Courtesy: American Peanut Council
The American Peanut Council (APC) has appointed Lucas “Luke” Blaustein as its next president and CEO, succeeding Richard Owen, who recently became president and CEO of the Convenience Distribution Association. Blaustein will begin on August 25, 2025, with a one-week transition period alongside Owen to ensure a smooth handover.
Blaustein brings extensive international experience, having spent seven years as a diplomat with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service. During his tenure, he led projects across Central Asia, the Arabian Gulf, Taiwan, and Washington, D.C., including the USA Pavilion at the Qatar World Cup, Taiwan’s organic trade agreement, the Central Asia Rodeo USA livestock marketing program, and evacuation operations in Afghanistan. Before his diplomatic career, he worked as an international grain trader, managing physicals and futures from farm to foreign port.
Anne-Marie DeLorenzo, APC board chair, praised Blaustein for his global trade expertise, agricultural knowledge, and inclusive leadership style, noting his commitment to supporting growers, shellers, manufacturers, and allied members. Blaustein holds a B.S. in Economics with a minor in Asian Studies from the University of Houston and a Master of Agribusiness from Texas A&M University. He resides on a family farm in West Virginia with his wife of 14 years and their two sons.
Blaustein expressed enthusiasm for leading APC, emphasizing priorities such as expanding export markets, advancing peanut sustainability, supporting research, and strengthening industry reputation. In addition to APC, he will oversee its affiliated organizations: The Peanut Research Foundation and the American Peanut Research and Education Society.
This leadership transition positions the APC to continue advancing the U.S. peanut industry while fostering innovation, collaboration, and global growth.
Read the official APC press release.