Syngenta Group Names Hengde Qin as New CEO

Syngenta Group has appointed Hengde Qin as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective August 1, 2026, following a comprehensive succession process approved unanimously by the company’s Board of Directors.

Qin, who currently serves as Chief Operating Officer and Head of Seeds, will succeed Jeff Rowe, who will remain in the role until the transition takes effect before returning to the United States after nearly a decade with the global agribusiness company.

Announcing the appointment, Chairman of the Board Fanrong Li described Qin as the ideal leader to guide Syngenta through its next phase of growth, citing his extensive operational, financial and commercial experience.

“The Board of Directors believes Hengde is the best candidate for the role. We are confident he will take Syngenta Group to the next level of sustainable development and value creation,” Li said, while also thanking Rowe for steering the company through one of the most challenging periods in modern agriculture.

Seasoned Executive with Global Leadership Experience

Based at Syngenta Group’s global headquarters in Basel, Switzerland, Qin has been a member of the company’s executive leadership team since 2020 and has held several strategic leadership positions across finance, operations, human resources and regional management.

His previous roles include Chief Financial Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer and President of Syngenta Group China, where he led a period of strong business growth and profitability, transforming the China operation into one of the company’s best-performing markets.

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Before joining Syngenta, Qin served as Chief Executive Officer of two publicly listed companies in mainland China and Hong Kong. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and management from the East China Engineering Institute of Technology, a master’s degree in industrial engineering from Huazhong University of Science and Technology, and an MBA from the China Europe International Business School.

Focus on Innovation and Sustainable Agriculture

Speaking on his appointment, Qin said agriculture remains central to solving some of the world’s biggest challenges, including food security, sustainability and climate resilience.

He emphasized that Syngenta’s mission of helping farmers increase productivity while reducing environmental impact would remain at the core of the company’s strategy.

“Agriculture stands at the center of the world’s most important challenges—from feeding a growing population to improving sustainability and resilience across food systems,” Qin said. “Together with Syngenta’s talented employees around the world, we will continue to innovate, create lasting value for our customers, and deliver more breakthroughs for farmers.”

Jeff Rowe Praises Leadership Transition

Outgoing CEO Jeff Rowe expressed confidence in his successor, describing the leadership change as a seamless transition built on years of collaboration.

“I have worked closely with Hengde for many years and have seen firsthand his commitment to our business, his understanding of our customers, and his deep appreciation for the people who make this company successful,” Rowe said. “This is a transition from strength to strength.”

Rowe joined Syngenta in 2016 and played a key role in revitalizing the company’s Seeds business, restoring profitability before later leading its Crop Protection division—the firm’s largest business unit. He was subsequently appointed Chief Executive Officer, overseeing the company through a period of transformation and market challenges.

With Qin set to assume leadership in August, Syngenta Group is positioning itself to accelerate innovation, strengthen sustainable agriculture solutions and deliver long-term value for farmers and stakeholders worldwide.