Key Takeaways:
- Pivot Bio has named Travis Frey as Chief Technology Officer following the retirement of Ernie Sanders.
- Frey brings experience from leadership roles at Monsanto, Calyxt, Cibus, and Mindful Care.
- He will oversee Pivot Bio’s global research, development, and innovation efforts.
- Frey holds advanced degrees in plant biology, genetics, and business and has secured multiple patents in agriculture.
- He will report directly to CEO Chris Abbott and be based at the company’s headquarters in Wayzata, Minnesota.
Pivot Bio Names New CTO to Drive Science and Innovation
Pivot Bio, a global agtech company recognized by Fast Company and Time for its innovation and greentech leadership, has announced the appointment of Travis Frey as Chief Technology Officer. The leadership transition comes as Ernie Sanders, a long-serving figure in agricultural science, retires from the company.
Frey will lead the company’s global research and development, science, and innovation teams as part of Pivot Bio’s executive leadership group.
“He has a proven track record of developing and deploying new technology in agriculture across hundreds of millions of acres,” said Chris Abbott, CEO of Pivot Bio. “I am confident he will bring that same spirit of innovation to Pivot Bio.”
Extensive Industry Background and Leadership Roles
Previous Experience Across Agriculture and Biotech Sectors
Travis Frey’s career spans major roles at both multinational corporations and startups. His most recent position was CTO at Mindful Care, a healthcare-focused company. Before that, he served as CTO at Calyxt, where he contributed to gene-editing innovations and oversaw the company’s merger with Cibus.
Following the merger, Frey held an EVP role at Cibus, focusing on corporate strategy and sustainable products. His tenure involved raising over $30 million in public funding and developing commercial pathways for novel agricultural products.
Earlier roles include:
- Vice President of Science & Innovation at WISErg Corporation
- Leadership positions at Monsanto, contributing to technological advancement and patent development in crop science
Academic Credentials and Technical Expertise
Multidisciplinary Background in Plant Science and Business
Frey holds:
- B.Sc. in Horticulture from Pennsylvania State University
- M.Sc. in Plant Breeding and Genetics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison
- Ph.D. in Plant Biology and Biotechnology from University of Delaware and Dupont/Pioneer
- MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business
He is also widely published and holds dozens of patents in seed development, plant health, packaging technologies, and crop trait improvements.
Pivot Bio’s Strategic Roadmap
Under Frey’s leadership, Pivot Bio aims to accelerate its technology pipeline and continue developing alternatives to synthetic nitrogen, a core focus of the company’s product offerings. With his cross-functional experience in research, development, commercialization, and finance, Frey will support the organization’s goal of delivering science-driven solutions for modern agriculture.
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