Consulting Services from Cargill Animal Nutrition is composed of professional consultants with decades of experience in optimizing business results.

Mark Knief, General Manager

Mark Knief joined Cargill in 1986 and most recently was General Manager of Cargill Philippines before moving to the U.S. in 2005 to become General Manager of Consulting Services. Mark has held five General Manager positions in the last ten years in U.S. and Asia. Mark holds a B.S. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Illinois and an Executive M.B.A. from the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University. Mark’s native language is English and he works in the Cargill Consulting Services offices in Minnetonka, Minnesota, U.S.

Bill Mead, Regional Director, North America

Bill Mead joined the Cargill’s Animal Nutrition business unit in 1992.  Prior to joining Cargill, Bill worked for national and regional feed manufacturers in production, operations and management. He is currently responsible for Consulting Services in North America.  Bill graduated from The Ohio State University and his native language is English.  Bill works in the Cargill Consulting Services offices in Minnetonka, Minnesota, U.S.

Jose Abin, Account Manager, North America

Jose Abin joined Cargill in 2001, with more than 20 years experience in the poultry business.  He previously worked as the Global Poultry Technology Manager for Cargill Animal Nutrition. Prior to 2001, Jose held different positions in Mexico, Venezuela and the USA.  He is an expert in providing technical solutions to poultry producing customers and holds a Ph.D. in Animal Nutrition from the University of Minnesota. Jose’s native language is Spanish and he is fluent in English. Jose works at the Cargill offices in Minnetonka, MN, U.S.

Larry Holy, Accnt Mgr, Biotechnology/Renewable Energy

Kent J Schultz, Account Manager

Franco Sarti, Regional Director, Europe

Franco Sarti joined Cargill Animal Nutrition’s Italy office in 1994 as General Manager. Prior to that Franco represented the Purina brand for 12 years and helped build automated feed plants and improve automation systems. Franco has a background in engineering and graduated from MIT in Boston with a degree in physics and telecommunication. Franco’s native language is Italian and he is fluent in English, French and Spanish. Franco resides in Milan, Italy.

Jeff Dykstra, Regional Director, Europe

Jeff Dykstra has 30 years of experience with Cargill in four different countries. Most recently Jeff was Production Operations Manager of the Switzerland business. Jeff is experienced in the startup and building of feed plants, as well as new system rollouts and training.  In Jeff’s new role as Consulting Services Regional Director, Europe, he will focus on Russia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Jeff’s native language is English and he speaks German and Dutch. Jeff resides in Switzerland.

Shane Khang, Regional Director, North Asia

Shane Kang has more than 20 years experience in the Cargill Animal Nutrition business in Korea. He most recently joined the Consulting Services team as Regional Director, Asia. Shane will be responsible for China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines. Shane has a Ph.D. in Animal Nutrition from Seoul National University. Shane’s native language is Korean and he is fluent in English.  Shane resides in Seoul, Korea.

Stefan Langer, Nutrition Consultant

Stefan Langer joined Cargill in 2002 when the company acquired Agribrands Philippines, where he was Director of Research/Technology.  Prior to joining Cargill, Stefan served as research/technology manager and director for Agribrands in Europe and the Philippines.  His experienced is in formulation and product design for swine, dairy, poultry and aquaculture.  Stefan has a doctorate degree in Nutritional Physiology – Amino Acid Interactions in Pigs from the University of Aberdeen/Rowett Institute, Aberdeen, U.K. Stefan’s native language is German and speaks English, French and Russian. Stefan resides in Switzerland.