SUNNYVALE, Calif. —Trimble announced the appointment of Abe Hughes as the worldwide general manager for Trimble’s Agriculture Division within the Resources and Utilities segment. Hughes assumed the role on July 10, 2017, and is located in Westminster, Colo.

“Abe is an experienced business leader with a proven track record in developing and executing successful business strategies,” said Darryl Matthews, Trimble senior vice president. “He has strong agriculture experience and understands the complexity of global markets and working with channel partners to help strategically expand the business.”

Hughes has more than 25 years of leadership experience in agriculture, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals and finance. Most recently, he was senior vice president of business development at POET Biorefining LLC, the world’s largest producer of renewable fuels. Prior to POET, Abe spent seven years at CNH Industrial, most recently as vice president, New Holland Agriculture and Construction.

He also led the company’s business development and strategic alliances in the Americas. Previously, at Eli Lilly and Company, Abe served as a director of marketing out of their São Paulo, Brazil, office and held business development and sales roles at their world headquarters in Indianapolis.

“I see Trimble’s innovation in precision agriculture, global presence, Vantage distribution network and OEM customers as key assets in Trimble’s success,” said Abe Hughes. “I’m excited to work with the Trimble team and our channel partners to drive the next phase of growth for the business.”

Hughes began his career in corporate finance, working on mergers and acquisitions for Fortune 500 companies and later as founder and managing director of the boutique firm, Hughes Girardi Partners. He received his bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and an MBA from Harvard University.