BioWorks appoints Chris Rose interim general manager

BioWorks, a North American supplier of biological solutions for horticulture, has announced the appointment of Chris Rose as interim general manager.

In a news release, the company said this move marks the beginning of a new phase focused on acceleration, disciplined execution and sales expansion.

Founded in 1993, BioWorks built a legacy under the leadership of Bill Foster, who has guided the company until today. As part of a planned leadership transition, Chris Rose will lead the organization into its next stage of growth.

In 2023, BioWorks became part of the BioFirst Group, a global biological solutions company with approximately €500 million in annual revenue. In early 2026, BioWorks transitioned under the management of BIOTROP, a biological solutions company for agriculture headquartered in Brazil and playing a strategic role in supporting BioWorks’ growth and innovation roadmap.

“Today we initiate an important new phase, built on a legacy to honor and an acceleration to execute,” said Jonas Hipólito, president of BIOTROP. “BioWorks has strong competitive advantages, deep customer relationships and an exceptional team. To unlock the next level of value, we sought leadership capable of elevating the business with speed, energy and creativity. We found those qualities within the company.”

Chris Rose, a biologist by training, has been with BioWorks since 2013. Over the past decade, he has held leadership roles across operations, R&D and marketing, combining technical depth with commercial acumen and a deep understanding of growers’ needs.

“This is not a reset. It is an acceleration,” Rose said. “Our strategy remains clear. Our responsibility now is to execute it effectively, despite market hurdles, competitive pressure and unexpected challenges. We will start with revenue growth and portfolio expansion while ensuring our operations scale efficiently as we move forward.”

BioWorks’ next phase will focus on strengthening leadership in horticulture and greenhouse crops; expanding into open-field specialty crops such as grapes, almonds, berries and other high-value crops; accelerating revenue growth through disciplined commercial execution; maximizing and expanding national coverage across the U.S.; scaling operations to support portfolio expansion; and leveraging BIOTROP’s proprietary biological technologies in the U.S. market.

In addition, BioWorks plans to begin exporting its Trichoderma production from its Victor, New York, facility to Brazil and Europe, reinforcing the site’s strategic role within the group’s global manufacturing footprint.

“We are extremely enthusiastic to have Chris step into the general manager role,” Foster said. “This marks the beginning of a new phase of prosperity for BioWorks, a company that has built strong representation in the United States and now will tap into BIOTROP’s technologies and support to generate disciplined growth.”

Hipólito emphasized that this transition reinforces stability and long-term commitment to customers.

“Bill built an extraordinary foundation over nearly three decades. We are deeply grateful for his leadership and the culture he established,” he said. “Our commitment is to preserve that legacy while strengthening it. BioWorks will continue to be an organization that loves its customers, executes with discipline and grows responsibly.”

Foster will remain closely connected to the company during the transition period until the end of May.

BioWorks plans to expand its portfolio in 2026 with new biological solutions for horticulture, greenhouse crops and specialty field crops. Production will continue at its Victor, New York facility, focusing on biological crop protection products for disease and insect control, along with 100% natural biostimulants.