PDSI and Sollum Technologies Celebrate New Hires and Promotions
(Clockwise from top left) Social Media and Content Manager Nicole Keppel, Chief Financial Officer Giancarlo Santella, and Marketing Assistant Kate Pierce. | Plant Development Services, Inc. and Sollum Technologies
Plant Development Services, Inc. (PDSI) and Sollum Technologies have announced the following personnel changes.
Plant Development Services, Inc. Announces Key Staff Additions and Promotions
PDSI has announced the addition and promotion of key talent within its team to fuel the growth of its family of brands. The following staff new hires and promotions reflect the experience and talent driving the company’s continued success:
Joshua Geiger Joins Plant Development Services Inc. as Propagation Manager
PDSI has appointed Josh Geiger as Propagation Manager to spearhead production for consumer brands:
- Better Boxwood
- Butterfly Candy Buddleia
- Encore Azalea
- Southern Living Plant Collection
- Sunset Plant Collection
Josh brings nearly a decade of hands-on horticultural production experience to the role, including management roles overseeing propagation, facilities, and herbicide application with Flowerwood Nursery.
Having assumed his new position in October, Josh has since excelled at managing PDSI’s propagation operations, leading plant production, and working with his new team to improve techniques and productivity. With his horticultural expertise and collaborative approach, Josh is helping PDSI establish a firm foundation for future growth.
Nicole Keppel Promoted to Social Media and Content Manager
PDSI has announced the promotion of Nicole Keppel to Social Media and Content Manager. Nicole has excelled in her three years with the company, holding several different roles and responsibilities within PDSI’s marketing team. Tasked with driving online engagement and reach, Nicole’s successes include overseeing the growth of more than 100,000 new followers among the company’s online audiences and launching social media platforms for the debut Better Boxwood and Butterfly Candy Buddleia brands. Her new role will see the expansion of these responsibilities, furthering PDSI’s digital presence and developing its audience.
Plant Development Services Inc. Hires Kate Pierce as Marketing Assistant
Kate Pierce joined PDSI as Marketing Assistant in June 2025, having previously interned with the company’s marketing team. Bringing her master’s level training in cognitive psychology and psycholinguistics, Kate’s experience includes research into consumer perception of persuasive language, which she uses to develop insights and drive marketing strategy. In her new role, Kate will leverage her expertise to advance PDSI’s social media and communications efforts with trade and consumer audiences.
Sollum Technologies Appoints Giancarlo Santella as Chief Financial Officer
Sollum Technologies has appointed Giancarlo Santella as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
Giancarlo brings close to 20 years of experience in corporate finance, operations, and strategic growth. He most recently served as Chief Financial Officer at Imaflex Inc., where he played a central role in guiding the company’s growth, financial performance, regulatory compliance, and long-term planning. His background also includes finance and advisory roles at BCE Inc. and Ernst & Young Orenda Corporate Finance, where he supported clients on corporate transactions and financial reporting strategies.
As CFO, Giancarlo will oversee Sollum’s finance, legal, and administrative functions, playing a key role in supporting the company’s growth strategy and operational scale-up across North America and beyond.
“I’m thrilled to join a company that’s not only innovating in agtech, but doing so with a real purpose — supporting food autonomy and sustainable production,” says Giancarlo Santella. “Sollum’s technology and team are truly world-class, and I look forward to helping drive its next stage of growth.”
“Giancarlo brings deep financial and operational insight, paired with a strong understanding of what it takes to scale a clean technology company,” says Louis Brun, President and CEO of Sollum Technologies. “We’re excited to welcome him to the team as we continue to expand our presence and impact in the horticultural lighting industry.”
This appointment strengthens Sollum’s leadership team as the company expands its dynamic LED lighting footprint across North America and builds new partnerships with forward-thinking growers and CEA innovators worldwide.
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