Pivot Bio Welcomes Debra Frimerman as Chief Legal Officer
On June 4, 2025, Pivot Bio, one of the most acclaimed innovators in the agtech sector, officially appointed Debra Frimerman as Chief Legal Officer. This move comes in the wake of the departure of former General Counsel, Devang Shah, who has decided to explore new opportunities outside the organization.
Frimerman’s vast experience spans over two decades, during which she has cultivated a deep understanding of legal frameworks while also excelling in strategic business development. In her new capacity at Pivot Bio, she will be responsible for overseeing all legal, compliance, and governance functions within the company. Her leadership will be instrumental as the company continues its expansion efforts across North America and beyond, particularly in safeguarding its portfolio of patents. Additionally, she will maintain her position on the executive leadership team, directly reporting to Chief Executive Officer Chris Abbott.
"Debra is a trusted leader who understands both the letter of the law and the ambitions of a high-growth, science-driven company," stated Abbott. "Her experience in navigating intricate transactions, combined with her expertise in forming strategic partnerships, makes her the ideal candidate for our Chief Legal Officer as we embark on our next phase of growth and innovation."
Frimerman’s journey with Pivot Bio prior to this role included her responsibilities as Chief Business Development Officer. During her tenure, she made substantial contributions to the company’s revenue generation, facilitated the creation of impactful partnerships, and strategically positioned Pivot Bio for enduring growth within the industry.
Before joining Pivot Bio, her career highlights include serving as General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer at Calyxt, where she managed various legal aspects including licensing and intellectual property. At Calyxt, she played a pivotal role in orchestrating the successful merger with Cibus, leading to the establishment of a combined entity valued above $650 million. Furthermore, she worked as Associate General Counsel at Syngenta, where she directed legal operations concerning Syngenta Seeds, the company’s U.S. seeds division, and contributed significantly in global technology licensing.
Her career began as a corporate attorney at respected law firms Stoel Rives and Lindquist Vennum. Frimerman earned her Juris Doctor degree, magna cum laude, from the University of Minnesota and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
About Pivot Bio
Pivot Bio stands at the forefront of agtech innovations, dedicated to delivering patented crop nutrition solutions that leverage nature’s potential. With its roots firmly planted in sustainable agricultural practices, Pivot Bio aims to help farmers cultivate crops efficiently amidst environmental uncertainties. Currently operational in North America, the company is expanding its reach to Brazil and has been lauded multiple times by prestigious publications such as TIME magazine, which honored its products as among the best inventions. With recognition from Fast Company, CNBC, Fortune, and MIT Tech Review, Pivot Bio exemplifies the merger of technology and sustainability in agriculture. For more details, visit
pivotbio.com.