DES MOINES, IOWA — Kemin Industries announced Nov. 21 it has selected a new R&D leader for its Nutrisurance business, which is focused on pet food ingredients and rendering technologies. Jason Shelton, Ph.D., has joined Kemin Nutrisurance as global vice president of research and development.

In his new role, Shelton will oversee the global R&D team and lead Kemin Nutrisurance’s innovation and long-term growth strategies.

"I'm thrilled to have Jason as part of our team and bring his years of experience in technology application, worldwide expansion and talent development to our pet food and rendering business," said Kimberly Nelson, president of Kemin Nutrisurance. "With tenures in Europe, Asia and North America, Jason brings the global perspective and business savvy needed to grow our portfolio of products and services. His scientific background will further advance innovation in our R&D team and foster a solutions-oriented mindset."

Prior to joining Kemin, Shelton held various leadership positions over an 18-year tenure with Cargill. He most recently served as Cargill’s chief of party for a public-private partnership with USAID (United States Agency for International Development) TRANSFORM, where he worked to improve human health through animal agriculture. Earlier in his career, Shelton took on several international appointments in Beijing, the Netherlands and Moscow.

"I'm looking forward to being part of a company impacting so many aspects of our everyday life, and I'm excited to be entering the pet food industry," Shelton said. "Kemin has a long history of scientific breakthroughs and a spirit of entrepreneurship that aligns with my career path, and I'm eager to merge these together to move Kemin Nutrisurance forward in the global marketplace."

Shelton received his bachelor’s degree in zoology and animal biology, followed by master’s and doctoral degrees in non-ruminant nutrition, from Louisiana State University.

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.