DULUTH, GEORGIA, US — AGCO named Louisa Parker-Smith as director of global sustainability, a newly created position that will oversee the company’s sustainability and environmental initiatives.

Parker-Smith, who joined AGCO in 2012 as manager of institutional funding and stakeholder relations, moves to her new role after serving as the global human resources business partner for several of AGCO’s business operations.

She also has worked as a manager of marketing, public relations and communications in the Africa and Middle East region; director of distribution development in Africa; and as a special assistant to the company’s chief executive officer, Martin Richenhagen.

Parker-Smith received a bachelor’s degree in politics and international studies from the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom.

“Louisa brings a broad cross-section of experiences that will allow deeper insight into how we can continue to make sustainability one of the core components of our business and strategic direction,” said Eric Hansotia, current chief operating officer and upcoming chairman and CEO at AGCO. “While we have made progress on a wide range of sustainability initiatives, we are aware everyone must do more if we are to avoid the negative impacts of climate change, particularly on the global food supply.”

With Parker-Smith’s new appointment, AGCO is underscoring its commitment to making sustainability a business priority while providing farmers the tools they need to meet the challenge of feeding a growing population using fewer natural resources. The company plans to release its next sustainability report in 2021 and enhance its current practice of providing transparency on its material issues.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to help bring a sharper focus on the many sustainability projects across the company and develop new programs that will have significant benefits for our customers and society,” Parker-Smith said. “We recognize the agriculture industry is a key part of the solution to combatting climate change, and we are committed to bringing smart solutions to our farmer customers to increase sustainable agricultural practices across the globe.”

AGCO has undertaken a range of sustainability efforts to reduce energy use and carbon emissions at its facilities as well as conserving water use and minimizing waste. The company’s Valtra plant in Finland was the first major tractor factory in the world to begin using Neste MY Renewable Diesel as the start-up fuel for all new tractors, saving nearly 2 million kg of CO₂ emissions, which equals the annual output of approximately 630 diesel cars.