Appointments

Aviagen India Enhances Customer S u p p o r t , N a m e s M a n i Karuppasamy as Key Accounts Manager

Udumalpet, India. – Mani Karuppasamy has been promoted to the position of Key Accounts Manager for Aviagen® India, which will take effect immediately. The company created the new role to strengthen customer support at a time when its Ross® 308 AP broiler breeder is experiencing considerable growth in popularity. Karuppasamy will be responsible for working with existing customers who have national distribution and developing new business. Karuppasamy will benefit the new position with extensive management and customer service skills and experience. He joined Aviagen back in 2012 as Sales Manager for the southern region of the country, and for the past three years has broadened his management skills through his service as Operations Manager for Central India Poultry Breeders.

Cobb-Vantress Appoints Genetics Executive

Cobb-Vantress, Inc. / Siloam Springs, Arkansas, USA: CobbVantress appointed Dr. Mark Cooper as managing director of genetics to oversee the company’s global genetic program. Effective immediately, Dr. Cooper will continue work to achieve genetic gains and competitive advantage through alignment of Cobb’s breeding program with its product strategy, developing a portfolio of products to meet growing global market needs. He will report to Dr. Aldo Rossi, vice president of research and development (R&D). In his new role, Dr. Cooper will lead a global, multifunctional team, including Dr. Rachel Hawken, senior director of genetics; Dr. Manouchehr Katanbaf, senior geneticist; and Dr. Sriram Krishna, senior geneticist. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Cooper previously worked as director of product testing. Since joining Cobb, he has also served as pedigree geneticist responsible for male line development, European director of genetics, director of genetics for all of Cobb’s breeding programs,and director of product management. “Cobb has been dedicated to genetic research and the responsible use of technology for over 100 years,” said Dr. Rossi. “Dr. Cooper has made a big impact in his nearly 20 years with Cobb, and we’re looking forward to the continued advancements we expect him to accomplish in this new position.”

Aviagen President of International Business Bob Dobbie to Retire

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – After more than 43 years of dedicated service to the global poultry industry, Bob Dobbie will retire from his role as Aviagen® President of International Business as of August of this year. The recruitment process for the right candidate to meet the unique challenges of this role is already well underway. Due to Bob’s strong leadership, expertise and commitment, Aviagen’s global business has grown right along with the success of its customers. Among his strengths are the ability to build the right team to take on the developing region’s unique challenges, while providing customers with excellent care. Through his closeness with the region’s producers, he has insight into their unique needs, and he and his team continually share with them the knowledge and expertise to strengthen the performance, health and welfare of their birds, while maximizing the profitability of their operations.