#USA #Philadelphia #FMC Corporation #Sara Ponessa #Michael Reilly

FMC Corporation Welcomes Sara Velazquez Ponessa as New General Counsel

On April 22, 2025, FMC Corporation (NYSE: FMC), a global leader in agricultural sciences, made a significant announcement regarding its leadership. The company appointed Sara Velazquez Ponessa as its new executive vice president, general counsel, and corporate secretary, effective June 1, 2025. Ponessa takes over the reins from Michael F. Reilly, who completed an impressive 23 years with the company and will officially retire on July 1, 2025.

Michael Reilly’s tenure at FMC began in 2002 when he joined as a group counsel for the Agricultural Solutions division. Over the years, he ascended through various ranks, showcasing his dedication and expertise. His journey culminated in his appointment as executive vice president and general counsel in April 2019. Throughout Reilly’s career, FMC thrived under his influence, executing significant strategic initiatives that catapulted the company into a more focused agricultural sciences powerhouse.

Pierre Brondeau, chairman and CEO of FMC Corporation, expressed immense gratitude towards Reilly, stating, "Michael has been an invaluable member of our executive team and a trusted advisor throughout his career at FMC. His thoughtful counsel, unwavering integrity, and strategic insight have been instrumental in guiding FMC through significant transformations.” He further emphasized the importance of Reilly’s contributions in shaping the company’s path and innovations.

Stepping into this pivotal role, Sara Velazquez Ponessa brings with her an array of extensive experience in legal affairs. Previously, she served as senior business counsel at FMC from 2012 to 2018. During her tenure, she played a crucial role in navigating complex legal landscapes alongside her peers. Following her time at FMC, Ponessa held the position of the first general counsel and secretary of Livent Corporation, where she successfully led the legal aspects of their initial public offering (IPO) in 2018. Most recently, she took the helm as vice president, general counsel, and secretary at Arcadium Lithium plc, where she oversaw global legal functions for the company.

In light of her appointment, Brondeau noted, "Sara brings exceptional experience and a strong track record to the general counsel role. Her previous tenure at FMC, coupled with her leadership experience at Livent and Arcadium Lithium, equips her with a unique perspective and a thorough understanding of our business." Brondeau highlighted Ponessa's capability to address complex legal challenges and underscored her unwavering commitment to excellence, deeming her the ideal candidate to lead FMC’s global legal and compliance functions.

Sara earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in both Political Science and Spanish from Rutgers College. She has been an active participant in several legal organizations, showcasing her commitment to diversity and inclusion within the legal community through her affiliations with the Hispanic National Bar Association and the Hispanic Bar Association of Pennsylvania.

As a part of the transition process, Reilly will actively support Ponessa starting April 28, ensuring that her new responsibilities are seamlessly integrated. This planned approach underscores FMC's emphasis on steady leadership and continuity in its operations.

In summary, the appointment of Sara Velazquez Ponessa marks a new chapter for FMC Corporation as it continues to innovate and adapt in the ever-evolving agricultural landscape. Under her guidance, the company aims to sustain its trajectory of growth and transformative initiatives that prioritize both business success and environmental responsibility. For further insights into FMC Corporation and their developments, visit their official site at fmc.com.