Ladd Seaberg, MGP Ingredients, Atchison, Kan., retired as C.E.O., but will continue as chairman of the board of directors. President Tim Newkirk will succeed him as C.E.O. Also, joining the MGPI team are Joe Wetter and Curtis Kipple. Wetter was appointed process engineer, and Kipple was named automation and controls engineer.

In addition, Adam Bremer joined MGPI as an applications technologist. His main responsibilities will focus on MGPI's textured protein technology platform.

Chris LeBourdais was named plant safety manager at MGPI's Pekin, Ill. facility. In addition to overseeing the facility's safety program, LeBourdais will play a supporting role in environmental, health, safety and workers compensation, and help implement ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001. He most recently served as envirnonmental, health and safety team member at 3M Corp. Greg Corcoran was appointed to plant quality manager.

Michael Gilbertson, Decatur, Ga., joined the Kliklok-Woodman sales team as a regional accounts manager. He handles VFFS snack food accounts and other accounts in the Northeast and Mid-Central U.S. He previously worked as a sales manager for Greener Corp.

ADM announced several staff changes. Robert Hobson will act as general manager of ADM North American Packaged Oils. Jeroen van Engen was named trading director, Cocoa Liquor and Butter, for ADM Cocoa's European and African processing plants. Grant Belden was named commercial manager for ADM Cocoa's facilities in Koog Wormer, the Netherlands.

• ADM Cocoa International: Scott Walker managing director and John McGowan commerical director

• ADM Cocoa United Kingdom: Ian Povey managing director and Matijs Brand commercial director

• ADM Cocoa West Africa: Michiel Hendriksz commercial manager

• ADM Cocoa Europe: Marc Degen powder sales director

Grote Co., Columbus, Ohio, promoted Bob Grote to president. Grote joined the company in 2000 and most recently served as vice president, sales and services. Grote replaces Geoff Rawes who has been with the company since 1989 and will remain active on the advisory board and serve in a business development role.