Eric Hansotia’s drive and passion for the agriculture industry began at a young age working on a local dairy farm and participating in the 4-H youth development program and with Future Farmers of America. That passion has continued to drive him throughout his 30+ year career in the agriculture industry, ultimately taking him to the top of the world’s largest pure-play farm equipment manufacturer in the world where he now serves as the chairman, president and CEO.
AGCO Corporation is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision AG technology. AGCO delivers customer value through its differentiated brand portfolio, including core brands like Fendt, GSI, Massey Ferguson, Precision Planting and Valtra. Powered by Fuse smart farming solutions, the company’s full line of equipment and services help farmers sustainably feed the world.
Under Hansotia’s leadership, the firm achieved net sales of approximately $12.7 billion in 2022 and established its Farmer-First strategy, placing farmers at the center of everything the company does to maximize value creation. In 2023, Hansotia led the firm’s largest deal in the company’s history – a $2 billion transformative joint venture with Trimble that will create an industry-leading, global mixed-fleet precision AG platform.
“Hansotia has used his bold visionary abilities to set ambitious goals and deliver results that move the industry forward while leading AGCO’s technology transformation and brand vision to be the partner of choice for farmers, employer choice for employees and investment choice for stakeholders,” said his colleagues.
Hansotia’s leadership has also extended beyond AGCO’s recent success and can be seen through his engagement with his local community. From involvement with charities for Cornerstone Christian Academy and Wesleyan Schools in Peachtree Corners to hosting the annual fundraiser at his house for Hope Performance Tennis, Hansotia demonstrates his dedication to the betterment of the next generation both locally and internationally.
“I believe delivering excellence through teamwork is one of the most important attributes of successful leaders today,” said Hansotia. “I advise rising leaders to focus on driving excellence in current roles and I share that growing isn’t always an upward motion. View each position – even lateral or even downward moves – as a chance to generate excellence and inspire it in others.”
Hansotia said his career has been about the intersection of agriculture and innovation. “My love and vision for this industry and its potential impact extends well beyond where we are today,” he said. “As a father, I have vested interest in meeting agriculture’s challenges while leaving a healthier planet for the next generation.”