Jon Leafstedt

Managing PartnerDes Moines, IA
Areas of Expertise

Ag Technology & Inputs, Agribusiness, Non-Profit Organizations, Production & Associations

About

Jon draws on his expertise in ag and biotechnology to help associations, cooperatives, and early-stage companies define their talent needs and recruit senior leadership. During his tenure with K&R, he has led over 250 senior-level executive searches, including more than 50 CEO and GM placements, for clients ranging from venture-backed startups to global enterprises. 

Prior to joining K&R in 2007, Jon led two venture-backed biotechnology companies and held senior roles in sales, marketing, regulatory affairs, and intellectual property with global agribusinesses (BASF and American Cyanamid). Jon holds an MBA from the University of Iowa and a BS in Animal Science from South Dakota State University. 

His upbringing on a fifth-generation family farm instilled in him values of integrity, tenacity, and purpose that guide his work connecting transformative leaders with food-ag organizations.

Recent Placements & Food for Thought

The leaders we place prove the quality of our work. The knowledge of our experts provides the insight you need to attract the right candidates.

K&R Places Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association

Patrick Carney has joined the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association as Executive Director, succeeding Dave Smith, who led the Association for more than…

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Kincannon & Reed Promotes Caroline Petit to Director, APAC

Kincannon & Reed is pleased to announce the promotion of Caroline Petit to Director, APAC. In her new role, Caroline will…

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K&R Places President at Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association

As Released by Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association The Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association (IFCA) has announced the appointment of Jenny…

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The Role of Cross-Functional Experience in Building Executive-Ready Leaders

Organizations invest significant time and resources identifying high-potential talent. Yet one of the most common leadership development challenges isn’t finding capable…

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Why Experience Alone Stops Working at the Enterprise Level

Enterprise leadership is not a continuation of functional success; it is a fundamental shift in how leaders create impact. For much…

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Kincannon & Reed Announces Kelly Griffin as Chief Operating Officer

Kincannon & Reed is pleased to announce the promotion of Kelly Griffin to Chief Operating Officer. In this role, Griffin will…

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What Top Executive Candidates Evaluate Before Joining a Leadership Team

In today’s highly competitive market for executive talent, attracting the right leaders requires more than a compelling role or competitive compensation.…

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Kincannon & Reed Places Chief Executive Officer of Ritchie Industries

Chad Huyser has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Ritchie Industries, a leading manufacturer of livestock watering solutions and a portfolio…

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Leadership in a Tight Market: Our Takeaways from the World Agri-Tech Summit 2026

By K&R Principals Jon Leafstedt and Aaron Locker We recently attended the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit in San Francisco, connecting with…

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Sustaining High Performance Through Leadership Alignment

High performance is something to be protected, not taken for granted. Across food and agriculture, many organizations are delivering strong results…

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Kincannon & Reed Welcomes Jon Lowe as Managing Director

Kincannon & Reed, a leading executive search and leadership development firm exclusively serving organizations across the global food and agriculture value…

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Future-Proofing Leadership in the Seed Industry

By Managing Partner Jon Leafstedt and Managing Director Aaron Locker | Originally Published by Seed World The Growing Leadership Challenge The…

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Navigating Generational Change and Leadership Readiness in the Seed Industry

By Managing Partner Jon Leafstedt and Managing Director Aaron Locker Coming out of this year’s Western Seed Association Annual Convention, one…

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CEO at Låkril Technologies Placed by K&R

As Released by Låkril Technologies Låkril Technologies, a pioneer in bio-focused process technology and catalyst development, today announced the appointment of…

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DLF Partners with K&R on EVP Search

As Published by DLF We are pleased to announce that Matt Fanta will be joining DLF as Executive Vice President for…

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From Crisis to Clarity: Making Leadership a Strategic Priority in Ag

By Managing Director Aaron Locker | Originally Published by Seed World The leadership conversation in agriculture has shifted. It’s no longer…

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K&R Places SIRE Chief Executive Officer

As released by Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy, LLC Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy (SIRE) today announced that CEO Mike Jerke will retire…

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Employee Engagement: Why It Matters More Than Ever for Food & Ag Leaders

Employee engagement is more than a corporate buzzword; it’s a competitive advantage. Engaged employees aren’t just satisfied, they’re emotionally invested in…

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