Jim grew up on a family corn and soybean farm in Hubbard, Iowa, and is a graduate of Iowa State University. Prior to joining Calyxt, Jim was the President and CEO for Bayer CropScience LP (North America). He also held executive positions at Valent (Sumitomo Chemical), Agtrol International and Agriliance LLC (a Land O’ Lakes and CHS joint venture). Jim currently serves as the Independent Non-Executive Chairman of Concentric Ag Technologies; Inc. He is the 2013 recipient of the Henry A. Wallace Award from Iowa State University for outstanding leadership and service to agriculture.