North American Grain Export Association appoints new president and CEO
USA- The North American Export Grain Association (NAEGA) board of directors has announced the appointment of Alejandra Castillo as the successor president and CEO, effective in 2024.
Castillo, with 15 years of industry experience, is set to succeed Gary C. Martin in this crucial leadership role. Gary C. Martin has served as CEO and president of NAEGA since 2000, aiding government agencies and officials in communicating policies and programs to the U.S. export grain industry to promote trade in the industry.
His successor, Alejandra Castillo, has marked her career with a dedication to the grain and Agri bulk products international trading industry. She has previously served as a regional director for South Asia, working from Singapore and India.
Most recently, she held the position of director of global programs in Washington, D.C. for the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and before that, she gained valuable experience in trade execution while working for Cargill.
The creation of the successor president and CEO position was initiated to facilitate the transition as the current NAEGA president and CEO, Gary C. Martin, prepares to step down from his role in 2024.
“As NAEGA works with those who feed the world to advocate for and support international trade of grain, we are confident that Alejandra is a forward-looking and strategic leader who will guide NAEGA into the future,” John Griffith, the chairman of the NAEGA board, stated, expressing his confidence in Alejandra Castillo.
Castillo is already actively engaged with the existing NAEGA staff to ensure a smooth and seamless transition when she officially takes on the role of president and CEO in 2024.
Established in 1912, NAEGA is a not-for-profit trade association representing a diverse group of private and publicly owned companies, as well as farmer-owned cooperatives involved in and providing services to the Agribulk products international trading industry.
NAEGA’s members play a pivotal role in exporting and serving the vast majority of all U.S. grain and oilseeds in global markets.
With Alejandra Castillo at the helm, NAEGA is poised for a dynamic future, further advancing the interests of the North American grain export industry and contributing to global food security.
