Continuity for future growth: Dr. Felix Büchting's CEO contract extended

Einbeck, 13.03.2026

Seed specialist KWS emphasizes continuity and a forward looking approach to corporate governance. At its most recent meeting, the Supervisory Board of the general partner (KWS SE) decided to extend the contract of CEO Dr. Felix Büchting, which was due to end in 2026, for a further six years.

“The early extension until the end of 2032 underscores the core values of the company,” emphasizes Supervisory Board Chairman Dr. Hagen Duenbostel. “During his time on the Executive Board, Felix Büchting has made a significant contribution to the strategic development of the company – whether through the entry into and expansion of the vegetable seed business, the further development of our corporate strategy or the realignment of our portfolio. These strategic decisions give us a strong basis for the coming years.”

KWS is and will remain a family company that acts with foresight to secure its independence and innovative strength in the long term. With KWS celebrating its 170th anniversary this year, the contract extension also represents the combination of tradition and future orientation that is deeply rooted in the company.

Dr. Felix Büchting is a member of the seventh generation of the KWS founding family. He has been a member of the Executive Board since 2019 and has served as CEO since 2023.

About KWS

KWS is one of the world’s leading plant breeding companies. Around 5,000 employees* in more than 70 countries generated net sales of around €1.68 billion in the fiscal year 2024/2025. A company with a tradition of family ownership, KWS has operated independently for 170 years. It focuses on plant breeding and the production and sale of seed for sugarbeet, corn, cereals, vegetables, oilseed rape and sunflower. KWS uses leading-edge plant breeding methods to continuously improve yield for farmers and plants’ resistance to diseases, pests and abiotic stress. To that end, the company invested approximately €350 million last fiscal year in research and development.

*excl. seasonal workforce

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Gina Wied
Gina Wied
Head of Corporate Communications, Global Marketing & Communications
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