N-7 LLC (“N-7”), a joint venture between OCI and Dakota Gasification Company in the US, announces that effective July 1, 2021, David Schramm will assume the position of Executive Chairman of N-7’s Board of Directors until he retires from the company in February 2022. John Ringkob will succeed David Schramm as President.
John has been with OCI and N-7 for the past 4 years and has been instrumental to its success in growing the DEF business from inception to a leader in the North American DEF industry, including originating and executing on the DEF, Urea Liquor and Automotive Grade Urea Marketing Agreement with Dyno Nobel. In addition, John has driven N-7’s penetration into industrial urea markets and has led its urea marketing and trading activities. Before joining OCI, John was a Principal and Vice President of DASCO Inc., a US-based trader of crop nutrients, feed ingredients, and industrial chemicals (including DEF), which John co-led for 13 years. John brings 20 years of fertilizer and industrial products trading experience to OCI and has a demonstrated history of driving commercial excellence in his tenure at the company. John holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business with a minor in Agronomy from Iowa State University.
“We thank Dave for his tremendous contributions to OCI’s growth and success in its North America business over these past 8 years,” said Ahmed El Hoshy, CEO of OCI N.V. “Dave was instrumental in the development of OCI’s Iowa Fertilizer company greenfield project from inception, establishing our North American commercial presence and building and leading the N-7 joint venture. We are excited for this next chapter in N-7’s development and Dave’s continued stewardship of the business alongside John as its new leader. John has been an invaluable asset to OCI and N-7 over these past 4 years, and has demonstrated an ability to drive growth and excellence in our commercial activities.”
“Dave’s vision and experience were extremely valuable in developing new opportunities for N-7. We are grateful for his steadfast leadership and expertise,” said Paul Sukut, Basin Electric CEO, and general manager. “We look forward to working closely with John as he has outstanding commercial operation expertise, and his contributions and dedication have provided successful commercial operations and business development. N-7 is fortunate to have a successful and experienced team to drive the next chapter of N-7’s growth.”
Chris Kayl has been appointed Vice President of Commercial. In this role, Chris will be responsible for product management and sales for N-7 across products. Chris joined OCI in 2017 and has led its ammonia trading activities in the US as well as providing support to the global ammonia trading team. Alongside John, Chris was responsible for the development of N-7’s DEF commercial activities and helped grow the business into an industry leader. Chris joined OCI from Koch Fertilizer where he spent 14 years, most recently as Senior Vice President of International Terminals and Trading. Chris brings 27 years of experience in the fertilizer trading and agriculture industry. Chris holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Mount Mercy College.
“With these appointments, OCI and DGC usher in the next generation of leadership in our partnership,” said Mr. El-Hoshy. “We look forward to John and Chris’s contributions to the continued success of N-7. Dave has been the linchpin of OCI and N-7’s success in the North American fertilizer industry and having him continue his stewardship of the business as Chairman through February 2022 will ensure a successful transition to new leadership.”
“It has been my privilege to lead N-7 and be part of OCI these many years, and I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished,” said Mr. Schramm. “John and Chris have the faith and trust of the organization and me, and I anticipate great things to come at N-7 from their leadership.”