DECATUR, ILL. — Juan R. Luciano will join Archer Daniels Midland Co. as executive vice-president and chief operating officer, effective April 12. He will lead the company’s global operations and commercial activities, and will report to ADM’s office of the chairman, which includes Patricia Woertz, chairman, chief executive officer and John Rice, vice-chairman.

Mr. Luciano most recently was an executive vice-president at The Dow Chemical Co. and president of the company’s Performance Division.

“I am very pleased to have Juan join our senior executive team and partner with us as we grow the value, earnings and size of our company,” Ms. Woertz said. “As our new c.o.o., Juan will bring global manufacturing experience and a track record of operational excellence and profitable growth to accelerate our success. His extensive process and systems expertise will complement ADM’s world-class commercial capabilities. He joins an exceptional team that continues its focus on delivering shareholder value as we serve vital needs for food and energy.”

Mr. Luciano, who also will serve on the company’s Strategic Planning Committee, called the opportunity to join ADM a “wonderful chance” to join a company with “unprecedented opportunities for growth.”