Lisa Nunez Safarian Appointed Chief Executive Officer of Inari, Ushering in a New Era of Agricultural Innovation

Cambridge, Massachusetts – — Inari, the SEEDesign™ company revolutionizing plant breeding by integrating artificial intelligence, genomics, and gene editing, today announced the appointment of Lisa Nunez Safarian as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). A highly respected leader with decades of experience in agriculture and biotechnology, Safarian’s appointment marks a pivotal chapter for Inari as it accelerates efforts to redefine what’s possible in plant performance and sustainable food production.

“I decided I’m not quite ready for retirement,” said Lisa Nunez Safarian. “The agriculture industry is on the brink of a new era of innovation, and I have no intention of being a bystander. Which is why I am thrilled to join Inari as CEO next week.”

Safarian joins Inari at a time when the agriculture industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by breakthroughs in data science, gene editing, and precision biotechnology. Inari’s proprietary SEEDesign™ platform integrates AI, advanced computational design, and multiplex gene editing to dramatically improve seed performance, resource efficiency, and climate resilience. This technology aims to deliver better outcomes for farmers while advancing global food security and sustainability.

“I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the first wave of biotechnology innovation in seeds—and it’s clear that this next wave, led by companies like Inari, is the next revolution,” Safarian added. “Inari is redefining what’s possible in agriculture by unlocking plant potential through innovation, creativity, and science.”

Championing Innovation Freedom in Agriculture

Safarian emphasized that for companies like Inari to achieve their full potential, regulatory and market environments must evolve to support innovation. “For cutting-edge companies like Inari to unlock the full potential of this technology, we need to ensure every company has the freedom to innovate,” she stated.

She referenced discussions during a recent U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, which highlighted the need to maintain open competition and innovation within the agricultural biotechnology space. “A thriving, competitive market drives continuous innovation to support American farmers and food security,” she said, acknowledging Agri-Pulse Communications for providing her the opportunity to share these insights publicly.

Driving Forward Inari’s Vision

Under Safarian’s leadership, Inari will continue to build on its strong scientific foundation and expand its market presence. The company’s research and development pipeline already reflects years of advanced innovation—from optimizing genetic traits in crops to improving yield and resource use efficiency.

“The team at Inari has already achieved an incredible amount in a short period of time,” Safarian said. “From the depth of the product pipeline to the sophistication of the technology and the passion of the people, this is a highly accomplished organization poised to drive significant progress. It’s a privilege to now get to lead Inari on what will be its most exciting chapter yet.”

Safarian’s appointment reinforces Inari’s commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture through science, innovation, and collaboration with growers worldwide. The company aims to challenge conventional models in agriculture by using nature-inspired solutions and cutting-edge technology to create crops that are both productive and environmentally responsible.

About Lisa Nunez Safarian

Lisa Nunez Safarian is a seasoned agribusiness executive with extensive experience in global agricultural markets, biotechnology, and sustainable solutions. Prior to joining Inari, she held senior leadership roles in major agricultural organizations, where she was instrumental in driving innovation, strategic partnerships, and operational excellence. Safarian has consistently championed the advancement of agricultural technologies that empower farmers, enhance food production, and promote environmental sustainability.

About Inari

Inari is a pioneering biotechnology company transforming the future of agriculture through its SEEDesign™ platform, which integrates artificial intelligence, data analytics, and gene editing to unlock the natural potential of plants. By designing seeds that are higher-yielding, more resilient, and resource-efficient, Inari seeks to improve both farmer profitability and environmental health. Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with additional R&D sites in the U.S. and Europe, Inari is on a mission to reshape the global food system for a more sustainable future.

For more information, visit www.inari.com.