Bayer strengthens Government & Industry Affairs group in Key U.S. market

WHIPPANY: Bayer announced the appointment of Michael Parrish to the position of Vice President of Public Affairs, Science and Sustainability, U.S.; and promoted Duane Simpson to Vice President of the North America Crop Science Public Affairs, Science and Sustainability Team

Parrish has served as the interim lead of U.S. Public Affairs since April 2021, following the function’s formation. In this new role, he will be responsible for driving a unified organization and strategy, including oversight of the company’s U.S. Government Relations, Policy and Corporate Engagement teams.

To continue to align and unify our efforts with policymakers at the state and federal levels, government relations for Crop Science will now shift to the U.S. Public Affairs, Science and Sustainability team, bringing our three divisional government affairs efforts to one team representing Bayer.

In this capacity, the company has promoted Duane Simpson to Vice President of the North America Crop Science Public Affairs, Science and Sustainability Team.

Simpson and his team will be responsible for engaging with key federal and state agencies, as well as industry and trade associations, that help govern the technologies that farmers use and support the growth of the U.S. and Canadian agriculture sectors.

Parrish will continue to report to Patrick Lockwood-Taylor, President of Bayer U.S., and serve as a member of the U.S. Country Leadership Team, as well as the Global Public Affairs Leadership Team reporting to Matthias Berninger, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs and Sustainability.

Simpson will report to Jacqueline Applegate, President, North America Crop Science, and continue to be a part of the Crop Science North American Leadership Team.

“As a top U.S. life sciences company, we remain focused on using our science-based innovation for better lives, and leading with heart, to make our vision of ‘Health for All, Hunger for None’ a reality for generations to come,” said Patrick Lockwood-Taylor, President of Bayer U.S.

“These appointments recognize the tremendous success both Michael Parrish and Duane Simpson have already brought to Bayer. Under their leadership, the organization will continue to build and strengthen relationships with policymakers and key stakeholders that are essential to advancing our growth and value – and our success – in the company’s most important market.”

Parrish brings a wealth of experience to the role, with more than 20 years in government service and government relations in corporate settings, working with elected officials, and various roles held at the U.S. Department of State and Department of Justice.

Simpson has nearly 30 years of experience in political campaigns, state government, trade associations, industry affairs and government affairs at both the state and federal level.

Parrish and Simpson assume their new responsibilities effective March 1, 2022.