Sakata Seed America announces new CEO and a promotion

California-based Sakata Seed America — a research, seed production and marketing-distribution subsidiary of Japan's Sakata Seed Corporation — announced Jan. 26, 2026, that President and CEO Eduardo Flores is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities.

Dave Armstrong will step in to serve as president-CEO of Sakata Seed America.

Justin Davis, new COO of vegetables.

Additionally, Justin Davis has been promoted to chief operating officer of vegetables, effective Feb. 1, 2026.

Sakata thanked Flores for his contributions during his time with the company and wished him success in his future endeavors. The company said it remains focused on serving its customers, supporting its employees and advancing its long-term strategy in a manner consistent with its values and culture. Business operations will continue without interruption.

Davis, a 20-year veteran of Sakata, currently serves as executive director of commercial operations, where he leads sales, marketing and supply chain for the vegetable business.

In his new role, Davis will assume responsibility for the end-to-end operations of Sakata Seed America’s vegetable business, integrating research & development), supply chain and vegetable seed sales and marketing. He will report directly to Armstrong.

“Throughout his career with Sakata, Justin has demonstrated strong leadership capability and a deep commitment to Sakata’s values and culture,” Armstrong said. “Justin’s long experience with Sakata, combined with his leadership of our commercial operations, gives him a deep understanding of our business and our culture.”