Chemlock Nutrition appoints Simon Walley as CEO

USA – Chemlock Nutrition has appointed industry veteran Simon Walley as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a major strategic move for the developer of advanced mineral and vitamin technologies for animal nutrition. 

The appointment, announced this week, aims to support the company’s rapid expansion and strengthen its position in global markets.

Walley brings more than 25 years of experience across the human and animal nutrition sectors, having held senior leadership roles at Fonterra, Danisco Animal Nutrition (now IFF), Biomin (now DSM-Firmenich), and, most recently as President of ADM Animal Nutrition North America.

Walley said he was drawn to Chemlock’s pace of innovation and customer-centric approach.

“I’m excited to join a company with extraordinary momentum, a culture that makes everything feel solvable, and that already matches my own philosophy of prioritizing being useful to the customer,” he noted. 

He added that Chemlock’s “trajectory is extraordinary,” with a strong portfolio and “tremendous” opportunities for global expansion.

Founders stay engaged as innovation continues

Despite the leadership transition, Chemlock’s founders will remain deeply embedded in operations and strategy. 

Arun Mehan will take up the role of Chairman, while Kris Mehan becomes Chief Strategy Officer and Vice Chair.

Their continued involvement ensures continuity in the company’s long-term vision of applying breakthrough chemistry from other sectors to animal agriculture.

“Our dream has always been to leverage unique chemistry from other sectors to help accelerate animal agriculture’s potential,” said Kris Mehan. 

“Bringing in a CEO of Simon’s caliber helps us bring that dream to more species, more geographies, and more customers than ever before.”

The appointment follows a milestone year for Chemlock, which in September launched CalBal® [Pro], a next-generation dietary solution designed to combat dyscalcemia and improve transition cow performance. 

The product, now offered across the United States, builds on the Nutricow CalBal line and aims to simplify herd management for dairy producers.

A more efficient formula for transition cows

Dyscalcemia, characterized by low blood calcium levels roughly four days after calving, continues to be one of the most expensive challenges in dairy production. It can lead to reduced milk yield, impaired reproductive performance, and heightened susceptibility to disease, with Holsteins particularly at risk.

CalBal® [Pro] is formulated to be more concentrated than earlier versions, allowing for lower feed rates and helping producers cut storage, shipping, and handling costs. 

The pellets are produced using Chemlock’s patent-pending CaP Matrix Technology, developed to maintain calcium balance and reduce the risk of dyscalcemia.

According to Rick Brown, Chemlock’s Dairy Science Director, the new formulation reduces common management burdens. 

“CalBal® [Pro] gives producers a simpler, more reliable way to manage their herds without the burden of urine pH testing, sourcing low-potassium forage, or relying on costly calcium boluses,” he explained.

Each pellet also contains Nutrilock® Chromium, which research shows can support immune function, improve dry matter intake, and enhance energy efficiency, benefits that can translate into higher milk output and stronger herd performance throughout lactation.

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