FMC Corporation Welcomes Sara Velazquez Ponessa as Counsel

FMC Corporation Welcomes a New Leader in Legal Affairs

Michael F. Reilly to retire after 23 years with the Company

FMC Corporation (NYSE: FMC), a pioneering global agricultural sciences firm, has announced the appointment of Sara Velazquez Ponessa as executive vice president, general counsel, and corporate secretary, effective June 1, 2025. Ponessa steps into this pivotal role succeeding Michael F. Reilly, who has faithfully served the company for over two decades and will transition into retirement.

A Legacy of Leadership: Michael F. Reilly's Career

Reilly's distinguished career at FMC commenced in 2002, where he began as group counsel for the Agricultural Solutions sector. Throughout his time with the company, he witnessed and facilitated FMC's evolution into a focused agricultural sciences leader, successfully managing significant strategic initiatives, acquisitions and divestitures that have defined the company's market standing today. By 2019, he attained the role of executive vice president, general counsel, and secretary, demonstrating unwavering dedication and leadership.

Gratitude and Recognition

Pierre Brondeau, chairman and CEO of FMC Corporation, expressed deep appreciation for Reilly’s invaluable contributions, stating, "Michael has been an indispensable member of our executive team and a trusted advisor. His thoughtful insights have guided FMC through significant changes, and we wish him the very best as he embarks on this new chapter of his life. We are grateful for his many contributions that have left a lasting impact on the company."

Sara Velazquez Ponessa: A Wealth of Experience

Rejoining FMC, Ponessa comes with a robust background, having previously served as senior business counsel from 2012 to 2018. She later became the first general counsel and secretary of Livent Corporation, leading the legal frameworks surrounding the company's successful initial public offering (IPO) in 2018 and its spinoff from FMC in 2019. Most recently, Ponessa was vice president, general counsel, and secretary at Arcadium Lithium plc, overseeing global legal and compliance functions for the lithium chemicals enterprise.

Exciting Prospects Ahead

During an official statement, Brondeau noted, "Sara brings exceptional experience and a solid track record to the general counsel position. Her previous tenure at FMC, combined with leadership roles at Livent and Arcadium Lithium, equips her with a unique insight into our operations. Her capacity for navigating intricate legal and business challenges, alongside her commitment to excellence, make her the perfect fit to guide our global legal and compliance functions. We are excited to have her back at FMC."

A Solid Educational Foundation

Ponessa's educational credentials are impressive. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Spanish from Rutgers College. Beyond her professional roles, she is actively engaged with legal organizations, notably the Hispanic National Bar Association and the Hispanic Bar Association of Pennsylvania.

In anticipation of Ponessa's new responsibilities, Reilly will provide support beginning \[[date placeholder: April 28]\] to ensure a seamless transition.

About FMC Corporation

FMC Corporation operates globally to assist growers in producing food, feed, fiber, and fuel in harmony with environmental conservation. Innovating crop protection solutions, the company emphasizes the importance of sustainability through its work in biologicals, crop nutrition, and precision agriculture. FMC remains dedicated to advancing new active ingredients, product formulations, and pioneering technology to create lasting positive impacts on the planet. More information about FMC can be found at LinkedIn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has been appointed as the new general counsel of FMC Corporation?

Sara Velazquez Ponessa has been appointed as the new general counsel of FMC Corporation.

What role did Michael F. Reilly serve at FMC?

Michael F. Reilly served as the executive vice president, general counsel, and corporate secretary at FMC Corporation for over 20 years.

What significant contributions did Reilly make during his tenure?

Reilly played a crucial role in FMC’s transformation into a focused agricultural sciences company and managed various strategic initiatives, acquisitions, and divestitures.

What is Sara Velazquez Ponessa's background?

Ponessa has extensive experience, previously working as senior business counsel at FMC, and later serving as general counsel at Livent Corporation and Arcadium Lithium plc.

What is FMC Corporation's mission?

FMC Corporation aims to help growers produce essential agricultural products while promoting environmental sustainability through innovative crop protection solutions.

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