Marrone Bio Innovations has appointed John Driver as U.S. Great Lakes Territory Sales Manager, and Loys E. Hawkins as U.S. Western Cascades Territory Sales Manager.
John brings over 19 years of agriculture technology and portfolio sales experience to Marrone Bio, having been in a number of business sales roles of increased responsibility with BioSafe Systems, Tri-Turf, Winfield United Solutions, and Agrium Advanced Technologies.
Working directly with growers and channel partner distribution in the turf, ornamental, and specialty agricultural markets, he successfully developed sales regions by expanding businesses through the successful rollout of new products and gaining incremental sales growth. During his tenure with BioSafe Systems, John established long-term partnerships that grew his territory to the highest sales volume in company history.
John has a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Conservation from Northern Michigan University. Additionally, he attended Michigan State University where he graduated with honors in turf and horticulture crop management.
“As we continue investing in our U.S. Crop Protection business, I am thrilled to add talented professionals such as John to our sales team,” said Marrone Bio Innovation’s Director of Sales and Account Management Barner Jones. “John has a proven track record of strategic planning and success in the field. His input on future sales initiatives will be key to driving Marrone Bio’s business forward in the Great Lakes and our recent expansion into Eastern Canada. I am looking forward to his ingenuity and tenacity to push us forward in this important territory.”
Loys joins Marrone Bio Innovations with over ten years of experience in commercial agricultural product development and technical sales support as well as fifteen years in crop protection management. As a licensed Oregon Pesticide Control Advisor (PCA) and Washington and Idaho Demonstration and Research Private Applicator, she has extensive crop production and integrated pest management experience driving product demand through field development, education and training.
Most recently, Loys worked for Suterra LLC. in roles of increased responsibility, which included product line and technical line leadership as well as a U.S. Technical Support Manager where she assisted in development, implementation, and sales of insect mating disruption products. Prior to Suterra LLC, she worked as a Pest Control Manager for one of Southern Oregon’s largest commercial pome and stone gift-quality fruit growing operations owned by Harry and David’s Bear Creek Orchards. During this time, she built integrated pest management strategies with local University and manufacturer research teams that addressed marketplace barriers; resulting in market share growth and new product sales.
Loys holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Southern Oregon State College and is active in the community; including membership in a number of professional organizations, such as the Oregon State University Food Safety & Environment Toxicology Program Advisory Committee and Entomological Society of America (Pacific Branch).
“Loys is a respected contributor with a proven track record of developing innovative technologies that help growers with their advanced integrated crop protection needs. Her customer focus, and in-depth knowledge of the agriculture industry will be an asset to both our channel, growers and our business. We are pleased to welcome her to the Marrone Bio team,” said Barner Jones, Director of Sales and Account Management.
