Dr. Robert (Robb) Fraley is the former Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Monsanto Company, where he lad a team of agricultural scientists dedicated to developing seed and solutions that help farmers around the world yield a more abundant, affordable, and sustainable food supply. In this role, he oversaw teams of researchers focused on plant breeding, plant biotechnology, ag biologicals, ag microbials, precision agriculture, and crop protection innovations that will help to feed our growing population. He is widely recognized as a key contributor to the worldwide science and agriculture communities – most notably, for developing the first genetically modified crops (often referred to as GMOs) as a solution for farmers battling pests and weeds that threatened yields and food production.
During his 35-year tenure at Monsanto, Robb held several leaderhip roles within the company, including Co-President of Monsanto's agricultural sector, Group Vice President and General Manager of the New Products Division, Vice President of Technology for Crop Chemical and Plant Biotechnology R&D and Senior Research Specialist.
Robb's interest in the intersection of technology and agriculture begain at an early age while growing up on his family's farm in Hoopeston, IL. Robb attended the University of Illinois, where he earned a PhD in Microbiology and Biochemistry. He also earned an executive degree in business management from Northwestern University and was a Biophysics postdotroral fellow at the University of Califonia-San Francisco. Throughout his career, Robb has authored more than 100 publications and patent applications relating to technical advances in agricultural sciences. Recognitions for his contributions include being a recipient of: The National Medal of Technology (1998), The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center Distinguished Service Award (2007), National Academy of Sciences Award for the Industrial Application of Science (2008), and The World Food Prize (2013) among others.
During his 35-year tenure at Monsanto, Robb has held several leaderhip roles within the company, including Co-President of Monsanto's agricultural sector, Group Vie President and General Manager of the New Products Division, Vice President of Technology for Crop Chemical and Plant Biotechnology R&D and Senior Research Specialist.
Today, Robb resides with his wife, Laura, in St. Louis and in his newest role, he has become a leading voice for agriculture, passionately working to reset the public conversation about science. As he often says, “We can develop the greatest scientific innovations the world has ever seen, but if we can’t find ways to communicate and engage more effectively, nothing else will matter.” You can follow Robb on LinkedIn and on Twitter as @RobbFraley.
