SASKATOON, Saskatchewan, July 14 — The Ag-West Bio Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Darcy Pawlik as President and CEO, effective July 13, 2026. Pawlik served as Director of Communications and Director of Regulatory Affairs at Ag-West Bio in the 2000s and returns at a critical moment for Saskatchewan and Canada’s bio-economy.
Jeff Bertholet, Ag-West Bio’s chair of the board, says, “We are pleased to have Darcy on board. He brings the right mix of experience, relationships and strategic leadership for this moment in Ag-West Bio’s evolution, as well as qualities that are directly supportive of the recommendations in our recently completed Ag Bio Ecosystem Needs Assessment. His background spans bioscience, regulatory affairs, commercialization, seed and agriculture technology, industry leadership and organizational strategy. The board is confident he will build on Ag-West Bio’s solid foundation while strengthening its role in supporting innovation, companies and Saskatchewan’s growing bio-economy.”
The Ag Bio Ecosystem Needs Assessment called for greater collaboration in the ecosystem to reduce fragmentation and smooth the journey of innovative new businesses from concept to commercialization. Ag-West Bio is well-positioned to serve as the convenor to encourage and support collaboration throughout the Saskatchewan Ag Bio ecosystem, as well as to expand networks beyond the province’s borders and into Canada and internationally.
Pawlik says, “It is a privilege to return to Ag-West Bio at such an important time for Saskatchewan’s bio-economy. Ag-West Bio has a strong history of bringing people, science and opportunity together, and I believe its role is more important than ever as biological innovation, commercialization, and competitiveness become central to the future of agriculture and food. I look forward to working with the board, staff, members, government, entrepreneurs, researchers, producers and industry partners to build on that foundation and help turn Saskatchewan’s innovation strengths into greater economic impact.”
The momentum for the Saskatchewan Ag Bio industry is palpable. Ag-West Bio’s full contingent of professionals is ready to support the ecosystem and meet the innovation and productivity challenges that we are all facing.