Scoular Names Phil Van Court President in Strategic Succession

OMAHA, NE – April 16, 2026 – Scoular, a global agribusiness giant, today announced a significant leadership transition, promoting Phil Van Court to the role of company president, effective June 1. The move is part of a carefully structured succession plan that sees a third-generation leader step into a key executive position, reinforcing the company's commitment to both its deep-rooted heritage and future growth.

A Journey From the Ground Up

Phil Van Court’s ascent to the presidency is a story more than two decades in the making, illustrating a career steeped in the operational realities of the grain industry. His journey with the employee-owned company began in 2003 as a trainee, where he gained foundational, hands-on experience loading shuttle trains in the small town of Downs, Kansas. This grassroots beginning provided him with an intimate understanding of the logistics and labor that form the backbone of the global agribusiness.

Over the following 23 years, Van Court systematically progressed through a diverse array of roles, each adding a new layer to his expertise. He served as a merchandiser, a facility manager, a regional manager, and vice president of operations, building a comprehensive knowledge of Scoular's vast network. Since 2021, he has led the Grain Division's facility operations, a critical role overseeing a network of more than 65 facilities spread across the American heartland states of Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois. His leadership has been associated with significant growth, including the acquisition of three grain facilities in Central Kansas and over $250 million in facility improvements.

His long-standing commitment to the company was further solidified by his appointment to the Scoular Board of Directors in 2013, where he has contributed to the company’s strategic oversight for over a decade.

“Phil is a thoughtful, values-driven leader whose career journey speaks volumes about his commitment to Scoular’s employees, producers, partners and communities,” said CEO Paul Maass. “He considers it a great privilege to lead at Scoular, and David and I are excited to see him step into this new role.”

A New Executive Structure for Future Growth

The promotion is a key component of a deliberate succession plan involving current Chairman and President, David Faith. Faith, who has held the dual role, will transition to focus exclusively on his duties as Chairman of the Board. In this capacity, he will continue to guide Scoular’s corporate governance and long-term vision, ensuring the company’s core values and heritage are upheld.

In his new role as President, Van Court will report directly to CEO Paul Maass. His mandate is broad and strategic, tasked with supporting Maass in driving Scoular’s long-term enterprise direction. This includes overseeing critical functions such as capital allocation, supporting ambitious growth strategies, and strengthening board and governance leadership. Furthermore, a significant part of his role will involve external relations, building and maintaining crucial relationships with industry leaders, key customers, strategic partners, and government officials. This new structure creates a powerful executive triumvirate, with Faith providing governance oversight, Maass setting the overall enterprise strategy, and Van Court driving strategic implementation and operational excellence across the $7.3 billion company.

The Enduring Legacy of the Faith Family

Phil Van Court’s appointment also marks a new chapter in the enduring legacy of the Faith family at Scoular. He is the grandson of the late Marshall Faith, widely regarded as the company's "modern-day founder," and the nephew of the current Chairman, David Faith. Marshall Faith was a transformative figure who championed the values of employee empowerment, intellectual curiosity, and humble stewardship that continue to define Scoular's culture.

It was Marshall Faith who drove the company's transition to an employee-owned model, a defining characteristic that sets it apart in the agribusiness sector and fosters a deep sense of shared purpose and commitment among its 1,250 employees. In his own writings, Van Court has reflected on his grandfather's lessons, emphasizing a commitment to continue this legacy. This succession plan, therefore, is not merely a corporate reshuffling but a deliberate continuation of a leadership philosophy that has guided the company for decades, balancing family heritage with a modern, distributed ownership structure.

Navigating a Complex Global Agribusiness Landscape

Van Court takes the helm at a time of significant challenge and opportunity for the global agribusiness sector. The industry is navigating a complex web of interconnected issues, from the impacts of climate change on crop yields to geopolitical instability that can disrupt fragile supply chains overnight. Companies like Scoular, which operate a worldwide network of over 100 offices and facilities, must be exceptionally agile to manage these risks.

A key challenge will be steering the 134-year-old company through the ongoing technological revolution in agriculture. Scoular has already shown a forward-thinking approach, fostering innovation through initiatives like Roger, LLC, a technology venture aimed at digitizing logistics for the dry bulk trucking industry, which was born from executives immersing themselves in Silicon Valley's innovative culture. Van Court's operational background and demonstrated interest in technological solutions will be crucial in identifying and investing in advancements that enhance efficiency, sustainability, and supply chain resilience.

Furthermore, increasing consumer and regulatory demand for sustainably sourced and traceable ingredients presents both a challenge and a significant growth opportunity. Under its new leadership, Scoular is positioned to leverage its global network and expertise to provide the low-carbon and sustainable solutions required by manufacturers of animal feed, pet food, and human food ingredients. Van Court's leadership will be instrumental in shaping the company's strategic response to these macro trends, ensuring Scoular continues to thrive as a vital link in the global food supply chain.