Corteva Announces Jennifer Johnson as New Chief Legal Officer in 2025
Corteva, Inc., a leading agricultural company, has taken a significant step forward in its leadership by appointing Jennifer Johnson as its new Chief Legal Officer, effective September 15, 2025. This announcement, made on August 26, 2025, emphasizes Corteva's commitment to robust legal oversight as it prepares for future growth and challenges in the agricultural sector.
Jennifer Johnson's extensive background in agriculture technology positions her perfectly for this role. She previously served as the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF), a Fortune 500 leader known for its innovative food ingredients and flavors. Johnson's expertise encompasses a wide range of legal matters crucial to corporate strategy, including mergers and acquisitions, complex commercial transactions, shareholder activism, litigation, and investigations.
Prior to her tenure at IFF, Johnson spent a substantial part of her career at DuPont. Based in Johnston, Iowa, she initially supported DuPont's Pioneer business and rose through the ranks in the company's legal team. Her focus on commercial, litigation, and intellectual property strategies in the nutrition and biosciences division underscores her suitability for her new role at Corteva. Additionally, she has legal experience as a partner at Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, L.L.P., specializing in patent litigation for pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms.
In light of her new appointment, Johnson expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "I am delighted to return to my roots in agriculture technology to lead a world-class legal team and partner with the ELT and board. I could not be prouder to do so with Corteva, a global leader dedicated to working alongside farmers to feed and fuel the world."
Cornel Fuerer, the outgoing Chief Legal and Public Affairs Officer, will continue to support the company as Corporate Secretary and a strategic advisor until his retirement in 2026. He played a pivotal role in the creation of Corteva and its legal functions. Fuerer expressed pride in the company's achievements and confidence in Johnson's capabilities to ensure a seamless transition.
Corteva's CEO, Chuck Magro, remarked on Johnson's impressive background and expertise. "Jennifer's impressive experience, coupled with her deep expertise in agriculture technology, make her a perfect fit for her new role as Chief Legal Officer. The board and I are pleased to have her join our management team to help lead this company into its next chapter."
Corteva, Inc. is renowned for its commitment to addressing the world's most pressing agricultural challenges through innovation and collaboration. With a strong foundation in legal leadership now established, the company is well-positioned to continue its mission of enhancing productivity for farmers and stakeholders across the food system.
In summary, Jennifer Johnson's appointment marks a strategic move for Corteva as it navigates the complexities of the modern agricultural landscape. With her diverse legal background and leadership experience, Johnson is expected to play a crucial role in guiding Corteva through its next phase of growth and innovation in the agriculture sector.