WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Several management chains have been announced at Bunge Ltd. in the wake of the pending retirement of Archie Gwathmey, co-chief executive officer of Bunge Global Agribusiness (B.G.A.) and Bunge Product Lines (B.P.L.). Mr. Gwathmey will retire at the end of the year following a 35-year career at Bunge.

Drew Burke, currently co-c.e.o. of B.G.A. and B.P.L., will assume the newly created role of global operational excellence officer with responsibility for optimizing the company’s efficiency and return on assets.

Raul Padilla, currently c.e.o. of Bunge Argentina, will become c.e.o. of B.G.A. and B.P.L.

Mr. Burke and Mr. Padilla will assume their new roles on July 1.

“During his career at Bunge, Archie has held nearly every position one can in our agribusiness operations and made significant contributions in each,” said Alberto Weisser, chairman and c.e.o. “His leadership has been instrumental in Bunge’s success and its transformation from a regional company into a global leader. We congratulate Archie on his accomplishments and wish him all the best.

“One of the pillars of Bunge’s corporate strategy is a focus on operational excellence, and the creation of the position of global operational excellence officer will enable us to drive greater efficiency and enhanced execution throughout our organization. Based on his experience at B.G.A. and his success managing productivity and quality efforts within Bunge, Drew is the right person to lead this effort.

“Archie and Drew leave a successful business in skilled hands. Raul brings to his new role nearly 20 years of experience in agribusiness at Bunge and a track record of accomplishment. As head of Bunge Argentina, he has overseen the company’s growth in one of our most important markets.”