Dr. Scott Nykaza has been promoted to chief executive officer at Kalsec® Inc. George Todd, previously chief executive officer, has become executive chairman of the board of directors and Martha Todd remains vice chairman of the board.  

Nykaza joined Kalsec® in 1999 and became vice president of procurement in 2004. In 2010 he was promoted to executive vice president of sales and marketing. He was promoted to chief operating officer in 2011 and to president and chief operating officer in 2013. Nykaza received his Master’s degree in plant breeding from Kansas State University and his Ph.D. from Colorado State University. Prior to joining Kalsec®, Nykaza worked for the DeKalb Seed Company and Monsanto. While at Monsanto he earned his M.B.A. from Michigan State University.

Kalsec® is also pleased to announce additional promotions within the executive leadership team. Dr. Don Berdahl is promoted to executive vice president of research strategy and chief technical officer. Berdahl’s role will focus on building Kalsec®’s research strategy and raising the level of innovation in the business via acquisition of new valuable technology.

Julie Heine is promoted to executive vice president of sales. Heine has an extensive Kalsec® background that has spanned 23 years with early work assignments in the laboratory, quality control, product development, hops customer service and sales. Heine’s sales career began in 2000 and over the last 18 years she has built an outstanding sales organization in the Americas and shaped Kalsec®’s international efforts.

Dr. Roger Nahas is expanding his duties and responsibilities in the position of vice president of global research and development. Previously, Nahas served as the vice president of global applications and product development. Since 2007, Nahas has been instrumental in building global lab capabilities to include targeted joint development efforts as well as collaborations with outside entities for the advancement of innovation.

“These announcements are part of a long-term succession plan to ensure Kalsec® remains private and sustainable for the next 100 years,” says George Todd, executive chairman of the board. “I am very proud of what our Kalsec® team has accomplished during a time of significant change and challenges in our industry and across the world. Kalsec® has a bright future and is well positioned for future investment and growth.”