Adrian Almeida

A senior executive who speaks three languages and has pioneered agricultural robotics, artificial intelligence and machine learning strategies across several countries, Adrian Almeida brings Sensei Ag nearly three decades of operational, human resources and innovation experience.

Adrian began his career at Grupo Kuo, a leader in consumer products, chemicals and advanced auto parts based in Mexico. During his 12 years at Grupo Kuo, Adrian held several human resources positions and ultimately served as Director of Human Resources and Total Quality Management where he was responsible for 20 operations and nearly 4,000 employees in the protein industry. Adrian coordinated Grupo Kuo’s strategy to launch retail locations and created a company culture that established the organization as an employer of choice. Transitioning in the chemicals space, Adrian joined Solvay, a top-three leader in specialty chemicals and advanced materials, as the Director of Human Resources and Communications. At Solvay, Adrian directed all human resources functions and internal/external communications for five production plants across 1,500 employees.

Adrian then entered into the field of agriculture, joining NatureSweet, the single source solution for organic and conventional greenhouse grown vegetables in North America. During his 13 years at NatureSweet, Adrian held roles as Vice President of Human Resources and Lean Manufacturing, Vice President of Operations and ultimately Chief Innovation Officer (CIO). As CIO, Adrian designed and implemented a digital business transformation strategy that revolutionized NatureSweet’s production processes by leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques. Adrian also established a five-year product pipeline for NatureSweet’s growth and implemented an operating system that became a 2018 Harvard Business School case study.

Post Adrian’s time at NatureSweet, he continued his career in agriculture working as Chief Transformation, Innovation and Business Development Officer at Azura Group, a leading food company in Europe that operates 2,400 acres of greenhouses for tomatoes, edible flowers and citrus amongst other produce as well as a state-of-the-art seafood facility. At Azura, Adrian increased workers’ income while reducing the company’s costs. Just prior to joining Sensei Ag, Adrian was Chief Operating Officer at Green Peak Innovations, a cannabis company based in Michigan. At Green Peek Innovations, Adrian generated sales from pre-revenue in a record seven months’ time.

When Adrian is not spearheading company culture transformations or launching new AgTech products, you can find him enjoying time with his family or attending a Formula One race. Adrian earned his BA from the Instituto Tecnológico de Mérida, Mexico, a technical degree in Computer Programming from CETEC, Mérida, México and his MBA from the Universidad de Yucatán/INESPO, Mexico City, Mexico. Adrian also completed a number of professional development programs in agribusiness, finance, human capital and total quality management and is a former board member of the Equitable Food Initiative, a non-profit organization that seeks to transform agriculture and improve the lives of farmworkers.