In order to bring the maximum value to AUGA group, ensuring the continuity of the strategy and the oversight of existing activities, and focusing on the direct management of the activity with the greatest potential – technology development, the CEO of AUGA group, Kęstutis Juščius, intends to transition from his current position to the newly elected Board of AUGA group, while also remaining as the head of AUGA Community, the company responsible for technology development. 

“I would like to emphasize that I am not stepping away from the AUGA goup activities, on the contrary, I intend to become even more deeply involved. As one of the main shareholders, I have a vested interest in the success of AUGA. My goal is to focus on those areas that have the most significant impact on AUGA group’s strategy implementation and its future results, namely, technology development. Therefore, I will continue to lead the group’s company, AUGA Community, which is responsible for the development of agricultural technologies and sustainable farming standards. By working on AUGA group’s Board, I will be able to participate at the highest level in strategic management and the oversight of existing business branches. I believe that this decision will bring the greatest benefit to AUGA group,” comments Kęstutis Juščius, CEO of AUGA group. 

By decision of the Board of 20 October 2023, Elina Chodzkaitė-Barauskienė has been appointed as interim CEO for a transition period from 7 November 2023 until a new CEO is elected by the new Board. In this way, the aim is to ensure the smooth day-to-day operation of AUGA group and consistent implementation of the strategy.  

Elina Chodzkaitė-Barauskienė has been leading AUGA group’s Business Development and Innovation Department since 2019. She was one of the main creators of the current AUGA group’s business strategy and has been coordinating its implementation. Elina Chodzkaitė-Barauskienė has also actively contributed to the development of the new technology-sharing business model and, together with the working group, is continuing its implementation within the group. Before joining AUGA group, E. Chodzkaitė-Barauskienė worked for 7 years at Invest Lithuania engaging with major foreign investors in the fields of manufacturing and life sciences. E. Chodzkaitė-Barauskienė completed bachelor’s studies at University College London (UCL) in the U.K. and master’s studies at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna in Austria. 

“I am confident that the new CEO Elina Chodzkaitė-Barauskienė, who possesses the necessary competencies and experience in this strategy implementation context, will ensure the daily operations of AUGA group, their continuity, and meet the expectations of existing shareholders. By appointing an interim CEO, we will create the conditions for the new Board to quickly integrate with AUGA group’s activities and have sufficient time to search out a new CEO, who will continue the ongoing work and create value for all stakeholders,” says Dalius Misiūnas, the Chairman of AUGA group’s Board.