29 1月 - 01 2月 2023
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Fertilizer Latino Americano

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Meet the advisory board

Fernando Mata
Director Latin America & Sub-Saharan Africa, Speciality Fertilizers, Koch AS
Fernando joined Koch in 2015 and moved to Uruguay to lead the specialty fertilizer business as Regional Director. He has been in the fertilizer industry for more than 26 years, starting his career in Argentina with Agrium (now Nutrien), where he worked for about 14 years, holding several different positions related to planning, trading, logistics, marketing and sales. Agri...
Fernando joined Koch in 2015 and moved to Uruguay to lead the specialty fertilizer business as Regional Director. He has been in the fertilizer industry for more than 26 years, starting his career in Argentina with Agrium (now Nutrien), where he worked for about 14 years, holding several different positions related to planning, trading, logistics, marketing and sales. Agrium appointed him to be part of the team that worked with Profertil in 1999. At Profertil he led a team that designed, implemented and executed the commercial strategy for the business, holding different positions related to sales and marketing for the domestic and international markets. Fernando holds a minor in agronomy, a major in agribusiness and an executive MBA.
Felipe De Carli
Fertilizer Trading - Barter Solutions, CHS Inc
Felipe works on the Brazilian fertilizer desk, managing pricing and operations. He holds a degree in Agronomy and previously worked at Syngenta and Yara Brazil as a Sales and Marketing Representative, acting in the south and central-west region.
Felipe works on the Brazilian fertilizer desk, managing pricing and operations. He holds a degree in Agronomy and previously worked at Syngenta and Yara Brazil as a Sales and Marketing Representative, acting in the south and central-west region.
María Fernanda González Sanjuan
Executive Director, Fertilizar AC
Maria has held her current position since 2008. She was previously the Marketing and Communications Manager for the Argentinian Seed Association and began her professional life as the Biosolids Agricultural Valorisation Project Manager for Aguas Argentinas. She is a specialist in soil fertility and fertiliser use and has a degree from the University of Buenos Aires faculty...
Maria has held her current position since 2008. She was previously the Marketing and Communications Manager for the Argentinian Seed Association and began her professional life as the Biosolids Agricultural Valorisation Project Manager for Aguas Argentinas. She is a specialist in soil fertility and fertiliser use and has a degree from the University of Buenos Aires faculty of agronomy.
Tomas Pitt
International Sales Manager, CF Industries
Tomas leads CF Industries’ international exports from the firm’s Chicago headquarters. He deals with UAN, urea, AN and ammonia exports, mainly to South America but also to Europe and other markets. He oversees the company’s international product development too. In his previous role with producer Mosaic Argentina, he served as a phosphate trader for seven years. Before joi...
Tomas leads CF Industries’ international exports from the firm’s Chicago headquarters. He deals with UAN, urea, AN and ammonia exports, mainly to South America but also to Europe and other markets. He oversees the company’s international product development too. In his previous role with producer Mosaic Argentina, he served as a phosphate trader for seven years. Before joining Mosaic in 2005, Tomas worked for producer Cargill for eight years, leading the procurement department for maintenance, repair and operational supplies for 11 soybean crushing plants and flour mills. He was also responsible for developing the domestic soybean market.
Ali Al-Deshan
Section Head Regional Sales, Phosphate & Ammonia SBU, Ma’aden
Ali was promoted to his current role in 2019 and is also a Commercial Manager, helping lead the phosphates business unit. Previous to this, he was the section head of sales for Latin America, leading Ma’aden activities mainly in Brazil and Argentina. Ali joined Ma’aden in 2012 as Senior Sales Executive in the industrial minerals business. He progressed through different ro...
Ali was promoted to his current role in 2019 and is also a Commercial Manager, helping lead the phosphates business unit. Previous to this, he was the section head of sales for Latin America, leading Ma’aden activities mainly in Brazil and Argentina. Ali joined Ma’aden in 2012 as Senior Sales Executive in the industrial minerals business. He progressed through different roles in industrial minerals before moving to phosphates in 2014. Ali holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from King Abdulaziz university, Saudi Arabia, and a master’s degree in engineering management from Widener University, US.
Chaitanya Kosaraju
Director, Global Ammonia & International Sales, Nutrien
In his current role, Chaitanya oversees Nutrien’s international sales, driving value to stakeholders across the fertilizer supply chain and developing business growth opportunities. Chaitanya has over 20 years of experience in supply chain management, sales and marketing in the fertilizer and industrial sectors. He is considered an expert in the global ammonia trade.
In his current role, Chaitanya oversees Nutrien’s international sales, driving value to stakeholders across the fertilizer supply chain and developing business growth opportunities. Chaitanya has over 20 years of experience in supply chain management, sales and marketing in the fertilizer and industrial sectors. He is considered an expert in the global ammonia trade.
Munish Jindal
Chief Executive Officer, Indorama Eleme Fertilizer and Chemicals
Munish is currently the Chief Financial Officer of Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals and Chief Executive of Indorama Eleme Fertilizers and Chemicals. He has been part of the Indorama group for over 24 years and has more than 28 years of experience in corporate finance, insurance, commercial and business development in a variety of manufacturing industries. He has an honour’s d...
Munish is currently the Chief Financial Officer of Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals and Chief Executive of Indorama Eleme Fertilizers and Chemicals. He has been part of the Indorama group for over 24 years and has more than 28 years of experience in corporate finance, insurance, commercial and business development in a variety of manufacturing industries. He has an honour’s degree in commerce from the Shri Ram College of Commerce and is a chartered accountant.
Luis Mutuano
Senior Trader, Samsung C&T
Luis has 19 years´ experience in the fertilizer sector, trading macro-nutrients, micro-nutrients and specialties in the South American market. He joined Samsung in September 2020, trading fertilizers into Brazil and the Southern Cone (Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay). He is currently focusing on establishing Samsung C&T as a reliable trading firm throughout the region, pro...
Luis has 19 years´ experience in the fertilizer sector, trading macro-nutrients, micro-nutrients and specialties in the South American market. He joined Samsung in September 2020, trading fertilizers into Brazil and the Southern Cone (Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay). He is currently focusing on establishing Samsung C&T as a reliable trading firm throughout the region, providing customers with high-quality product and service.
Priscila Richetti
Senior Market Intelligence Manager in Governance and KPI, Yara Brasil
Before joining Yara Brasil in 2015, Priscila worked for several agribusiness firms such as Bunge and Rabobank. She has more than 15 years of experience in agribusiness and banking. Priscila has a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil and a postgraduate degree in market intelligence from the FIA Business School in Brazil.
Before joining Yara Brasil in 2015, Priscila worked for several agribusiness firms such as Bunge and Rabobank. She has more than 15 years of experience in agribusiness and banking. Priscila has a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil and a postgraduate degree in market intelligence from the FIA Business School in Brazil.
Ithamar Prada
Senior Director of Marketing and Innovation, ICL South America
Ithamar has 18 years of experience in the fertilizer industry in various areas, such as technical development, market development, research, and development and marketing roles. Ithamar was previously a professor of plant nutrition and soil fertility at the University Center of Patos de Minas in Brazil. He has a Master’s degree in Soil Science.
Ithamar has 18 years of experience in the fertilizer industry in various areas, such as technical development, market development, research, and development and marketing roles. Ithamar was previously a professor of plant nutrition and soil fertility at the University Center of Patos de Minas in Brazil. He has a Master’s degree in Soil Science.
Sergio De Zen
Director of Agricultural Policies and Information, CONAB
In his current role Sergio is Director of Agricultural Policy and Information at CONAB. Before this role, Sergio was the Chief Executive of research company FEALQ. He was also an external consultant for the World Bank and the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation, leading research projects in Washington, Germany and England, and developing strategic restructuring projects...
In his current role Sergio is Director of Agricultural Policy and Information at CONAB. Before this role, Sergio was the Chief Executive of research company FEALQ. He was also an external consultant for the World Bank and the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation, leading research projects in Washington, Germany and England, and developing strategic restructuring projects with Brazilian agribusiness companies. He has an agronomic engineering degree from USP and a master’s and doctorate in applied economics from USP.

Main Conference Speakers

Alzbeta Klein
Director General, IFA
In this role, Alzbeta leads the global fertilizer industry towards creating productive and sustainable agriculture systems that help eradicate poverty and hunger. In the past, she has led IFC/World Bank Group’s climate business, positioning IFC as a lead investor in green and ESG investments in emerging markets. Before this, she led IFC’s agribusiness investments, industri...
In this role, Alzbeta leads the global fertilizer industry towards creating productive and sustainable agriculture systems that help eradicate poverty and hunger. In the past, she has led IFC/World Bank Group’s climate business, positioning IFC as a lead investor in green and ESG investments in emerging markets. Before this, she led IFC’s agribusiness investments, industrial investments and managed its investment portfolio. Alzbeta has a master’s degree in economics from the University of Ottawa, Canada, where she also studied for her doctorate; an engineering degree from Prague University, Czech Republic; and executive education from Harvard Business School and INSEAD. She is a chartered financial analyst and has served on the boards of several agribusiness companies. 
Corrine D Ricard
President, Mosaic Fertilizantes
Corrine was named President in November 2019. Previously she held leadership positions at Mosaic including Senior Vice-President of Commercial and Supply Chain, Senior Vice-President of Human Resources, Vice-President of International Sales and Distribution, Vice-President of Business Development, and Vice-President of Supply Chain and Risk Management. Prior to Mosaic, Co...
Corrine was named President in November 2019. Previously she held leadership positions at Mosaic including Senior Vice-President of Commercial and Supply Chain, Senior Vice-President of Human Resources, Vice-President of International Sales and Distribution, Vice-President of Business Development, and Vice-President of Supply Chain and Risk Management. Prior to Mosaic, Corrine worked for Cargill in various roles including risk management, supply chain, treasury and commodity trading. She has 35 years of agriculture experience. Corinne serves on the board of directors for the Canadian potash marketing association Canpotex, Gulf Sulfur Services, and the publicly traded Carlisle Companies. She previously served on the board of directors for Ma’aden Wa’ad Al Shamal Phosphate Company, a phosphate production joint venture in Saudi Arabia; DayBreak Foods, a private company; and the Freshwater Society, an environmental non-profit organisation. Corinne has a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Minnesota and an MBA in strategic planning from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, and completed the Advance Management Program at Harvard Business School.
Sergio De Zen
Director of Agricultural Policies and Information, CONAB
In his current role Sergio is Director of Agricultural Policy and Information at CONAB. Before this role, Sergio was the Chief Executive of research company FEALQ. He was also an external consultant for the World Bank and the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation, leading research projects in Washington, Germany and England, and developing strategic restructuring projects...
In his current role Sergio is Director of Agricultural Policy and Information at CONAB. Before this role, Sergio was the Chief Executive of research company FEALQ. He was also an external consultant for the World Bank and the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation, leading research projects in Washington, Germany and England, and developing strategic restructuring projects with Brazilian agribusiness companies. He has an agronomic engineering degree from USP and a master’s and doctorate in applied economics from USP.
Iule Arruda
Managing Director, Brazil, Agoro Carbon Alliance
Iule has previously worked with a broad range of companies, focusing on carbon, agribusiness, renewable energy, real estate, clean technology and the environment in Latin America and Europe. He is also the co-founder of Archipel, a strategic sustainability solutions firm in Brazil. Iule specialises in environmental law and holds a Master's degree in Energy and Environmenta...
Iule has previously worked with a broad range of companies, focusing on carbon, agribusiness, renewable energy, real estate, clean technology and the environment in Latin America and Europe. He is also the co-founder of Archipel, a strategic sustainability solutions firm in Brazil. Iule specialises in environmental law and holds a Master's degree in Energy and Environmental Law from the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium.
Tim Cheyne
SVP Fertilizers, Argus
Tim is Senior Vice President for the fertilizer sector at Argus. Tim worked a process manager at an ammonia/urea plant in South Africa before moving to the UK to join KBR (then M.W. Kellogg) as a process engineer in the ammonia technology team. More recently Tim has covered fertilizer and industrial nitrogen as a market analyst.
Tim is Senior Vice President for the fertilizer sector at Argus. Tim worked a process manager at an ammonia/urea plant in South Africa before moving to the UK to join KBR (then M.W. Kellogg) as a process engineer in the ammonia technology team. More recently Tim has covered fertilizer and industrial nitrogen as a market analyst.
Jade Delafraye
Global Editorial Manager, Agriculture, Argus
David Fyfe
Chief Economist, Argus
David has more than 30 years’ experience of working in energy markets. Prior to joining Argus, David was most recently chief economist at commodity trading company Gunvor. Before this, he managed the oil industry and markets division of the International Energy Agency and edited its influential monthly Oil Market Report. David has a master’s degree in energy policy and ec...
David has more than 30 years’ experience of working in energy markets. Prior to joining Argus, David was most recently chief economist at commodity trading company Gunvor. Before this, he managed the oil industry and markets division of the International Energy Agency and edited its influential monthly Oil Market Report. David has a master’s degree in energy policy and economics from Imperial College London.
Oliver Hatfield
VP Sustainable Fertilizers, Argus
Oliver Hatfield, is VP Business Development for Argus Media in London. Oliver joined Argus in October 2018 following its acquisition of Integer Research, where he spent 15 years as head of the fertilizer market research team. Oliver has more than 20 years of experience in business analysis and consulting, and he was also one of the founders of Integer. Oliver has worked e...
Oliver Hatfield, is VP Business Development for Argus Media in London. Oliver joined Argus in October 2018 following its acquisition of Integer Research, where he spent 15 years as head of the fertilizer market research team. Oliver has more than 20 years of experience in business analysis and consulting, and he was also one of the founders of Integer. Oliver has worked extensively on multi-client and bespoke fertilizer market analysis studies, covering market forecasts, strategy, due diligence, market entry and project feasibility. He has worked as an analyst on all the key fertilizer and related chemical markets: nitrogen, phosphates, potash, sulphur and sulphuric acid. Oliver is a graduate of economics and development economics from the University of Manchester in the UK.
Mike Nash
Senior Editor, Fertilizers, Argus
Mike is responsible for managing the London editorial fertilizer team and helps to develop new contacts. He is the Editor of Argus’ weekly Phosphates Report and the Monthly Africa Fertilizer Supplement, and the main contributor to the Monthly Phosphates Outlook. He also has special responsibility for the emerging African sector.
Mike is responsible for managing the London editorial fertilizer team and helps to develop new contacts. He is the Editor of Argus’ weekly Phosphates Report and the Monthly Africa Fertilizer Supplement, and the main contributor to the Monthly Phosphates Outlook. He also has special responsibility for the emerging African sector.
Mario Suffriti
Commercial Director, PROFERTIL
Mario Suffriti is an agricultural production engineer who graduated from the Argentine Catholic University. Between 2016 and 2018 he held the position of president and vice-president of fertilizers at Fertilizar AC, and in 2018 he was appointed ambassador for Argentina at the International Fertilizer Association (IFA), where he became part of the international sustainabili...
Mario Suffriti is an agricultural production engineer who graduated from the Argentine Catholic University. Between 2016 and 2018 he held the position of president and vice-president of fertilizers at Fertilizar AC, and in 2018 he was appointed ambassador for Argentina at the International Fertilizer Association (IFA), where he became part of the international sustainability group. Before joining Profertil in 2016, he worked at Agroservicios Pampeanos S.A. (formerly Nutrien) from 1997 as plant manager, being in charge of the commercial operation. In 2001, he took the position of project manager in the functional implementation of the JD Edwards software. In 2005, he held the role of manager of Argentina logistics and private brands, and in August 2007 he took the position of supply and logistics manager for Argentina and Uruguay. Between 2011 and joining Profertil, he was manager of a fertilizer granulating plant and an agrochemical formulation plant (formerly Dupont). Between 1993 and until he joined Agroservicios Pampeanos S.A., he served as zonal sales manager at Cargill S.A.C.I., Animal Nutrition Division.
Gustavo Zaitune
VP Supply Chain, Yara Brasil
Managing the supply chain at Yara's Brazilian operation, around 20 years of experience in the fertilizer industry, having led commercial, supply, planning and logistics areas. Mechanical Engineer graduated at Universidade de São Paulo (USP), he also has an MBA in Business Administration from Ibmec Business School. Prior to Yara, Zaitune held executive positions at leading ...
Managing the supply chain at Yara's Brazilian operation, around 20 years of experience in the fertilizer industry, having led commercial, supply, planning and logistics areas. Mechanical Engineer graduated at Universidade de São Paulo (USP), he also has an MBA in Business Administration from Ibmec Business School. Prior to Yara, Zaitune held executive positions at leading companies in the sector, such as Fosfertil, Vale Fertilizantes, as well as Tetra Pak, Valeo and Robert Bosch.

Added Value Fertilizers Americas Forum Speakers

Gustavo Branco
Vice President, Abisolo
Gustavo has 25 years of solid experience in development, deployment and management in commercial areas, marketing and international administration, the development of new products and processes, acquiring business strategic vision, strong strategic planning, and business management. He has focused on plant nutrition since 2008. Gustavo graduated in aeronautic engineering a...
Gustavo has 25 years of solid experience in development, deployment and management in commercial areas, marketing and international administration, the development of new products and processes, acquiring business strategic vision, strong strategic planning, and business management. He has focused on plant nutrition since 2008. Gustavo graduated in aeronautic engineering and has an MBA in marketing. He is currently General Director at Haifa South America and is Vice-President of Brazilian fertilizer association ABISOLO.
Franck Hennequart
Director Research & Innovation, Algaia
Franck Hennequart is an Engineer, graduated in the Marine Biology and Biotechnology Laboratory of the University of Caen (Normandy, France), specialised in the valorisation of marine resources. Franck worked first for 3 years in British Columbia in Canada as R&D project assistant for a Provincial organisation promoting partnership between Industry and Research groups for t...
Franck Hennequart is an Engineer, graduated in the Marine Biology and Biotechnology Laboratory of the University of Caen (Normandy, France), specialised in the valorisation of marine resources. Franck worked first for 3 years in British Columbia in Canada as R&D project assistant for a Provincial organisation promoting partnership between Industry and Research groups for technological transfer in aquaculture. Back in Europe, he has been then appointed Project Coordinator in the Molecular Glycobiotechnology Group of the Dept. of Biochemistry at National University of Ireland Galway. In parallel, he participated to the creation and the setup of OGT, an Irish company developing novel seaweed extracts. In June 2008, Franck joined OGT full time as Technical Director. OGT was acquired by the Spanish company Tradecorp International in June 2014 where he became global seaweed project manager for the whole group. Early 2016, Franck and his colleagues turned over a spin-off company into ALGAIA, a company producing seaweed extracts and specialised in providing consultancy, analyses and bioactivity tests for the valorisation of algae in many sectors of activities. Franck is also share-holder of a French consulting company called SEANEO specialised in management of aquaculture, artificial reefs and Marine Protected Areas.
Augusto Meneses
Vice President, LatAm – Caribbean – Iberian & International Specialty Strategy, Verdesian Life Sciences US
Augusto leads sales activities and business acquisition integration, plant regulatory and product development programmes, and sales and marketing campaigns in Latin America. With 22 years in the agricultural sector, Augusto has developed specialised knowledge of crop protection and plant nutrition products, particularly fruit and vegetables, and tropical, industrial and r...
Augusto leads sales activities and business acquisition integration, plant regulatory and product development programmes, and sales and marketing campaigns in Latin America. With 22 years in the agricultural sector, Augusto has developed specialised knowledge of crop protection and plant nutrition products, particularly fruit and vegetables, and tropical, industrial and row crops. Augusto’s previous roles have included manager at Copeval Chile, sales manager at SQM Mexico (Mexican subsidiary of SQM Chile), director of fertilizers at Ducor Mexico (a DuPont company), and plant nutrition product and market manager at Gowan Mexicana and Gowan Company in Yuma, Arizona. He has a bachelor’s degree in agronomy and agricultural engineering from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile.
Jack Merriott
Manager - Consulting Services, Argus
Jack Merriott has ten years’ experience working in strategy consulting, strategic planning and market intelligence, spanning fertilizers, industrial products and consumer goods and is responsible for low carbon consulting projects at Argus Media, spanning green hydrogen, green ammonia and carbon markets. Prior to joining Argus, he was a Manager at Integer Research with res...
Jack Merriott has ten years’ experience working in strategy consulting, strategic planning and market intelligence, spanning fertilizers, industrial products and consumer goods and is responsible for low carbon consulting projects at Argus Media, spanning green hydrogen, green ammonia and carbon markets. Prior to joining Argus, he was a Manager at Integer Research with responsibility for consulting projects in Europe and the America. Jack is a graduate of Oxford University and is fluent in French and Spanish.
Matias Ruffo
Senior Agronomist Latin America & South Africa , Koch AS
Matias is provides agronomic support to Koch’s customers in Latin America and southern Africa, particularly for enhanced-efficiency fertilizers. Before joining Koch, he provided agronomic support for premium phosphate and potash products globally and later worked in the seed industry. Matias has a PhD in crop science from the University of Illinois.
Matias is provides agronomic support to Koch’s customers in Latin America and southern Africa, particularly for enhanced-efficiency fertilizers. Before joining Koch, he provided agronomic support for premium phosphate and potash products globally and later worked in the seed industry. Matias has a PhD in crop science from the University of Illinois.
Markus Schmid
Head of N Business Management, BASF
After earning his PhD in chemistry, Dr Schmid joined BASF as a lab team leader in polymer research in 2000. After job assignments in R&D, corporate strategy, and project management, he took over the responsibility of the N management business at BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division. 
After earning his PhD in chemistry, Dr Schmid joined BASF as a lab team leader in polymer research in 2000. After job assignments in R&D, corporate strategy, and project management, he took over the responsibility of the N management business at BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division. 

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