MANHATTAN, KAS. — Justin Gilpin, a 10-year veteran of the wheat industry, has been named chief executive officer of Kansas Wheat, effective Sept. 1.

"Justin brings to the Kansas Wheat Commission a solid background in wheat procurement and international marketing and a proven track record of working with farmers, grain elevators and buyers," said Doug Keesling, chairman of the Kansas Wheat Commission. "He has instant credibility with our producers. We couldn’t be more pleased to have someone with Justin’s experience lead the Kansas Wheat team and are excited to have him hit the ground running."

Most recently, Mr. Gilpin was with General Mills, Inc., where he coordinated logistics for three flour mills. He executed daily wheat market orders at the Kansas City Board of Trade, worked with General Mills’ flour sales, elevator and mill management, and sourced wheat from various classes.

From 2000 to 2006, Mr. Gilpin was international marketing specialist for the K.W.C. During his tenure at the K.W.C., he was the primary contact for international trade teams, was the K.W.C.’s lead for research and other contractual investments and coordinated harvest quality samples, tests and grading in conjunction with K.W.C. partners.

He has been involved in a number of U.S. Wheat Associates committees, is past-chair of the Kansas City Board of Trade Cash Basis committee and was an adjunct research scientist at the Department of Grain Science and Industry at Kansas State University.

He is a 1998 graduate of K.S.U.’s milling science and operations program.

"My career has centered on the growth and promotion of wheat and I’m excited for this opportunity to lead Kansas Wheat," Mr. Gilpin said. "I look forward to working with and representing Kansas wheat farmers. Together, we embrace the challenges that face the wheat industry."