Agricultural machinery company AGCO announced today that it has named Louisa Parker-Smith as its new Director of Global Sustainability. In the newly created role, Parker-Smith will be responsible for overseeing AGCO’s sustainability and environmental initiatives.

Parker-Smith has been with AGCO for 8 years, joining in 2012 in the role of Manager Institutional Funding and Stakeholder Relations Africa and Middle East. She has held a variety of positions at the company, including Director Distribution Development & External Affairs Africa, Senior Manager Global Programs and Special Assistant to the CEO, and most recently Global HR Business Partner.

Eric Hansotia, AGCO’s current Chief Operating Officer and upcoming Chairman and CEO, said:

“Louisa brings a broad cross-section of experiences that will allow deeper insight into how we can continue to make sustainability one of the core components of our business and strategic direction. While we have made progress on a wide range of sustainability initiatives, we are aware everyone must do more if we are to avoid the negative impacts of climate change, particularly on the global food supply.”

Parker-Smith said:

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to help bring a sharper focus on the many sustainability projects across the company and develop new programs that will have significant benefits for our customers and society. We recognize the agriculture industry is a key part of the solution to combatting climate change, and we are committed to bringing smart solutions to our farmer customers to increase sustainable agricultural practices across the globe.”

AGCO stated that the new appointment underscores the company’s commitment to making sustainability a business priority while providing farmers the tools they need to meet the challenge of feeding a growing population using fewer natural resources. The company plans to release its next sustainability report in 2021 and enhance its current practice of providing transparency on its material issues.