Genus plc (LON: GNS), a leading global animal genetics company, announced that Karim Bitar, Chief Executive Officer, will be stepping down from the Board from 16 September 2019. Karim will be taking the Chief Executive Officer position at ConvaTec Group Plc from 30 September 2019. Karim has committed to remain with Genus and continue in his role until 16 September, to achieve an orderly succession and transition process, while continuing to drive business performance.
“During Karim’s eight years at Genus as Chief Executive, the Company has been transformed into a world-leading animal genetics company, truly fulfilling its vision to pioneer animal genetic improvement to help nourish the world. He has led the Company’s transformation and is leaving the Company in excellent shape with a world-class leadership team, world-class genetics and innovative technology platforms to enable us to pursue many exciting global opportunities,” said Bob Lawson Chair of Genus. “His legacy is the creation of an outstanding global team that will sustain the Company’s growth, while serving customers with an unparalleled range of products and services. Karim has provided the Company with many years of strong leadership, and the Board and I remain excited by the Company’s future prospects. On behalf of the Board and all at Genus, I wish Karim well for the future and thank him for his considerable contribution during his time with the Company.”
Karim Bitar said “It has been a great privilege to lead such a talented group of people and develop a leading global agricultural biotechnology company focused on animal genetics. Genus is in a very strong strategic and financial position, with significant growth prospects and I will miss the team tremendously when I eventually leave in September.”
The Board has commenced a search to identify his successor and a further announcement will be made in due course.
