Kemin Industries, a global ingredient manufacturer based in Des Moines, has appointed Patrick Wood, formerly vice president of finance for Kemin Nutrisurance, as chief financial officer, effective April 1. Wood succeeds Tammi Guldenpfennig, who is retiring after 30 years with the company and the past 18 years as CFO. 

Wood joined Kemin in 2013 as a senior accountant before becoming an accounting manager a year later. The following year, he was promoted to controller for Kemin Animal Nutrition and Health – North America, and in 2015 became finance director for the business unit. In 2018, Wood took on the position of vice president of finance for Kemin Nutrisurance, the global pet food and rendering technologies business unit.

“Since joining Kemin, Pat has shown his exceptional aptitude for managing financial operations in a variety of business units and across international boundaries,” said Chris Nelson, president and CEO of Kemin Industries. “When it came time to fill Tammi’s position upon her retirement, Pat’s ability to drive continuous improvement and experience developing and executing global strategic plans and budgets made him an excellent fit.” 

Guldenpfennig, who had been CFO since 2002, in January was named CFO of the Year by the Business Record.

“Kemin has been lucky to have the steadfastness and dedication of Tammi Guldenpfennig in the 18 years she served as CFO,” Nelson said. “After 30 years with the company, we are sad to see her go but very happy for her to enjoy retirement after her dedication to Kemin.” 

Kemin has more than 2,600 employees worldwide, including over 650 at its Des Moines headquarters. Kemin does business in more than 90 countries. 

Wood received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accountancy from the University of Iowa. He is a certified public accountant and serves on the board of Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity. He will be based at Kemin’s worldwide headquarters in Des Moines.