Makhteshim Agan Appoints Ignacio Dominguez, CEO MAI Europe, Chief Commercial Officer

TEL-AVIV, Israel, July 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

The Makhteshim Agan Group ("MAI" or the "Company"), the world leader in branded off-patent crop protection solutions, today named Mr. Ignacio Dominguez, current CEO of MAI Europe, as its Chief Commercial Officer ("CCO") and Head of Global Products and Marketing Division. The new appointment will enable MAI to further enhance and differentiate its customer offering, while also fostering global sharing of know-how, experience and best practices. In his new role - as CCO and Head of Global Products and Marketing Division, Mr. Dominguez will be responsible for MAI's global commercial strategy, including global crop and product portfolio management, global products development and global registration, as well as the Company's global marketing and branding strategies.

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Mr. Dominguez is a 25-year veteran of the agrichemical industry who has served in a variety of managerial positions with the Company since 2001. Prior to joining MAI, Ignacio held a number of positions with ICI, American Cynamid and Syngenta. Ignacio holds a master's degree in Physics, from Universidad Complutense de Madrid. He will continue to serve as Head of MAI's European Region until a successor is appointed. In parallel, Dr. Yoav Zeif, SVP Global Products & Marketing has decided to leave MAI.

Commenting on the news, Erez Vigodman, MAI's President and CEO, said, "The appointment of a CCO to MAI is another step to support our strategy of solidifying MAI's differentiation and market leadership. In a complex and competitive market place this appointment will allow us to improve our global market orientation and worldwide customer service capabilities.

"We are pleased that Ignacio Dominguez, who has exhibited excellence and leadership as Head of MAI's European Region, has taken upon himself this exciting task. I am confident that he will succeed in strengthening our portfolio management, commercial performance and marketing practices, and wish him much success. At the same time, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Yoav Zeif, SVP Global Products & Marketing, for his professionalism and partnership. Dr. Zeif made great contribution to the evolution and strategic direction of our organization through his years of dedicated service. Under Dr. Zeif leadership, the P&M Division achieved significant milestones, including record numbers of product launches and registrations, increasing the uniqueness of MAI portfolio, strengthening MAI's relationships with its industry peers, building a marketing infrastructure and creating global product development and management practices. We extend to Yoav our best wishes for future success," Mr. Vigodman concluded.

About Makhteshim Agan

Makhteshim Agan Industries Ltd. is a leading manufacturer and distributor worldwide of crop-protection solutions and the largest off-patent player in the sector. The Company supplies efficient solutions to farmers that assist them in combating disease and increasing yields. In 2011, the Company's revenues were over $2.69 billion, and it is ranked seventh in the world in the agro-chemicals sector. The Company is characterized by its know-how, high-level technological-chemical abilities, expertise in product registration, and observance of strict standards of environmental protection, stringent quality control and global marketing and distribution channels. For more information, visit us at http://www.ma-industries.com.

Contact:

Rony Patishi-Chillim
Head of Global Corporate Communications
+972-73-2321119
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Makhteshim Agan Group