Cargill Announces Executive Leadership Transition: Rishi Varma Named Chief Legal and Compliance Officer
Source: The DairyNews
Cargill, a global leader in the food and agriculture industry, has declared a significant leadership change as it bids farewell to Anna Richo, its esteemed Corporate Senior Vice President, Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, Corporate Secretary, and General Counsel. Cargill is pleased to announce the appointment of Rishi Varma, currently Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary at Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), as the successor to these key roles. Varma is set to assume his new responsibilities on January 29, 2024.
In his new capacity at Cargill, Varma will take on the role of Corporate Senior Vice President, Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, and Corporate Secretary, while also serving as General Counsel. With a wealth of experience, Varma has successfully led legal functions at HPE, overseeing critical areas such as corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, commercial contracting, supply chain matters, litigation, intellectual property, and corporate securities. His expertise was notably evident during the legal separation of Hewlett Packard Company into Hewlett Packard Enterprise and HP Inc.
Prior to his tenure at HPE, Varma held the position of General Counsel at TPC Group, Inc., a petrochemical company, and Trico Marine Services, Inc., a global subsea service provider. At Trico, he also assumed additional leadership roles, including Chief Operating Officer and President. Varma holds a Bachelor of Science degree in political science from Georgetown University and a J.D. degree from Georgetown University Law Center.
Brian Sikes, Cargill Board Chair, President, and CEO, expressed enthusiasm about Varma's appointment, citing his reputation as a highly respected attorney and business leader. Sikes emphasized Varma's commitment to operational excellence in alignment with the highest legal and ethical standards, which complements Cargill's strong culture of integrity.
As part of this transition, Anna Richo will take on the role of Corporate Senior Vice President, Strategic Advisor to the General Counsel and CEO until her retirement in September 2024. Sikes acknowledged Richo's significant contributions, praising her purposeful leadership that transformed and integrated various functions within the company, including legal, compliance, government relations, corporate governance, security, and shareholder relations. Richo's legacy includes strengthening Cargill's diverse and inclusive culture, leaving an indelible mark on the organization.
Prior to his tenure at HPE, Varma held the position of General Counsel at TPC Group, Inc., a petrochemical company, and Trico Marine Services, Inc., a global subsea service provider. At Trico, he also assumed additional leadership roles, including Chief Operating Officer and President. Varma holds a Bachelor of Science degree in political science from Georgetown University and a J.D. degree from Georgetown University Law Center.
Brian Sikes, Cargill Board Chair, President, and CEO, expressed enthusiasm about Varma's appointment, citing his reputation as a highly respected attorney and business leader. Sikes emphasized Varma's commitment to operational excellence in alignment with the highest legal and ethical standards, which complements Cargill's strong culture of integrity.
As part of this transition, Anna Richo will take on the role of Corporate Senior Vice President, Strategic Advisor to the General Counsel and CEO until her retirement in September 2024. Sikes acknowledged Richo's significant contributions, praising her purposeful leadership that transformed and integrated various functions within the company, including legal, compliance, government relations, corporate governance, security, and shareholder relations. Richo's legacy includes strengthening Cargill's diverse and inclusive culture, leaving an indelible mark on the organization.
