In this role, Dr Derek Emmerson is responsible for the supervision of the US-based broiler breeding programme and the Albertville Product Development Center.

Based in Huntsville, Alabama, Dr Emmerson will oversee the direction and implementation of the breeding programme and manage the genetics, trials and relevant R&D budgets. He will also lead the R&D communications efforts to customers and employees and establish a technical database for the field staff.

Dr Derek Emmerson

Dr Emmerson has been with Aviagen since May 1999, previously serving as both a geneticist and vice president of R&D for Aviagen, Inc. Since January 2005, he was the VP of science and technology for Aviagen Turkeys. Dr Emmerson holds a BS and MS in Poultry Science from Virginia Tech and a PhD in Poultry Science Genetics from Ohio State University. He has significant knowledge and experience in R&D and the US market. Prior to Aviagen, he was an associate professor in the Department of Animal and Poultry Science at Virginia Tech.

"Aviagen has a long history of innovation in the area of research and development," said Dr Emmerson. "I am excited to continue this tradition of progress through the development of products and services that meet the current and future needs of our customers."

Ben Thompson, president of Aviagen, Inc commented: "Having someone with Derek's background and experience is a major asset to Aviagen and to our customers. He understands our customers' needs and is committed to achieving balanced progress in our product line which has always been a primary focus of this company."

Aviagen is unrivalled in its commitment to research and development, with 10 per cent of annual turnover invested in R&D. Constant improvement of existing commercial products, coupled with the meticulous evaluation and development of new products will ensure Aviagen remains the supplier of choice to the global poultry industry.