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The World Food Prize Foundation announced today the appointment of Kay Kuenker as a member of the Council of Advisors.
“It is with great honor that I humbly accept this opportunity to join the advisory council for the World Food Prize,” said Kuenker. “Having spent my career in R&D based agriculture companies, it excites me to support an organization which promotes innovation in agriculture with an aim to advance food security on a global scale and recognize those making a lasting impact. I look forward to working alongside esteemed colleagues in furthering this critical global endeavor.”
The World Food Prize Foundation Council of Advisors, appointed by the Foundation’s Board of Directors, include former heads of state and government ministers, and leaders in food and agricultural science, education, research and policy. They provide the Foundation Board and staff with insights and advice on advancing the mission of the organization and Dr. Norman Borlaug’s vision for the Foundation.
"Kay Kuenker brings a wealth of global leadership experience and a deep commitment to agricultural innovation that aligns perfectly with the mission of the World Food Prize Foundation Council of Advisors," said Mashal Husain, President, World Food Prize Foundation. "Her decades of impact across the agricultural industry—from scientific R&D to executive leadership—will provide invaluable perspective as we work to advance food security and sustainability worldwide."
Ms. Kuenker currently serves as Chairman of the Board for AgriTec Venture Corporation (RiceTec), a global leader in rice seed innovation, and is also a board member of the Liechtenstein Group Holding.
Until June 2024, Ms. Kuenker held the position of Chief Executive Officer at Advanced Agrilytics, LLC, an agronomic technology firm, where she served for over four years. Prior to that, she spent two and a half years as Executive Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at Cibus, LLC, a biotechnology company specializing in agricultural gene editing. The majority of her career was dedicated to Dow AgroSciences (now Corteva), where she spent nine years on the Executive Leadership Team. During her tenure, she held key roles including Global Vice President of Business Development, Commercial Head for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), and Global Vice President of Government, Public and Regulatory Affairs and Sustainability.
Ms. Kuenker’s previous board service includes roles with AgroFresh Solutions, LLC; the Advisory Board for Women in Agribusiness; AgriNovus Indiana; the National FFA Organization; the Food & Agriculture Governing Body of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization; CropLife Canada; and the European Crop Protection Association.
“Ms. Kuenker’s leadership and firsthand experience driving innovation across continents bring a unique and timely perspective,” said Thomas Vilsack, CEO, World Food Prize Foundation. “Her ability to connect innovation with real-world impact will be a valuable asset as the Council continues to support the Foundation’s mission."
Ms. Kuenker holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from the University of Michigan and a Master’s degree in mathematics from Central Michigan University.