Prior to joining Colgate, Dr. Verduin was senior vice president and chief science officer for the Grocery Manufacturers Association, and senior vice president of product quality and development at ConAgra Foods, Inc. She also previously held a variety of senior technical and operational positions at Nabisco, International Home Foods and Lipton.

“On behalf of Monsanto, I am pleased to welcome Dr. Verduin as an independent director to our board,” said Hugh Grant, Monsanto’s chairman of the board and chief executive officer. “Her impressive experience leading research at top companies and organizations will enable her to provide valuable insight to our board on a variety of matters, including how we continue to deliver a broad range of innovative solutions to help nourish our growing world.”

Dr. Verduin’s appointment is effective immediately, and she will stand for election to the board at the 2016 annual meeting of shareowners. She will serve on the science and technology committee and sustainability and corporate responsibility committee.

Dr. Verduin holds a bachelor of science degree in food science from the University of Delaware, a MBA in finance from Farleigh Dickinson University and a Ph.D. in food science from Rutgers University.

The addition of Dr. Verduin to Monsanto’s board brings the number of directors to 14, with 13 independent directors.