Nufarm Appoints Rico Christensen as CEO with USD 890K Base Salary
Nufarm Limited has announced Rico Christensen as its new CEO, effective January 2026, succeeding Greg Hunt who will stay on as advisor until mid-2026. Christensen brings three decades of global agricultural sector expertise and a strong operational focus.
- Rico Christensen appointed CEO and Managing Director from 1 January 2026
- Outgoing CEO Greg Hunt to remain as advisor until 30 June 2026
- Christensen brings 30 years of global agricultural chemicals leadership
- Remuneration package includes USD 890,700 base salary plus performance incentives
- Relocation support provided as Christensen moves from the US to Australia
Leadership Transition at Nufarm
Nufarm Limited (ASX – NUF), a global player in crop protection and seed technologies, has announced a significant leadership change with the appointment of Rico Christensen as its new CEO and Managing Director, effective 1 January 2026. He will succeed Greg Hunt, who has led the company through a period of global expansion and operational growth. Hunt will continue to support the company in an advisory role until 30 June 2026 to ensure a smooth transition.
A Proven Global Executive
Christensen joins Nufarm with an impressive 30-year track record in the agricultural chemicals sector, having held senior roles at major companies such as UPL Limited, Arysta LifeScience, and Cheminova. His expertise spans operational excellence, capital discipline, and portfolio development, areas critical to Nufarm’s ongoing strategy. His global experience, including leadership roles across North America, Europe, South America, and Asia-Pacific, positions him well to navigate the complex regulatory and market environments that Nufarm operates within.
Strategic and Financial Implications
The company has outlined Christensen’s remuneration package, which includes a base salary of USD 890,700 (approximately AUD 1.35 million), alongside a performance-based incentive plan. Notably, a transitionary equity grant valued at USD 460,000 is proposed to bridge the gap in equity awards during his first year as CEO, subject to shareholder approval. Christensen will initially be based in North Carolina, USA, before relocating to Melbourne in late 2026 or early 2027, with the company providing relocation support to ease this transition.
Board Confidence and Future Outlook
John Gillam, Chair of Nufarm, praised Christensen as a standout candidate with commercial acumen and strategic clarity, highlighting his ability to build high-performing teams and drive growth through innovation. The leadership change signals Nufarm’s commitment to operational discipline and sustained growth in a competitive global market. Meanwhile, Greg Hunt’s departure marks the end of an era during which Nufarm solidified its global footprint and market position.
What Lies Ahead
As Christensen steps into his new role, investors and industry watchers will be keen to see how his leadership style and strategic priorities influence Nufarm’s trajectory. The company’s focus on innovation and capital efficiency will be tested amid evolving market dynamics and regulatory challenges. The upcoming months will be critical in setting the tone for Nufarm’s next chapter.
Bottom Line?
Nufarm’s leadership handover sets the stage for strategic evolution amid global agricultural challenges.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Christensen’s global experience reshape Nufarm’s strategic priorities?
- What impact will the CEO transition have on Nufarm’s operational performance in FY26?
- Will shareholder approval for the transitionary equity grant proceed smoothly?
