Guy Focant

Key Regulatory business partner for the Global Third Party team (Commercial, Supply, Legal) to accelerate execution of all Third Party deals and to ensure harmonization of ways of working in line with regulatory compliance and governance. Lead the implementation of the Syngenta Group Commercial initiatives from a Regulatory perspective, in close collaboration with all functions/streams (R&D, Commercial/Marketing, Legal, Supply, Procurement) and companies (ADAMA, Sinochem).

Lead a major divestment of regulatory assets: centralize collaborative information and harmonize communication, establish strict chain of custody and ensure contractual obligation are implemented. Lead a tripartite team (Business, Legal, Regulatory) to develop and sustain company expertise in Task Forces & Data compensation, and negotiate 3rd party contracts. Extend understanding of data protection rules within the European regulatory manager community, and ability for the company to extract value.

Working in the Company Headquarters: trust and transparency established with the Global Leadership teams. Worldwide resources capacity/capabilities analysed with clear recommendations approved by the Senior Executive Committee. Reorganisation of the Regulatory team for Lawn&Garden globally. A plan is in place to optimize outsourcing strategy. An 18-month transformation map is developed to match Business ambitions. A new transparent process is set in place to manage the functional 4mio$ budget.

Working in Singapore APAC Regional office, for the Lawn & Garden portfolio: provide leadership and fast, high quality regulatory support to country colleagues and advocate for company position with regulatory authorities; establish transparent planning, communication and trust between APAC countries and the Global Headquarters; develop and implement regulatory strategies that meet the business objectives, taking into account future regulatory risks.

Working in EAME Regional office, for the SeedCare portfolio: lead project teams and manage an active substance through early stages of the EU Review process and secure zonal registrations; represent Syngenta in the SeedTROPEX and STISSC industry task forces; communicate regulatory foresight and facilitate business decisions; support country regulatory teams for dossiers submission and relationships with regulatory authorities.

Working in EAME Regional office, for the Crop Protection portfolio: accountable for regulatory dossiers scoping, publishing and submissions in CADDY and OECD format; advocacy with regulatory authorities and 3rd party companies; improvement of processes, data and knowledge management; provide leadership to teams of scientific experts for product re-registrations; share regulatory foresight and strategic advice with the Business.

Working in the EAME Headquarters, for the Crop Protection portfolio: writing regulatory dossiers incl. risk assessments and becoming the physico-chemical expert. Establishing in a very short time excellent working relationships with regulatory authorities across Central and East Europe, while the European legislation was being implemented in the national legislations. In addition, successful approval obtained for the whole product portfolio in Central and East European countries.

For the new trial station, manage a team of 3 and overall trial station; develop a new 5-years plan; establish collaborations with public institutions; provide technical and scientific support and advise fruit growers; promote the fruit production industry at major public events in Belgium.

ERASMUS Plant Protection and Environment, ENSA in Montpellier, Rennes and Paris. Research, ENITA Bordeaux sponsored by BASF, testing the potential effects of a new fungicide on the insect Empoasca vitis. Grade Awarded: “High distinction”