AeroFarms names longtime BD exec Cohen as chief revenue officer

AeroFarms, the Newark-based vertical farming company, has named a new chief revenue officer, it announced Tuesday.

Gary M. Cohen has joined the company to lead farm development and business growth initiatives, including the commercialization of new products, the company said in a news release.

“Gary is a strong believer in social impact, innovation and the power of businesses like AeroFarms to solve the world’s most challenging problems, and brings decades of proven experience building important partnerships globally to accomplish just that,” AeroFarms co-founder and CEO David Rosenberg said in a prepared statement. “We are excited to announce his appointment to our robust leadership team.”

Cohen had spent 37 years with BD, also known as Becton, Dickinson and Co., most recently as executive vice president for global health and president of the BD Foundation.

He has his bachelor’s degree and MBA from Rutgers University, and is a former member of the school’s board of trustees.

“AeroFarms is truly transforming agriculture through sustainably grown and nutritious pesticide-free food,” Cohen said in a statement. “These capabilities will drive positive economic, social and environmental impact in the years to come. AeroFarms is a force for good — I’m inspired by its mission and look forward to contributing to our global growth and expansion into new product categories.”

AeroFarms recently announced it is combining with special purpose acquisition company Spring Valley Acquisition Corp. in order to go public.