AB Vista appointed Juan Ignacio Fernández as its new managing director replacing Richard Cooper who retired after 16 years in the role. Cooper has been synonymous with the AB Vista brand since its launch in 2005 and has taken the company from a start-up to becoming a highly respected global player with the top three market share positions in its core segments.
During his tenure, the business’s product and services portfolio has grown to span poultry, swine, ruminant and aquaculture sectors. In addition, Cooper oversaw the introduction of the Quantum Blue super-dosing concept, which is widely credited for bringing about a step-change in phytase use, where improved feed conversion efficiency became as important as phytate release.
Juan Ignacio, former sales director for the EMEA region, took over the managing director role effective September 1, 2020. He has over 25 years of experience in the industry, having worked for different feed additives companies before joining AB Vista in 2015.
“I’m delighted to have taken up the position and while Richard will be a tough act to follow, it has been immensely beneficial to have had the opportunity to work so closely with him over the past three years,” said Juan Ignacio. “The industry is not without its challenges, particularly in current times. However, AB Vista has consistently demonstrated its ability to bring scientific advancements to the animal nutrition industry with products such as Quantum Blue and more recently Signis. I will be looking to continue to build upon the company’s success in feed enzymes, applying the strengths of AB Vista to the wider feed additive market.”
Josè Nobre, chief executive officer of AB Vista’s parent company AB Agri, said that the company “offers its thanks and congratulations to Richard for all he has achieved during his time with AB Vista and wish him a long and happy retirement. Richard can leave our family knowing it will be in very safe hands. Juan Ignacio has been a valued member of our leadership team for some time and his appointment is a very positive move for our business. I am very excited about the future as we continue to provide exceptional service for our customers.”
