Degree in Economics, Kalamazoo College, Michigan, US; studies at University of Strasbourg; MBA, Harvard University. Formerly: 1987-96, with Mead Corporation; Executive Vice-President, Americas and Pacific Region, and Executive Director of the Board, English China Clays; 1999, President, Global Paper Division, Imerys, a French mining and pigments company, after it merged with English China Clays. With Syngenta: 2002, Head, North American Crop Protection business; 2005, Chief Operating Officer, Syngenta Seeds and Member, Executive Committee; since 2008, current position and Executive Director, Board of Directors. Chairman, Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce. Co-Chair, Sustainable Development, Vision 2050 Project, World Business Council for Sustainable Development.