WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S. — The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) has promoted Alejandra Danielson Castillo to the position of regional director for South Asia.

Danielson Castillo will assume her new role on March 11.

She currently serves as manager of global trade, providing trade servicing expertise to the Council, strengthening the Council’s relationships with U.S. and global traders and furthering the export marketing interests of U.S. feed grains and co-products.

“Alejandra has been working in the region for the past year and has embraced both the ethanol and the feed grains agenda for this region, so we are excited for this transition to occur,” said Kurt Shultz, USGC senior director of global strategies, who oversees programs in South Asia. “We have already developed a robust agenda for India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Having her assume responsibility for this region and being based there will give our local consultants the necessary in-country support to ensure our programs are impactful and that these markets get the attention they deserve.”

Danielson Castillo will continue to work out of the Washington, D.C., U.S., office for the coming months as the USGC readies a new office opening in India. She eventually will move and work out of New Delhi.

“The establishment of a South Asia director and the appointment of Alejandra will enable the Council to intensify its strategic focus in this critical region,” said Tom Sleight, president and chief executive officer of the USGC. “We have been engaged in India for a long time — 20 years — and now is the time to increase our focus and presence in this critical part of the world. The dynamic of increasing per capita demand growth for food, feed and energy is surging throughout the region.”

Danielson Castillo came to the USGC in 2017 from Cargill, where her work focused on trade execution and logistics for cotton, grains and oilseeds. She also gained experience as an international freight forwarder prior to entering into trade execution.

“I am very much looking forward to being in the region at this exciting time,” Danielson Castillo said. “South Asia is a dynamic region in terms of population, economy and trade policy. Having a physical presence will allow us to provide rapid response for emerging trade issues, create partnerships that leverage the U.S. advantage and ultimately encourage collaboration at this critical period of growth and expansion.”