Ryan is proven leader in the corporate finance industry, with a focus on the agricultural sector. He brings in depth knowledge of the linkages between agricultural producers and their suppliers, drawing on experience gained in a career that spans over 40 years, starting in 1972 with the Business Development Bank of Canada, where he spent 25 years and eventually became Executive Vice President responsible for the effective operation of BDC’s 83 branch Canadian network. From there, he moved to Saskatchewan to become CEO of Farm Credit Canada. There, he oversaw improvements to all parts of the business, including the re-invention of the corporate culture to a positive, outward looking one that focused on customers and employees. In 2008, he accepted a role at Rabobank North America, initially acting as CEO of Rabo AgriFinance and finally as CEO of Rabobank North America. There, he oversaw all activities of the bank whilst simultaneously implementing his focus on high performance teams, to the benefit of both the organisation and its clients.
Mike Ferguson the Chairman of the Board, President and CEO of Gensource, said: “We are so pleased to have John join us as a director with Gensource.
“With its vision of creating vertical integration between fertilizer production and the farmer, Gensource has always seen itself as an agricultural supplier rather than a miner. John’s impressive career in the agri-finance business in North America is another step towards realising that vision and comes on the heels of Gensource signing two MOUs with major North American agricultural players, the first step in negotiating binding off-take agreements that will trigger financing for construction of Gensource’s first potash production module.
“John’s track record exemplifies his ability to make far-sighted organisational decisions that pay dividends for all stakeholders for years into the future. As Gensource grows into its first project, John’s insight and experience will be invaluable to help us succeed past our project phase, into our operational phase.”