William W. Wales

As a former co-chair of the Agriculture and Food practice group, Bill represented agribusinesses and agtech clients throughout the country and around the world, from across the U.S. to Europe, South America and beyond.

Bill previously served as vice president, general counsel and secretary at Dow AgroSciences LLC. During his time at Dow, Bill held a number of positions. He served in Dow’s Michigan Division Legal Department, was a senior attorney managing the Dow U.S.A. Human Resources Group and was named regional counsel for the Dow United Kingdom/Ireland area.

Upon his return to the U.S., Bill was elected vice president and general counsel for DowBrands, and vice president and secretary of the DowBrands’ board of directors. He then assumed additional responsibilities as vice president of DowBrands Human Resources and Public Affairs, as well as served as Dow AgroSciences' vice president, general counsel and secretary and chair of the Dow AgroSciences Ethics and Compliance Committee.

Prior to joining Dow, Bill spent eight years at Ford Motor Company as a research engineer. Working as an engineer allowed Bill to cultivate the requisite foundation for understanding complex issues involving the application of sophisticated technologies to the creation of an immediate and sustainable competitive advantage in the business sector — a skill he brings to the clients he serves today.

Having worked in-house in a variety of capacities, Bill delivered to client's deep industry and business sector know-how that ranges from research labs to the farms themselves. For decades, Bill maintained a front-row seat advising on agribusiness innovation on a global scale. As a result, he was involved in many of the industry’s most critical developments (including satellite data and soil content), issues, disputes and changes — from research to regulatory to production to agricultural product sales to safety to feeding the world population. He was experienced in working with entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals at all levels, and growers and farmers alike, and offers an understanding of the technologies that permeate and drive this industry.

In addition, Bill knew, from first-hand experience, how major businesses function and how decisions are reached at the local, regional, nationwide and international levels. Easygoing, smart and a clear communicator, Bill was all about providing solutions that leverage competitive advantage. Bill had a knack for maximizing the services he provided and for getting along with those around him. He was personally committed to earning respect and trust through subject matter expertise, an unwavering work ethic, responsiveness and a dedication to understanding each client’s business, operations and bigger picture goals.