Juan R. Luciano CEO and president of ADM.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, U.S. — Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) announced on Dec. 11 that Juan R. Luciano, its chief executive officer (CEO) and president, has been named chairman of the company’s board of directors, effective Jan. 1, 2016.

Luciano succeeds Patricia Woertz, who has served as chairman since 2007, and who was Luciano’s predecessor in the CEO role. She retired from that position on Dec. 31, 2014.

In light of the seamless leadership transition Woertz and Luciano executed late last year, and their continued collaboration in recent months, both they and the rest of the board felt the time was right to transition the chairman’s role, the company said. Woertz will continue to serve as an advisor to both the board and the chairman, and will retire from the board.

“The board of directors is extremely grateful for Pat’s legacy of service to ADM,” said Don Felsinger, lead independent director. “Her commitment to excellence and integrity served ADM exceptionally well during her tenure, and we are a much stronger company for her leadership and dedication.

“Since becoming CEO, Juan has continued to advance ADM’s strategy, driving operational excellence and building the organization’s internal leadership capacity,” Felsinger said. “The board feels that Juan’s command of the business, his commitment to driving value and his insistence on continued sound, responsible corporate governance make him the right choice to serve as chairman in this new era for the company.”

“I am honored by the board’s decision and grateful for their vote of confidence,” Luciano said. “I want to express my deep appreciation to Pat for her encouragement, guidance and friendship throughout this period of transition. I look forward to continuing to work with her in the months to come, and wish her the greatest happiness in her retirement.”