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Dr Khosro Khodayari founded SynTech Research in 1999, now one of the entities of SynTech Research Group. Before founding SynTech Research he held several management positions at ICI, Zeneca and Syngenta. Khosro holds a PhD in Weed Science (IPM).
Peter is a Senior Research and Development Executive with international experience. A large part of his career was spent with Syngenta where he held several senior positions in Product Safety, including Head of Product Safety and Regulatory. Peter obtained his PhD in Physical Organic Chemistry from Tubingen University.
Thibaud has been a partner at private equity firm Ekkio Capital since 2004. Before joining Ekkio Capital he worked for 6 years with Arthur Andersen and Ernst&Young (restructuring and acquisition audits). Thibaud graduated from EDHEC Lille, France.
Xavier Loosveldt joined Ekkio Capital in 2005. Prior to Ekkio he worked in strategy at LEK Consulting for 5 years. Xavier graduated from ESSEC and holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management.
Francis Lacroze has been Chairman of the Board of Directors since October 2020. Prior to joining the Group he worked for 5 years with Ekkio Capital, building Acceres. Before this, spent 2 years with Cotecna and 25 years with SGS, including 10 years holding senior positions at the Operations Council and EVP Agricultural Services. Francis graduated from AgroParisTech and holds a doctorate in Economics from Paris University.
Hubert Lange has been a partner at Cerea Partners, a private equity and debt group specializing in the financing of companies active in the food and agricultural value chain. Prior to Cerea, Hubert worked as an investment director with PAI Partners and Gilde Buy Out Partners after starting his career with Arthur Andersen and Boston Consulting Group.
Yvonnick brings over 25 years of experience in the agricultural sector, with a strong background in agronomy and international business leadership. A graduate of AgroParisTech, he began his career in crop protection in 1998 as an agronomist.
Before joining SynTech Research Group, Yvonnick held senior roles in Marketing, Sales, and General Management across the US, Canada, and Europe. He has worked with leading organizations including Bayer CropScience, Groupe Roullier, and Nufarm—most recently serving as Director of European Business at Nufarm.
Richard Gayet joined SynTech Research Group as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in 2023. Based in Lyon, France, Richard brings over two decades of international financial expertise to our team.
With a Master’s in Finance from the Burgundy School of Business, Richard has worked with diverse teams across EMEA, North and South America, South Africa, and China. He spent the last decade in the solar industry, overseeing EMEA and South America Finance Departments for companies like SunPower and Maxeon.
Richard’s experience also includes a stint as CFO for Cheminova (FMC Group) in the Agrochemical sector. His career philosophy centers on nurturing team members’ growth, both professionally and personally.
Dr. Marisé Borja is the Director of Global Regulatory Affairs at SynTech Research Group, bringing expertise in regulatory science and business development within the agricultural sector. She is also the President of IBMA Spain, actively advocating for the development and implementation of biocontrol solutions.
Throughout her professional journey, Dr. Borja has been instrumental in advancing biosolutions, including biopesticides and biostimulants, across Spain, Europe, and globally.
Eric’s role covers all GLP laboratory and field services, including Human Safety (residues) and Environmental Safety (ecotoxicology) studies.
He obtained his M.Sc. in Entomology from the University of Tours, France and worked in academia and then Syngenta, as an arthropodologist and ecotoxicologist, before joining SynTech in 2004.
Over the past 20 years he has developed the company’s Ecotoxicology Services globally and has been Study Director, Team Lead, GLP Test Facility Manager, Global Ecotoxicology Manager. He then became EMEA & APAC Business Development Manager then Global Sales, Marketing & Communication Director.
Eric is also SynTech’s global technical and scientific expert for terrestrial ecotoxicology services.
Esther Debón brings over 14 years of experience in agricultural research and regulatory science to SynTech Research Group. Since joining in 2010, she has held key roles in GEP regulatory project management, GLP Quality Assurance, and strategic project leadership.
Now serving as BioSolutions Global Lead, Esther drives innovation in sustainable agricultural solutions, leveraging her deep expertise and cross-functional experience. She holds a PhD from Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias and previously worked as a field assistant at East Malling Research.
Seasoned scientist and entrepreneur with a strong foundation in agricultural sciences. He holds a degree in Agronomy from the University of Buenos Aires and a Master’s in Horticulture and Agronomy from the University of California, Davis. Mariano began his career at Monsanto, where he held multiple leadership roles in research and development, seed technology, and production.
In 2006, he co-founded AgIdea. Under his leadership, AgIdea became a trusted partner in agricultural R&D, supporting the advancement of safer and more sustainable solutions.
In 2025, Mariano joined the leadership team of SynTech Research Group, marking a new chapter in his commitment to transforming global agriculture through science, innovation, and collaboration.
Dr. Jasper Barnes has played a pivotal role in SynTech Research Group’s success, serving as Director of North America Operations for over six years. Under his leadership, the region experienced significant growth and operational strength.
In 2024, Jasper transitioned into the role of Global Business Development Director, where he leads the company’s efforts to expand into new markets and drive global commercial growth.
Jasper also manages the Global End-to-End product development offer, helping deliver comprehensive solutions to clients worldwide.
Francisco López is Managing Director for the Southern Zone, EMEA, including Spain, Portugal, Italy and North Africa. He is responsible for development and implementation of strategy, legal compliance, operational and executional efficiency, business development and achievement of P&L goals in all countries in the Zone.
Francisco has seventeen years’ experience in the Ag-market, starting as an agronomist and Technical Crop Advisor, with a degree in Agronomy from the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) and then an executive MBA from Universidad Cardenal Herrera CEU.
Francisco joined SynTech in 2006. Since then, he has developed the company’s Bioefficacy services in EMEA, having been Project Manager, Iberia, Business Development Manager and Managing Director for Portugal and North Africa.
Hakim Khelifa joined SynTech Research Group as Managing Director for Western Europe in 2022.
Hakim has an educational background in Business and Administration mainly focused on International Business. He has worked in Crop Protection for 16 years; during this time, he has held several positions at Nufarm, in Finance, Supply Chain, Sales and Project Management positions.
Philippe Dalla Nora brings over 14 years of invaluable experience to his role as Director of Eastern Europe. With a background spanning SGS and various managerial positions, including Manager of Seed and Crop Services France and Business Development Manager for Eastern Europe, Philippe's expertise is evident.
Based in Toulouse, France, Philippe has spent years cultivating relationships and driving business growth across the region. His strategic acumen and extensive experience make him a vital asset to SynTech Research Group as he continues to lead and expand operations in Eastern Europe.
Fernando Gallina directs laboratory, field and regulatory programs in SynTech Research in Latin America, including forecasting, prioritizing and providing resources for these, and take accountability for service contracts between SynTech Brazil & LAM customers and suppliers.
As a Director and member of the SynTech Leadership Team, he contributes to development of global strategy, and ensuring this is interpreted, communicated and delivered throughout the Region.
Joining SynTech Research Group in 2024 as Director of North America Operations, Matthew brings nearly two decades of experience in the agricultural industry. Prior to joining SynTech Research, Matthew built a distinguished career at Valent USA (Sumitomo Corporation), where he held a range of leadership roles, from field R&D to managing the USA-Mid-South Agricultural Research Center in Leland, Mississippi, and most recently serving as Regional Sales Manager for the USA-Midwest Region.
Matthew’s deep industry knowledge, combined with his proven ability to drive operational excellence and strategic growth, will be instrumental in expanding SynTech Research’s footprint and impact across the North American market.
Helena Paulikova joined SynTech Research Czech Republic as HR and Administration lead in May 2016, becoming lead for Central Europe in 2018 and HR Manager for EMEA in December 2020.
Before joining SynTech, Helena worked as HR Manager for Syngenta Czech Republic & Slovakia, including outsourcing and divestment projects. Prior to Syngenta, she worked in the pharmaceutical companies Schering Plough and Merck Sharpe & Dohme, and as HR Director for Avon Cosmetics covering countries in Central and Eastern Europe. She holds a master degree in Psychology from Charles University in Prague.
Yvonnick brings over 25 years of experience in the agricultural sector, with a strong background in agronomy and international business leadership. A graduate of AgroParisTech, he began his career in crop protection in 1998 as an agronomist.
Before joining SynTech Research Group, Yvonnick held senior roles in Marketing, Sales, and General Management across the US, Canada, and Europe. He has worked with leading organizations including Bayer CropScience, Groupe Roullier, and Nufarm—most recently serving as Director of European Business at Nufarm.
Richard Gayet joined SynTech Research Group as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in 2023. Based in Lyon, France, Richard brings over two decades of international financial expertise to our team.
With a Master’s in Finance from the Burgundy School of Business, Richard has worked with diverse teams across EMEA, North and South America, South Africa, and China. He spent the last decade in the solar industry, overseeing EMEA and South America Finance Departments for companies like SunPower and Maxeon.
Richard’s experience also includes a stint as CFO for Cheminova (FMC Group) in the Agrochemical sector. His career philosophy centers on nurturing team members’ growth, both professionally and personally.
Dr. Marisé Borja is the Director of Global Regulatory Affairs at SynTech Research Group, bringing expertise in regulatory science and business development within the agricultural sector. She is also the President of IBMA Spain, actively advocating for the development and implementation of biocontrol solutions.
Throughout her professional journey, Dr. Borja has been instrumental in advancing biosolutions, including biopesticides and biostimulants, across Spain, Europe, and globally.
Eric’s role covers all GLP laboratory and field services, including Human Safety (residues) and Environmental Safety (ecotoxicology) studies.
He obtained his M.Sc. in Entomology from the University of Tours, France and worked in academia and then Syngenta, as an arthropodologist and ecotoxicologist, before joining SynTech in 2004. Over the past 20 years he has developed the company’s Ecotoxicology Services globally and has been Study Director, Team Lead, GLP Test Facility Manager, Global Ecotoxicology Manager. He then became EMEA & APAC Business Development Manager then Global Sales, Marketing & Communication Director.
Eric is also SynTech Research’s global technical/scientific expert for terrestrial ecotoxicology services.
Seasoned scientist and entrepreneur with a strong foundation in agricultural sciences. He holds a degree in Agronomy from the University of Buenos Aires and a Master’s in Horticulture and Agronomy from the University of California, Davis. Mariano began his career at Monsanto, where he held multiple leadership roles in research and development, seed technology, and production.
In 2006, he co-founded AgIdea. Under his leadership, AgIdea became a trusted partner in agricultural R&D, supporting the advancement of safer and more sustainable solutions.
In 2025, Mariano joined the leadership team of SynTech Research Group, marking a new chapter in his commitment to transforming global agriculture through science, innovation, and collaboration.
Esther Debon brings over 14 years of invaluable expertise to SynTech Research Group. As the BioSolutions Global Lead, she spearheads innovative projects in agricultural solutions, demonstrating exceptional leadership and strategic vision. Esther's journey with SynTech began in 2010, where she managed and coordinated regulatory GEP projects with meticulous attention to detail. Her role evolved over the years, encompassing diverse responsibilities such as Quality Assurance in GLP studies with pesticides and project management. Prior to joining SynTech, Esther honed her skills as a PhD student at Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias and gained hands-on experience as a field assistant at East Malling Research. With a strong foundation in agricultural research and a track record of delivering impactful results, Esther continues to drive excellence and innovation within the organization.
In 2024, Jasper transitioned into the role of Global Business Development Director, where he leads the company’s efforts to expand into new markets and drive global commercial growth. He works in close collaboration with SynTech’s EMEA COO, Global Regulatory, Product Safety, and BioSolutions leaders, as well as Regional Directors, to identify strategic business opportunities and develop innovative service offerings aligned with customer needs.
Jasper also manages the Global End-to-End product development offer, helping deliver comprehensive solutions to clients worldwide.
Francisco López is Managing Director for the Southern Zone, EMEA, including Spain, Portugal, Italy and North Africa. He is responsible for development and implementation of strategy, legal compliance, operational and executional efficiency, business development and achievement of P&L goals in all countries in the Zone.
Francisco has seventeen years’ experience in the Ag-market, starting as an agronomist and Technical Crop Advisor, with a degree in Agronomy from the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) and then an executive MBA from Universidad Cardenal Herrera CEU. Francisco joined SynTech in 2006. Since then, he has developed the company’s Bioefficacy services in EMEA, having been Project Manager, Iberia, Business Development Manager and Managing Director for Portugal and North Africa.
Hakim Khelifa joined SynTech Research Group as Managing Director for Western Europe in 2022.
Hakim has an educational background in Business and Administration mainly focused on International Business. He has worked in Crop Protection for 16 years; during this time, he has held several positions at Nufarm, in Finance, Supply Chain, Sales and Project Management positions.
Philippe Dalla Nora brings over 14 years of invaluable experience to his role as Director of Eastern Europe. With a background spanning SGS and various managerial positions, including Manager of Seed and Crop Services France and Business Development Manager for Eastern Europe, Philippe's expertise is evident.
Based in Toulouse, France, Philippe has spent years cultivating relationships and driving business growth across the region. His strategic acumen and extensive experience make him a vital asset to SynTech Research Group as he continues to lead and expand operations in Eastern Europe.
Joining SynTech Research Group in 2024 as Director of North America Operations, Matthew brings nearly two decades of experience in the agricultural industry. Prior to joining SynTech Research, Matthew built a distinguished career at Valent USA (Sumitomo Corporation), where he held a range of leadership roles, from field R&D to managing the USA-Mid-South Agricultural Research Center in Leland, Mississippi, and most recently serving as Regional Sales Manager for the USA-Midwest Region.
Matthew’s deep industry knowledge, combined with his proven ability to drive operational excellence and strategic growth, will be instrumental in expanding SynTech Research’s footprint and impact across the North American market.
Helena Paulikova joined SynTech Research Czech Republic as HR and Administration lead in May 2016, becoming lead for Central Europe in 2018 and HR Manager for EMEA in December 2020.
Before joining SynTech, Helena worked as HR Manager for Syngenta Czech Republic & Slovakia, including outsourcing and divestment projects. Prior to Syngenta, she worked in the pharmaceutical companies Schering Plough and Merck Sharpe & Dohme, and as HR Director for Avon Cosmetics covering countries in Central and Eastern Europe. She holds a master degree in Psychology from Charles University in Prague.
