Danielson Castillo Named USGC Regional Director for South Asia

Alejandra Danielson Castillo has been promoted to the position of regional director for South Asia for the U.S. Grains Council (USGC).

She presently serves as manager of global trade, providing trade servicing expertise to the Council, strengthening the Council’s relationships with U.S. and global traders and furthering the export marketing interests of U.S. feed grains and co-products.

Danielson Castillo will assume her new role on March 11.

“Alejandra has been working in the region for the past year and has embraced both the ethanol and the feed grains agenda for this region, so we are excited for this transition to occur,” said Kurt Shultz, USGC senior director of global strategies, who oversees programs in South Asia. “We have already developed a robust agenda for India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Having her assume responsibility for this region and being based there will give our local consultants the necessary in-country support to ensure our programs are impactful and that these markets get the attention they deserve.”

The Council is ramping up its engagement in South Asia region in the belief that new market opportunities for U.S. feed grains and ethanol exist in this region and engagement expansion is necessary.

Danielson Castillo will continue to work out of the Washington office for the coming months as the Council readies a new office opening in India. She will eventually move and work out of New Delhi, with exact timing yet to be determined.

“The establishment of a South Asia director and the appointment of Alejandra will enable the Council to intensify its strategic focus in this critical region,” said Tom Sleight, USGC president and CEO. “We have been engaged in India for a long time – 20 years – and now is the time to increase our focus and presence in this critical part of the world. The dynamic of increasing per capita demand growth for food, feed and energy is surging throughout the region.”

Danielson Castillo came to the Council in 2017 from Cargill, where her work focused on trade execution and logistics for cotton, grains and oilseeds. She also gained experience as an international freight forwarder prior to entering into trade execution.

“I am very much looking forward to being in the region at this exciting time,” Danielson Castillo said. “South Asia is a dynamic region in terms of population, economy and trade policy. Having a physical presence will allow us to provide rapid response for emerging trade issues, create partnerships that leverage the U.S. advantage and ultimately encourage collaboration at this critical period of growth and expansion.”

Congratulations, Alejandra!