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Steve Gullickson, president of MGK, the Environmental Health Division of Sumitomo Biorational Co., will step down Dec. 31, 2026. Randy Nelson will succeed him Jan. 1, 2027. Nelson has worked for MGK for more than 40 years. Gullickson will stay on as a consultant to support Nelson and the division through the transition.
Gullickson joined MGK in 1998 in a sales and marketing role and was named president in 2006. During his 28 years with the business, he helped guide MGK’s growth, expand its capabilities and strengthen its position as an insect control partner.
His tenure included MGK’s move into branded products, starting with the launch of Pyganic Crop Protection in 2000. The company later expanded its branded portfolio into professional products, animal health and vector control.
“Steve’s leadership has helped shape MGK’s growth and establish a strong foundation for our Environmental Health Division,” Shinsuke “Shin” Shojima, president and CEO of Sumitomo Biorational, said in a news release. “We thank him for his many contributions and the commitment he has brought to our customers, employees and business. Randy’s extensive experience and understanding of our organization position him well to lead the division into its next chapter.”
Nelson has held roles in manufacturing operations, sales, marketing, customer service, accounting and finance during his career with MGK. The company notes that he combines operational and financial experience with a deep understanding of the company’s customers, markets and people.
“I am honored to take on this responsibility and build on the foundation Steve and our team have established,” Nelson said in the news release. “Our customers depend on us for effective insect control solutions, practical expertise and dependable support. I look forward to working with our employees and partners to continue meeting those needs and bringing new solutions to the markets we serve.”
About MGK
In 1902, Alexander McLaughlin went into the business of importing ground spices, plant leaves, barks, fruits and flowers for use in pharmaceuticals and food. Six years later, he incorporated the business with partners George King and John Gormley. The company, McLaughlin Gormley King (MGK), soon realized its product shipments containing flowers in the chrysanthemum family of plants were never infested with live insects. Today, the Minneapolis, Minn.-based manufacturer develops insect control products for professional, commercial and agricultural markets.
Four generations of family leadership have guided MGK since its founding. In 1989, MGK became an affiliate of Sumitomo Chemical Co., a critical relationship to its long-term successes in chemistry, technology, sales and growth.
MGK now operates as the Environmental Health Division of Sumitomo Biorational, which was formed in April 2026. Sumitomo Biorational, based in Libertyville, Ill., operates three divisions: AgroSolutions, Environmental Health and Public Health & Forest Health.
