CHS Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

CHS has 8 executives leading key functions including information technology, operations, finance, strategy, human resources, regional management, legal, and capital.

Driven by a commitment to agricultural excellence, CHS connects producers to global markets, supplying essential crop inputs, energy, and risk management solutions to foster robust food supply chains.

Leadership Roles at CHS

  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Chief Strategy Officer - Olivia Nelligan
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Crop Inputs - Leon Westbrock
  • President (South Korea) - Young Choi
  • President, CHS Capital LLC - Stephen Englund
  • President CHS - S.B. Cheek
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer - David Black
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Mary Kaul-Hottinger
  • Executive VP & General Counsel - Brandon Smith
  • Olivia Nelligan - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Chief Strategy Officer

    Olivia Nelligan, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Chief Strategy Officer at CHS, commands the financial health and strategic growth trajectory of the global agribusiness cooperative. This dual role requires meticulous oversight of all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and capital allocation, while simultaneously architecting long-term strategic initiatives. Nelligan ensures that financial resources are optimally deployed to support CHS's mission of supplying crop inputs, marketing grain, and providing energy products. By integrating financial discipline with forward-thinking strategy, Olivia Nelligan drives value creation and enhances the company's market position. The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Strategy Officer's leadership is critical for navigating market complexities and securing sustainable growth for the farmer-owned cooperative.
    Olivia Nelligan

    Leon Westbrock - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Crop Inputs

    Leon Westbrock, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Crop Inputs at CHS, spearheads the strategic direction and operational execution for the company's vital crop inputs division. This executive leadership position involves managing the supply chain, distribution, and sales of essential agricultural products that empower farmers. Westbrock ensures that CHS effectively connects agricultural producers with the necessary resources to optimize crop yields and market their harvests. Overseeing a significant segment of the agribusiness cooperative, Leon Westbrock drives initiatives focused on product innovation, operational excellence, and customer service within the crop inputs sector. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include aligning the division's performance with the broader company objectives of supporting farming and food supply chains.
    Leon Westbrock

    Young Choi - President (South Korea)

    Young Choi, the President (South Korea) at CHS, directs the company's strategic operations and market presence within the South Korean region. This leadership position involves overseeing the local implementation of CHS's core business functions, including the supply of agricultural inputs, grain marketing, and energy product distribution tailored to the specific needs of the South Korean market. Choi ensures alignment with the global agribusiness cooperative's mission to support farming and food supply chains. By managing regional operations, Young Choi facilitates the connection between local agricultural producers and broader market opportunities. The President's focus is on driving regional growth, optimizing local supply chains, and enhancing CHS's impact within South Korea's agricultural sector.

    Stephen Englund - President, CHS Capital LLC

    Stephen Englund, the President, CHS Capital LLC at CHS, leads the financial services arm of the agribusiness cooperative, focusing on providing capital solutions to support agricultural producers and related businesses. This executive role involves managing investment strategies, loan portfolios, and financial risk management to ensure the sustained growth and operational capacity of CHS's clients. Englund directs the allocation of financial resources that enable farmers to acquire necessary crop inputs, invest in their operations, and access global markets. By structuring effective financing mechanisms, Stephen Englund plays a crucial part in strengthening the agricultural supply chain and fostering economic vitality within the farming community. The President of CHS Capital LLC's leadership is integral to the cooperative's commitment to supporting its member-owners.

    S.B. Cheek - President CHS

    S.B. Cheek, the President CHS at CHS, holds a pivotal leadership position within the global agribusiness cooperative, driving its overall strategic vision and operational execution. This executive role encompasses guiding the company's extensive network of services, which includes supplying crop inputs, marketing grain, and providing energy products and logistics solutions. Cheek ensures that CHS effectively bridges agricultural producers with international markets, fostering robust food supply chains. By directing key initiatives and overseeing cross-functional collaboration, S.B. Cheek champions the cooperative's commitment to supporting farmers and enhancing agricultural productivity. The President's leadership is instrumental in navigating market dynamics and advancing the organization's mission.

    David Black - Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer

    David Black, the Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer at CHS, directs the company's comprehensive information technology strategy and operations. Overseeing all digital infrastructure, Black ensures the seamless integration of technology solutions that support CHS's global agribusiness operations, including crop inputs, grain marketing, and energy services. This leadership role involves driving innovation in data analytics and cybersecurity to enhance operational efficiency and protect sensitive company information. By optimizing IT systems, David Black directly supports the company's mission to connect agricultural producers with global markets and maintain resilient food supply chains. The Chief Information Officer's purview extends to managing technology investments and fostering a culture of digital transformation across the cooperative.
    David Black

    Mary Kaul-Hottinger - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Mary Kaul-Hottinger, the Chief Human Resources Officer at CHS, leads the development and implementation of human capital strategies that support the agribusiness cooperative's extensive operations. This executive role focuses on cultivating a high-performing workforce, fostering employee engagement, and ensuring robust talent management across all business segments, from crop inputs to energy services. Kaul-Hottinger oversees initiatives related to organizational development, compensation and benefits, and diversity and inclusion, aligning HR practices with the company's overarching mission. By championing employee well-being and professional growth, Mary Kaul-Hottinger directly contributes to the operational effectiveness and long-term success of CHS. The Chief Human Resources Officer's strategic guidance is essential for attracting and retaining the talent needed to connect agricultural producers with global markets.
    Mary Kaul-Hottinger

    Brandon Smith - Executive VP & General Counsel

    Brandon Smith, the Executive VP & General Counsel at CHS, oversees all legal affairs and corporate governance for the global agribusiness cooperative. This critical leadership role involves providing strategic legal counsel on a wide range of matters, including regulatory compliance, contract negotiations, mergers and acquisitions, and litigation management. Smith ensures that CHS operates within the legal frameworks governing its diverse business activities, encompassing crop inputs, grain marketing, and energy products. By safeguarding the company's legal interests, Brandon Smith supports the integrity of its operations and its mission to connect agricultural producers with global markets. The General Counsel's expertise is vital for mitigating risks and enabling the cooperative's continued growth and stability.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding CHS Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads CHS?
    CHS is led by Olivia Nelligan (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Chief Strategy Officer), along with executives such as Leon Westbrock (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Crop Inputs) and Young Choi (President (South Korea)).
    Who is part of CHS’s executive team?
    The executive team of CHS includes leaders such as Olivia Nelligan (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Chief Strategy Officer), Leon Westbrock (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Crop Inputs), Young Choi (President (South Korea)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does CHS have?
    CHS has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in CHS’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of CHS includes roles such as Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Chief Strategy Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Crop Inputs, President (South Korea), President, CHS Capital LLC, President CHS.