Alfin, Texas, USA
August 2025
RiceTec today announced a key leadership transition. After three years of dedicated service, Karsten Neuffer has stepped down from his role as Chief Executive Officer. Neuffer led RiceTec through a successful transformation, strengthening its strategy, building a high-performing executive team, and laying the groundwork for sustained, profitable growth.
The Board expresses its gratitude for Neuffer’s leadership and vision, and wishes him continued success in his future endeavors.
To lead RiceTec into its next chapter, the Board has appointed Brian Fife as Chief Executive Officer. Most recently, Fife served as CEO of Innovative Seed Solutions, a joint venture between Remington Seeds and Bayer Crop Science. During his tenure, he drove substantial growth, expanding sales and profitability, strengthening global market share, and building a culture of collaboration and trust across the organization.
“We are delighted to welcome Brian as our new CEO,” said Kay Kuenker, Chairperson of the Board. “His deep global and operational experience across seeds and traits, coupled with his servant leadership and down-to-earth approach, make him an ideal leader to guide our company’s next chapter of growth and innovation.
Prior to ISS, Fife held senior leadership roles at Corteva Agrisciences, DowDuPont, and Dow AgroSciences, where he led global strategy, transformation, finance, and commercial operations. His broad experience across international markets and his expertise in building high-performing, sustainable businesses position him well to lead RiceTec into its next phase of growth.
“RiceTec has a strong foundation and a bold ambition to become the world leader in hybrid rice,” said Fife. “I look forward to working with the Board, our teams, and our partners to advance innovation, deliver value for farmers, and expand our global impact.”
With Fife’s appointment, RiceTec enters an exciting new chapter, one grounded in innovation, collaboration, and a deep commitment to sustainable agriculture. The company remains focused on delivering high-performing hybrid rice solutions that create more value for farmers, consumers, and the planet.
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