OMAHA — Steven P. Zehr has been promoted to chief executive officer of The Gavilon Group L.L.C. Mr. Zehr, who most recently was chief operating officer, succeeds Lewis W. Batchelder, who is transitioning into a consultant position and has become a member of the board of directors.

Mr. Zehr joined Gavilon in 2011 and has held the position of c.o.o. since 2017. He brings more than 25 years of agriculture experience that includes leadership positions in financial management, strategic planning and commercial operations all over the world, including the United States, Mexico, Brazil and Germany. Prior to joining Gavilon he was with Archer Daniels Midland Co. for more than 17 years, during which time he held a variety of roles, including chief financial officer of Stratas Foods L.L.C., director of business development for North America Grain and general manager of oils and fats for Germany and Switzerland.

“We have been incredibly lucky to have had Lew Batchelder as our c.e.o., and I am grateful to have the opportunity to continue working with him in our new roles,” Mr. Zehr said. “Lew shaped the future for Gavilon, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue building on that success by remaining focused on meeting the needs of our producers and customers of agricultural products across the globe.”

Mr. Batchelder joined Gavilon as c.e.o. in 2016 with more than 40 years of experience in the grain industry, and the company noted it will continue to rely on his industry experience.

“When I started at Gavilon, it was apparent that Gavilon already had an exceptional level of talent across the organization,” Mr. Batchelder said. “It was a pleasure to work with, coach and learn from my colleagues during my tenure as c.e.o. of Gavilon. I am proud of everything we were able to accomplish and honored to remain a part of the organization going forward. I have the utmost confidence in Steve and look forward to the growth and success that Gavilon can achieve under Steven’s leadership.”