At AgriFORCE, diversity and inclusion are not just a set of tasks, they are part of our everyday mission. We know that a diverse, equitable, and inclusive company is a more innovative and successful one. And the same way we look at un(thinking) our products and services through game-changing IP and knowledge, we apply the same approach across our workforce, as we embrace diversity of background, perspective, culture, and experience.
Meet the Team
Richard Wong
CFO and Interim CEO
Richard has over 25 years of experience in both start-up and public companies in the consumer goods, fertilizer, manufacturing, and forest industries. Richard has served as the CFO of Emerald Harvest Co., Dan-D Foods, Ltd., was the Director of Finance and CFO of SUGOI Performance Apparel and a partner at First Choice Capital Advisors.
Troy McClellan
President, AgriFORCE Solutions
Troy has focused on innovative design and construction technologies throughout his career, most recently as V.P. of Design and Construction at AgriFORCE Growing Systems. Prior to this, Troy held executive and senior management roles at W!gu City, MGM Macau, Wynn Design & Development (Macau), Universal Studios (Japan) and several globally recognized design firms. Troy is a registered professional architect and received his Master’s Degree in Architecture from Montana State University.
Mauro Pennella
President, AgriFORCE Brands and CMO, AgriFORCE Growing Systems
Mauro brings over 30 years of expertise to AgriFORCE Growing Systems. As President Brands and AgriFORCE’s CMO, Mauro oversees the creation, growth and P&L of the Company’s Brands division and leads the brand, marketing and communications teams for AgriFORCE Growing Systems – creating a holistic, integrated overarching brand platform across all our divisions. Prior to joining AgriFORCE Mauro was Chief Growth & Sustainability Officer at McCain Foods and he also led and held senior executive P&L roles at Combe Incorporated, Conagra’s Lamb Weston, Diageo and Procter & Gamble.
André J. Beaulieu
General Counsel
With over 20 years of both public and private-sector experience, Andre works in partnership with the executive team and Board of Directors as the company’s primary in-house counsel and is responsible for overseeing all the company’s legal activities, including ongoing M&A activities. Prior to joining AgriFORCE, Andre served as SVP, Head of Legal at Traction Sales and Marketing, General Counsel for Finning International Inc., and Pivotal Corporation, as well as in legal and business affairs at Electronic Arts.
Dawn Longshaw
VP of HR
Dawn is a highly respected and award-winning professional recruiter and is a recognized leader in helping to shape the careers of many of Western Canada’s top human resources practitioners. With more than 20 years expertise in recruitment and H&R, she brings exceptional business acumen and HR knowledge in her role. In her career, Dawn has developed and built out HR departments, supported expansions in staffing across geographic boundaries and is a leading expert in sourcing, securing, managing and retaining talent.
Gideon De Jager
Chief Strategist and Business Development
Gideon brings indepth experience in the development and implementation of automated growing systems and AgTech solutions across the globe and in providing strong, strategic leadership. Prior to joining AgriFORCE, Gideon held senior roles at Dutch AgTech company Codema for more than 19 years, the last nine as Chief Commercial Officer.
Dr. Laila Benkrima
Chief Scientist
Dr. Benkrima holds a PhD in horticulture from the University of Paris, with a specialization in tissue culture and the hybridization and selection of plant varietals. Her extensive experience includes working with organizations such as Inflazyme Pharmaceuticals, the University of British Columbia, and Celex Laboratory.
Ian Pedersen
Director of Investor Relations
Ian has spent more than two decades in the investment industry, starting his career in investor relations in 2007 with Canadian Nexus Ventures. Prior to joining AgriFORCE, Ian held senior corporate consultant roles at Payworks and Dun and Bradstreet, where he was a regular recipient of President and Winners Circle awards for Sales Excellence. Ian is adept at understanding strategic objectives and aligning initiatives to achieve corporate goals.
Hernando Ruiz-Jimenez
General Manager, un(Think) Foods
Hernando Ruiz-Jimenez is a growth-oriented leader with a consistent track record of building businesses and brands across different industries. At AgriFORCE, Hernando is the General Manager of un(Think) Foods, leading the development and commercial launch of a revolutionary new range of wheat flour products. Previously Hernando has served in a variety of senior management and marketing roles at a wide range of companies, including Pepsico, Diageo and Triple-S Insurance.
David Naccarato
Director of IP Development, un(Think) Foods
David Naccarato is leading the research, technical and operational development of the revolutionary high-performance process and products: un(Think) and Awakened Grains. He is the primary inventor, researcher, developer and author of the patented process. Mr. Naccarato’s experience includes 20 years in the food processing, equipment, and technology industry; and an additional 20 years in the sustainable energy and integrated design-build industry. He has developed projects throughout the United States, Canada, Latin America, Western and Eastern Europe, Russia, Ukraine, the former Soviet Union, China and East Asia.
Learn more here.