Dr. Mike Graham Named Head of R&D at Bayer Crop Science
Bayer has officially announced that Dr. Mike Graham will assume the role of Head of Research & Development (R&D) for Bayer’s Crop Science division. In this capacity, he will also join the company’s Leadership Team. Dr. Graham will be stepping into the position following the retirement of Dr. Robert Reiter, who has dedicated 27 years to Bayer and an impressive 34 years to the agriculture and crop science industry. The leadership transition will take effect on April 15, 2025.
Dr. Graham brings a wealth of expertise to his new role, having led Bayer’s Plant Breeding organization. His deep-rooted knowledge of research and development, combined with his strong background in agriculture, positions him well to drive forward the company’s R&D strategy and maintain its leadership in the field. Throughout his tenure, Dr. Graham has been instrumental in enhancing Bayer’s breeding pipeline and introducing technological advancements that have shaped the future of agriculture.
Dr. Robert (Bob) Reiter, whom Dr. Graham will be succeeding, has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing breeding technologies. Having joined the company in 1998, Dr. Reiter spearheaded innovations in genotypic selection, leading to the development of an industry-leading genotyping platform. Over the years, he has held numerous senior roles in research and development, significantly strengthening Bayer’s seed and trait capabilities.
During his tenure as Head of Global Supply Chain, Dr. Reiter’s strategic vision helped optimize Bayer’s agricultural operations worldwide. In 2018, he took on the role of Head of R&D for the Crop Science division, overseeing groundbreaking advancements in agricultural technology. Under his leadership, Bayer successfully launched and progressed several next-generation products, including the highly anticipated herbicide Icafolin and the Preceon Smart Corn System, both of which have the potential to significantly transform modern agricultural practices. The Preceon Smart Corn System, in particular, is expected to bring about a paradigm shift in corn production, enhancing efficiency and sustainability for farmers.
Rodrigo Santos, a Member of the Board of Bayer AG and President of the Crop Science division, expressed his gratitude for Dr. Reiter’s remarkable contributions to the company and the industry as a whole. “Throughout his career, Bob has been a strong advocate for agricultural innovation. He has truly advanced and supported farmers’ ability to produce more while saving natural resources at the same time. I want to express my sincere appreciation to Bob for his tremendous contribution and commitment to the company,” said Santos. “I wish Bob all the best for his well-deserved retirement. He will be missed not only by the R&D organization but by all Crop Science colleagues around the world.”
To ensure a seamless transition, Dr. Reiter will actively support Dr. Graham as he assumes his new responsibilities. This will help maintain momentum in the company’s ongoing R&D initiatives and allow for a smooth leadership handover.
Dr. Mike Graham’s journey with Bayer began in 1996. From his early career as a plant breeder, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, taking on progressively more significant roles within the organization. Over the years, he has played a crucial role in shaping the company’s seed and trait innovations, as well as in the development of customer-focused agricultural solutions. Most recently, he has led Bayer’s global Plant Breeding organization, driving the evolution of breeding methodologies and integrating digital tools into the process. His work in reimagining breeding technologies has been instrumental in maintaining Bayer’s position as a frontrunner in agricultural science.
Dr. Graham will be based at Bayer’s Crop Science headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, where he will oversee the company’s R&D efforts. The company has yet to announce his successor as the leader of Bayer’s Plant Breeding organization, but an update is expected in the coming months.
Rodrigo Santos emphasized the value that Dr. Graham will bring to his new role, stating, “I am really excited to work together with Mike as the new Head of R&D. He will be contributing to our success with his deep industry knowledge, profound expertise in R&D, diverse experiences, and his intimate understanding of what farmers really need. He has consistently demonstrated visionary ways of delivering new innovations to customers around the world.”
Bayer’s commitment to agricultural innovation remains steadfast, and with Dr. Graham at the helm of Crop Science R&D, the company is poised to continue delivering cutting-edge solutions that enhance productivity and sustainability for farmers worldwide. His leadership is expected to further strengthen Bayer’s research pipeline and drive the development of novel technologies that will shape the future of agriculture.
As Bayer looks ahead to this new chapter in its Crop Science division, the company remains dedicated to advancing scientific discovery and technological breakthroughs that address the evolving needs of the agricultural sector. With a continued focus on innovation, sustainability, and farmer-centric solutions, Bayer is well-positioned to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the future under Dr. Graham’s leadership.
