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CHICAGO - Oil-Dri Corporation of America (NYSE:ODC) has appointed Dr. Mervyn de Souza as Vice President of Research & Development, the company announced Tuesday.
In his new role, Dr. de Souza will lead the company’s global innovation efforts and oversee the development of new mineral-based products and technologies at Oil-Dri’s Innovation Center.
Dr. de Souza brings over 25 years of experience in research, development and innovation across the food, agriculture, life sciences, and industrial sectors. He holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics from the University of Minnesota, along with advanced degrees in Microbial Engineering and Biochemistry.
"His broad technical expertise, strategic mindset, and proven leadership experience will be instrumental in advancing our innovation pipeline," said Daniel S. Jaffee, President and Chief Executive Officer of Oil-Dri Corporation of America, in a press release statement.
Throughout his career, Dr. de Souza has overseen global R&D operations and guided technical initiatives from ideation through commercialization. He is listed as a co-inventor on more than 20 patents and has authored numerous scientific publications.
Oil-Dri Corporation of America manufactures and supplies specialty sorbent products for various markets including pet care, animal health, fluids purification, and agricultural ingredients. The company has been in operation for over 80 years.
In other recent news, Oil-Dri Corporation of America reported strong financial results for the third quarter of 2025, with net income reaching $11.6 million, one of the highest in the company’s history. Additionally, the company announced a 16% increase in dividends, marking 22 consecutive years of dividend growth. This financial performance underscores Oil-Dri’s operational efficiency and effective cost management. Concurrently, Amlan International, a subsidiary of Oil-Dri, expanded its reach in Brazil through a distribution partnership with Boviz Saúde Animal. This collaboration aims to strengthen Amlan’s presence in Brazil’s cattle market, a significant opportunity given the country’s status as a leading beef producer and exporter. The recent developments also include strategic initiatives to enhance Oil-Dri’s lightweight litter and UltraPet businesses. The acquisition of UltraPet has exceeded expectations, contributing positively to Oil-Dri’s growth. Analysts have shown interest in Oil-Dri’s future prospects, noting the company’s commitment to sustainable growth and its exploration of mergers and acquisitions.
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