Leo Melchers

Dr. Melchers earned his Molecular Plant Sciences Ph.D. from Leiden University and has 30+ years of international experience in executive management and leadership roles at a biotech startup and with industry leaders, including Zeneca Agrochemicals and Syngenta.

He joined the plant biotechnology company MOGEN International, became Research Director in 1996, and operated as Managing Director of Zeneca MOGEN from 1997 to 2001.

Following the formation of Syngenta, Leo worked 4 years at Syngenta Biotechnology Inc. (RTP, North Carolina, USA) in various research and business leadership roles. Upon his return to Europe he was appointed in 2005 Head Licensing at Syngenta, and in addition operated, from 2011-2015, as lead counsel for Syngenta’s Cereals business.

Dr. Melchers has worked in NL, USA, UK, China and Switzerland and is an expert in developing and implementing strategy on corporate/business/research level with extensive expertise in plant research, seeds, biotechnology, business development, licensing & IP.

Since 2018, Dr. Melchers works as expert consultant with innovative start-up companies, supporting commercialization of their novel technology, products and/or traits.