Key Takeaways:
- Columbia Grain International promotes Kurt Haarmann to President and CEO, effective immediately.
- Haarmann has been with the company since 1993, advancing through roles in trading, procurement, and logistics.
- Parent company Marubeni Corporation announced the leadership change.
- Haarmann previously served as Chief Commercial Officer overseeing commodities, freight, and logistics.
- Columbia Grain anticipates strong market demand amid global agricultural disruptions.
Leadership Transition at Columbia Grain International
Columbia Grain International™ (CGI), a global supplier of grains, pulses, oilseeds, and organics, has appointed Kurt Haarmann as its new President and CEO. The promotion was announced by Marubeni Corporation, CGI’s parent company, which plays a central role in connecting U.S. grain supply to international markets including Japan.
Haarmann joined Columbia Grain International in 1993 and has since held a variety of roles across procurement, domestic and export trading, operations management, and logistics. He was promoted to Chief Commercial Officer in April 2025, where he managed oversight of all commodities, freight, and logistics before assuming the CEO position.
Haarmann’s Experience and Vision
With more than 30 years of industry experience, Haarmann brings extensive knowledge of grain and pulse trading as well as global supply chain management. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Washington.
“Our mission at Columbia Grain is to safely cultivate high quality ingredients from our local farmers that feed the world,” Haarmann said. “It’s our purpose to cultivate growth for all members of our community – from our farmers to our partners throughout our supply chain.”
CGI’s Market Outlook and Global Demand
Columbia Grain International expects strong demand for grains, corn, soybeans, and pulses in 2025 despite ongoing global challenges, including geopolitical tensions, shifting tariffs, and weather-related uncertainties. Managers across the northern U.S. anticipate robust export activity, particularly to markets in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.
The company, founded in 1978, continues to expand its role in origination, processing, logistics, and distribution of agricultural commodities, serving both domestic and international customers.
