Aviagen Turkeys Strengthens R&D Team
US - Aviagen Turkeys is pleased to announce the appointment of Magnus Swalander as Director of Global Genetics, responsible for the turkey research and development programmes worldwide.
2 July 2009
3 minute read
Magnus Swalander has been in the turkey and chicken breeding industry for over 12 years. During that time he has been instrumental in the application of key technologies in the Aviagen breeding programmes in both the US and the UK. As project geneticist for Aviagen, Mr Swalander led the implementation of the broiler feed conversion stations and assisted in the development of the Nicholas turkey breeding programme in Sonoma, California. He has served as Director of Genetics for Aviagen Turkeys Ltd. since 2005.
Dr Derek Emmerson, who previously led the North American turkey genetic program, has been appointed Vice President of Research and Development for Aviagen Inc., responsible for the supervision of the US-based broiler breeding programme and the Albertville Product Development Center. Mr Emmerson will continue to provide input into the turkey product development programme as part of Aviagen's global R&D group.
Jihad Douglas, President of Aviagen Turkeys Inc. said: "Magnus brings considerable experience to the job having served as Director of Genetics in the UK for the past four years where he worked closely with Derek and the US team. He will provide excellent leadership for the strong Program Geneticists we have managing the UK and US pedigree operations, each focused on their region's distinct product and market needs."
Dr Hilary Pavlidis will continue in her role as US Program Geneticist for the Lewisburg, West Virginia operation. Dr Pavlidis has been managing this programme for three years and will now have a more active role with North American customers.
Dr Jennifer Howie has been appointed to the position of UK Program Geneticist for the pedigree program based in Chester. She joined Aviagen Turkeys from the Scottish Agricultural College where she completed her PhD on genetic analyses of chicken and turkey feed intake and efficiency data.
Ian Hamilton, Managing Director of Aviagen Turkeys Ltd stated: "The appointment of Magnus to this new global role is a positive step for the turkey breeding programme. With his experienced direction, the valuable input from Jennifer and Hilary, and the continued support of Aviagen's wider R&D team I am confident we will continue to lead in product development for the turkey industry."
