Mark Sparks

Mark Sparks has extensive experience in technology and software engineering, serving as SVP, Head of Technology and Software Engineering at Bayer from September 2018 to May 2024, where responsibilities included establishing digital platforms for enterprise AI, data, and analytics while fostering a robust engineering community. Prior roles at Monsanto Company from January 2014 to August 2018 included Vice President positions for Digital Product and Engineering, and Head of Digital Products, as well as Director of Products in IT. Mark was instrumental in setting strategic visions and capability roadmaps for digital transformation in R&D, Supply Chain, and Commercial operations. Additionally, Mark designed and developed Monsanto's global IoT platform, enhancing real-time data capabilities across multiple countries. Early career experience includes application development at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where an interactive educational application was created. Mark holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, completed in January 2006.