Year
By Benjamin Akande
For the St. Louis American
Just like the products his company is continually improving to maximize the potential of seeds for farmers around the world, Hugh Grant is a man of transformation. Change is not something that scares this president and CEO of Monsanto Company. Change is the metamorphosis needed for success in a field of corn as well as in the boardroom.
Hugh Grant earned his leadership position with the agricultural company in May 2002 in part because he played such an integral role in Monsanto’s strategic transition from a chemistry-based company to a company based largely on seeds and biotechnology traits.
Grant’s strong operational background, coupled with his keen knowledge of the business and ability to earn the trust of a wide range of stakeholders in challenging situations, made him the board’s choice to lead Monsanto.
As soon as he took the helm, Hugh Grant empowered his team to run Monsanto like they own it. He challenged his crew to move the company from success to significance, and they have responded overwhelmingly.
First, Grant urged his shareholders, his employees and even his customers to seek out new ways to create longer-term value. Then, he set an audacious goal of 3-5 years as the important threshold for the company to become the high-tech solution-provider to farmers, agricultural retailers and distributors, grain handlers, food processors, food companies and all those interested in agriculture around the globe.
And he’s succeeded. In five short years, Monsanto has become the largest conventional seed company in the world. Strategic acquisitions and organic growth have all blossomed under Grant’s management, including the solidification of Monsanto’s flagship product Round-Up as the world’s number one herbicide.
Grant’s motivation is based on the old adage, “if you take care of the people, profits will come.” And, Monsanto is doing just that with its commitment to improving the quality and quantity of the world’s bread basket.
Here is where this transformationist continues to push for change. Through science, Monsanto can create corn plants that are poisonous to rootworms or yield higher protein content. With science, the company can produce canola oil that lowers blood cholesterol or that supplies the body with vitamin A. By transforming the future in this way in fields around the globe, Grant believes he will realize his dream of pulling even the weakest nations of the world out of poverty.
Every year, the School of Business and Technology at Webster University honors a chief executive officer who exemplifies leadership in its true essence. In the past, we have honored such luminaries of our time as Lee Scott, President/CEO, Wal-Mart Company; Andy Taylor, Chairman, Enterprise Rent-A-Car; Edward Whitacre, Chairman, ATT Corporation; and August A Busch IV, President/CEO, Anheuser Busch Companies. On April 11, 2007, Hugh Grant will join this distinguished list.
As the 2007 President/CEO of the Year, Grant will be recognized for his transformational leadership. By bucking conventional wisdom and embracing the power of innovation through deep collaboration and urgency for action, Hugh Grant is making a difference. And that difference could impact millions of people around the world for years to come.
Hugh Grant, president and CEO of Monsanto Company, will speak on “Harnessing the Power of Technology” 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 11 in the Emerson Library Conference Room at Webster University.
Benjamin Ola. Akande is dean of the School of Business and Technology at Webster University.
