Christopher Richards - Chairman, Board of Directors

As the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Arysta LifeScience Corporation, Dr. Christopher Richards supports both shareholders and management in defining company strategy.

During Richards’ tenure as chief operating officer (2003) and then president and chief executive officer (April 2004 to January 2010), Arysta LifeScience was transformed into a powerful global agrochemical company, with one of the fastest growth rates in the industry. This was achieved with a unique global business model focused on emerging countries and niche sectors, and based on a strong portfolio of proprietary, off-patent and third-party products built through organic growth and acquisition.

In 2008, when Industrial Equity Investments Limited (IEIL), a Permira Funds company, assumed ownership of Arysta LifeScience, Richards successfully led the company through the transition, meeting the challenge of heightened business goals while reinforcing a positive culture and environment in which employees could continue to thrive. In 2009, Richards was recognized for his efforts with the prestigious Agrow “Best Manager with Strategic Vision” award.

Prior to joining Arysta LifeScience, Richards spent 20 years in international management and leadership roles with Syngenta Crop Protection and its predecessor companies.

Prior to joining the private sector in 1983, Richards worked with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of the United Kingdom, where he carried out research about the ecology of mammals.

Richards earned a master’s degree in zoology and a D. Phil. in ecology at St. John’s College, Oxford University.