BANGKOK, Thailand
January 19, 2026
East-West Seed (EWS) has appointed Dr. Jason Bull as Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) and a member of the Managing Board. He will report directly to JC Filippi, Chief Executive Officer.
Jason will lead the company’s global R&D strategy, overseeing the entire innovation process from lab discovery to the delivery of high-performing seeds. His leadership is essential to creating a more integrated innovation ecosystem that unites advanced research and farmer insights to address real-world agricultural challenges.
“We are delighted to welcome Jason to East-West Seed,” said JC Filippi. “His track record in R&D leadership and technology transformation will be key in moving our innovation and customer strategies forward. Jason will bridge the gap between scientific engineering and market execution, ensuring we deliver value to farmers with greater speed and focus.”
Jason emphasized his excitement: “I am deeply inspired by East-West Seed’s mission and impact on smallholder farmers. Joining this mission is a privilege. I am excited to work with our talented R&D teams and teams across the company to ensure our work continues to deliver meaningful, practical value to the farmers we serve.”
Jason joins East-West Seed from Benson Hill, USA, where he served as Chief Technology Officer. He previously held several senior leadership roles, including at Monsanto-Bayer, where he led global R&D and digital innovation platforms. A recognized expert in his field, Jason holds a Ph.D. in Quantitative Genetics from the University of Queensland and has authored over 50 patents spanning molecular breeding and artificial intelligence.
About East-West Seed
Founded by Dutch seedsman Simon Groot in 1982, East-West Seed has become one of the world’s leading vegetable seed companies with a strong presence in Asia, Africa and Latin America. East-West Seed is committed to its mission of improving livelihoods for vegetable farmers and has focused on developing tropical vegetable varieties adapted to local growing conditions and educating farmers on production and farming skills.
Headquartered in Nonthaburi, Thailand, the company employs over 2,800 people and has set up 20 research and development facilities in nine different countries, exporting to over 75 tropical nations, reaching millions of farmers.
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