FMC Corporation Elects Steven Merkt to Board of Directors
FMC Corporation a premier global leader in agricultural sciences, has officially announced the election of Steven Merkt to its Board of Directors, with the appointment becoming effective on April 29, 2025. In addition to his board responsibilities, Merkt will contribute his expertise as a member of the company’s Audit Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
Pierre Brondeau, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FMC Corporation, praised the appointment, stating, “We are pleased to welcome Steven to FMC’s Board of Directors. His extensive experience in driving growth and fostering operational excellence within large-scale, multinational manufacturing organizations will be immensely valuable to FMC as we focus on strategic execution and returning to a trajectory of sustainable growth. His leadership, insights, and deep operational knowledge are expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening our market position as a global frontrunner in agricultural sciences.”
Steven Merkt brings to FMC Corporation a wealth of experience that spans more than three decades across multiple continents and industry sectors. He is widely regarded for his leadership in international manufacturing, operations management, corporate governance, and cybersecurity. His professional journey includes a 12-year tenure as President of the Transportation Solutions segment at TE Connectivity, a global industrial technology leader, where he was instrumental in driving robust profitability and long-term strategic transformation.
Under Merkt’s leadership, the Transportation Solutions division at TE Connectivity underwent significant growth, both in terms of revenue and operational capability. He spearheaded a wide range of strategic initiatives aimed at developing a resilient innovation pipeline, streamlining operations, and advancing digital transformation across the organization. During this time, Merkt was responsible for overseeing a global manufacturing footprint that spanned more than 20 countries, managing thousands of employees, and ensuring the efficient and secure operation of complex industrial systems.
His achievements at TE Connectivity were marked not only by financial performance but also by his commitment to innovation, sustainability, and governance. He played a critical role in transforming the company’s automotive and mobility solutions, aligning product development with global market trends such as electrification, connectivity, and autonomous systems. Merkt championed investment in research and development and supported initiatives that enhanced the company’s competitiveness in the rapidly evolving transportation technology landscape.
In addition to his executive experience, Steven Merkt has held significant board roles that have deepened his understanding of governance and complex strategic decision-making. He served on the Board of Directors for Arcadium Lithium plc prior to its acquisition by Rio Tinto, one of the world’s largest mining corporations. His role at Arcadium, as well as his previous board service at Livent Corporation—a predecessor to Arcadium Lithium—provided him with valuable insights into board governance, corporate restructuring, and strategic partnerships.
During his time on these boards, Merkt was actively involved in addressing governance challenges, guiding long-term corporate strategy, and providing oversight during periods of substantial organizational change. His board service further underscores his ability to navigate regulatory complexity, balance stakeholder interests, and align executive management with shareholder expectations.
Earlier in his distinguished career, Merkt held several senior executive roles within TE Connectivity’s global operations. Notably, he served as President of the company’s global Automotive business unit, based in Germany, where he led product innovation and market expansion efforts across Europe and emerging markets. He also served as Vice President of the Asia Pacific Automotive business, operating out of China, where he played a key role in expanding the company’s presence and partnerships in one of the world’s most dynamic and competitive markets.
This combination of operational leadership, strategic foresight, and cross-cultural business acumen is expected to significantly enrich the perspectives represented on FMC Corporation’s Board. His background aligns closely with FMC’s current priorities, including global expansion, supply chain optimization, digital transformation, and enhanced governance practices.
Upon his election to the Board, Merkt shared his excitement about this new opportunity. “I’m honored to join FMC’s Board and work alongside my fellow Board members and the management team. FMC has a storied legacy of innovation in agricultural science, and I look forward to helping the company continue its tradition of excellence. I am particularly excited to contribute to the company’s mission of enhancing global food security through sustainable crop protection solutions, as well as to support ongoing efforts to streamline operations, enhance digital capabilities, and deliver long-term value to shareholders.”
Merkt’s appointment comes at a time of renewed strategic focus for FMC Corporation. As a company dedicated to addressing the evolving needs of modern agriculture, FMC continues to invest in cutting-edge research, new product development, and digital agricultural solutions. The addition of a seasoned executive like Merkt to the board further solidifies the company’s commitment to operational excellence, governance transparency, and strategic growth.
FMC Corporation has been at the forefront of agricultural innovation for over a century, offering a wide portfolio of crop protection, plant health, and professional pest and turf management solutions. As agriculture faces mounting pressures from climate change, population growth, and environmental sustainability mandates, the role of science-driven companies like FMC has never been more critical. The company’s strategic focus includes not only delivering innovative products to growers but also enhancing the environmental profile of its operations and supporting sustainable agriculture initiatives worldwide.
With Steven Merkt now contributing at the highest level of governance, FMC expects to benefit from his deep knowledge of industrial systems, global manufacturing trends, and leadership in times of transformation. His election to the board marks another step in FMC’s journey to reinforce its leadership in agricultural sciences while delivering shareholder value and sustainable solutions to growers around the world.
As the company moves forward, FMC’s leadership has expressed strong confidence that the experience and insight brought by Merkt will help the organization navigate industry challenges, harness new opportunities, and execute its long-term strategic vision. His track record of guiding companies through technological evolution, international expansion, and operational realignment positions him as a key contributor to FMC’s continued success.
In conclusion, the election of Steven Merkt to FMC Corporation’s Board of Directors represents a significant development in the company’s ongoing efforts to bolster leadership capabilities, enhance governance, and pursue its mission of advancing agricultural productivity and sustainability. With his extensive background and global perspective, Merkt is expected to be a valuable asset in shaping FMC’s future and supporting its ambition to be a global leader in the science of agriculture.
