Allen Gent Appointed President and CEO of Clarke
As we continue to drive forward our commitment to global public health mosquito control, we are excited to announce the appointment of Allen Gent as the President and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2024.
With this transition, J. Lyell Clarke, the current president and CEO, remains Chairman of The Clarke Group, ensuring the continuity of the Clarke family’s longstanding ownership interests.
Lyell Clarke, president and CEO for nearly three decades, has made an indelible mark on the company. Taking the helm in 1996, he oversaw Clarke’s transformation from a regional mosquito control service into the world’s largest company dedicated to public health vector control innovation. His legacy includes developing groundbreaking mosquito control products like Merus® and Natular®, recognized with the U.S. EPA’s Presidential Green Chemistry Award in 2010, and Cielo® Space Spray in 2018, the first new mode of action chemistry in global vector control in nearly 40 years.
Under J. Lyell’s guidance, the company also pioneered EarthRight®, the most environmentally sustainable mosquito control service program utilizing OMRI-listed products and reducing carbon footprint through electric vehicles, bicycles, remote surveillance technology, and more.
Furthermore, Clarke’s commitment to corporate social responsibility is evident through his establishment of the Clarke Cares Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to saving lives and reducing suffering from mosquito-borne diseases.
Allen Gent, who initially joined Clarke as Chief Operating Officer in 2021, has been instrumental in steering the company toward operational and commercial excellence, as well as playing a pivotal role in shaping the company’s long-term growth strategy, enhancing customer-centricity, fostering innovation, and advocating for industry initiatives crucial for commercial success.
Looking ahead, Gent is eager to build upon J. Lyell Clarke’s transformative legacy at Clarke. He acknowledges Clarke’s journey from a regional entity to a global leader and emphasizes his commitment to continuing the company’s groundbreaking partnerships, unprecedented investment in employees, and dedication to the communities they serve.
As Gent takes the reins as President and CEO, J. Lyell’s continued chairmanship will undoubtedly extend the company’s rich heritage and commitment to global public health vector control innovation.
“Lyell’s leadership has taken Clarke from a regional mosquito control service and distribution company to the world’s largest company dedicated to public health vector control innovation,” said Gent. “His vision for the company led to groundbreaking partnerships and unprecedented investment in employees and the communities we serve. I look forward to continuing that legacy with his chairmanship.”
Join us in welcoming Allen Gent and celebrating Clarke’s continued mission of making communities around the world more livable, safe, and comfortable!
Let’s talk about what a more sustainable mosquito control program looks like for you.
