Wilbur-Ellis announced that Matt Fanta has been named president of its Nutrition division, with the retirement of Andrew Loder.

“Matt is an experienced leader, having spent over 25 years at Land O’Lakes, with the last 10 years in a variety of senior roles,” said Wilbur-Ellis President and CEO John Buckley, “I’m very pleased that Matt is joining Wilbur-Ellis as we continue to grow and develop the animal nutrition business. With his outstanding leadership skills and extensive background in agriculture, I’m excited about what’s to come in the Nutrition division.”

Most recently, Fanta was vice president of marketing in the Purina Animal Nutrition division at Land O’Lakes. He also served in senior positions in the global dairy ingredients division and the alfalfa seed and technology business, along with leading the Asia-Pacific region. In 2009, Fanta was the recipient of the distinguished Twin Cities 40 Under 40 Award, which recognizes leaders who have accomplished much in their professional lives while giving back to the Minneapolis-St. Paul communities. Fanta holds a bachelor’s degree in science from the University of Wisconsin, River Falls, and an master’s degree in business from the University of Minnesota.

“I’m honored to be joining Wilbur-Ellis,” Fanta said. “The company and its Nutrition business are well-known for their integrity, industry leadership, and innovation that is squarely focused on creating value for customers. I’m proud to be part of such a sustainable, high-performing organization.”

Buckley also wished Andrew Loder well on his retirement, saying: “During his tenure, Andrew strengthened the Nutrition business, enabling it to become the high-performing organization it is today. He oversaw key acquisitions, including Ameri-Pac, Rangen and, most recently, Ametza, to name just a few of his accomplishments. Andrew will be greatly missed at Wilbur-Ellis, but we wish him all the best as he begins this new phase of his life.”