Global Head of Seeds Research and Development at Syngenta

Driven by a personal mission to transform agriculture and ensure sustainable food security, Trevor Hohls leads Syngenta Seeds Field Crops’ global Research & Development organization. He directs breakthrough innovation through advanced germplasm development, trait discovery and disruptive technologies while spearheading a digital transformation that positions Syngenta as the leader in agricultural decision science. Under his leadership, a worldwide team of scientists develops next-generation seed products through innovations in germplasm and traits, product delivery, technology prospecting and data science—delivering tangible value to farmers while ensuring consumer safety, regulatory compliance and environmental sustainability.

As a key member of the Syngenta Group’s Extended Global Leadership Team, the Seeds Business Leadership Team and Syngenta’s Innovation Board, Trevor shapes strategic direction while fostering a culture of digital fluency and talent development, ensuring scientific excellence and commercial success. His data-driven approach to collaborative innovation has consistently accelerated the pace of agricultural advancement across broad acre crops such as corn, soybeans, wheat, barley, sunflowers and rice.

With over 30 years in agricultural innovation, Trevor spent 19 years at Monsanto Company before joining Syngenta in 2017. His leadership roles spanned global corn and soybean development, breeding operations across North and Latin America and global breeding technology. Throughout his career, he has successfully commercialized products, built competitive intellectual property portfolios and driven technological advancement in agriculture. His scientific contributions earned him recognition as a Monsanto Senior Science Fellow, along with multiple patents and publications.

Trevor holds a PhD in Quantitative Genetics from the University of Natal, South Africa, where he also earned his BSc Agriculture degree in Genetics with summa cum laude honors. He completed post-doctoral research in Statistical Genetics at NC State University and received a Certificate in Business Leadership from the University of South Africa. His academic contributions continue through his Honorary Professorship in Quantitative Genetics and Plant Breeding at the University of Pretoria, building on his previous role as Associate Professor at the University of Natal.