With the addition of two new sales directors, Corbion continues its ascent as a leading ingredient solutions provider to the global meat and poultry industry. Joining the Corbion team are Courtney Botkin, Director of Sales, and Kevon Ledgerwood, Director of Sales.
"We're excited about the work we're doing in the meat industry, and the team we're continuing to build behind that effort says a lot about the impact we can make for manufacturers," said Mark Hotze, Vice President Sales North America. "There is no doubt that our customers will benefit from the knowledge and practical experience that Courtney and Kevon will bring to the Corbion team."
Botkin is a 20-year veteran of the meat and food industry with a solid track record of matching manufacturers' challenges with optimal ingredient solutions. He joins Corbion from his position at Fiberstar, where he led that company's sales efforts in the North America region. Having worked extensively with shelf-life enhancement products, liquid smoke, and natural and organic ingredients, he has helped lead the development of clean label ingredients that enable manufacturers to satisfy consumer demands. A graduate of Missouri State University with a BS degree in Biology (emphasis in Microbiology) and a minor in Chemistry, Botkin has played key roles at notable ingredient companies that include Fleischmann's Vinegar and Kerry Ingredients.
For more than 30 years, Ledgerwood has worked in close collaboration with manufacturers in the processed meat and poultry industry. Most recently General Manager Business Development & Technical Services at WTI Inc., Ledgerwood brings to Corbion a wealth of leadership experience in plant operations, sales, marketing and customer service. Since earning degrees from Oakland Community College (Detroit, Mich.) and Olivet College (Lansing, Mich.), he has accumulated a deep and multifaceted understanding of processor's needs, including expertise in the prevention of pathogen outgrowth in processed, ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. Ledgerwood has played key roles at Thorn Apple Valley, Wolf-Tec Inc and Roger Wood Foods.
"Corbion's bench strength in meat and poultry just continues to grow," Hotze said. "With processors feeling challenged to meet the needs of the business and those of consumers at the same time, we have the products, solutions and the people to help them do it all."
