MAUMEE, OHIO — Harold M. Reed has been named chief operating officer of The Andersons, Inc., effective Jan. 1, 2012.

Mr. Reed has been with The Andersons since 1980, and most recently he has been president of the Grain & Ethanol Group since 2001. He also is the chairman of the National Grain & Feed Association.

He received a degree in accounting from Miami University in Ohio and a master’s degree in finance from the University of Toledo.

“The appointment of a chief operating officer helps ensure our organizational structure is strategically aligned to support our company’s substantial growth and achieve our future objectives of enhancing our service to customers, strengthening our position in our markets and increasing the value of our shareholders’ investment,” said Mike Anderson, chief executive officer. “This addition enhances and solidifies our business operating focus as we grow in size and complexity.”

The Andersons also announced it will separate its Grain and Ethanol operations into individual business units.

With the transition, Dennis J. Addis has been named president of the Grain Group, Neill C. McKinstray has been named president of the Ethanol Group, and William J. Wolf has been named president of the Plant Nutrients Group.

Mr. Addis joined The Andersons in 1971, and most recently he was president of the Plant Nutrients Group since 2001.

Mr. McKinstray has been with The Andersons since 1976, most recently as vice-president and general manager of the Ethanol Division since 2005. He currently is vice-chairman of the Renewable Fuels Association.

Mr. Wolf joined The Andersons in 1994, and most recently he was vice-president of supply and manufacturing for the Plant Nutrients Group since 2008.

Additionally, Anne G. Rex has been named vice-president and corporate controller for The Andersons. Ms. Rex has been with The Andersons since 1994, most recently as the assistant corporate controller since 2002.