Elin R. Dowd, former president of Monrovia Growers, announced her decision to pursue a new career opportunity with China’s leading horticultural company, Zhejiang Senhe Seed Company Ltd., effective January 1, 2012. Senhe, one of the largest plant growers in China, selected Dowd for her proven track record as a leading executive in the horticultural industry, most recently as president of American grower Monrovia. She was an executive with Monrovia for 15 years.

Senhe, which has grown quickly to become one of China’s top horticultural companies, plans to expand its global operations, particularly in the North American market. Dowd will assist in the expansion and growth of Senhe’s global operations. She will be responsible for acquisitions, business planning for North America and sourcing material for Senhe’s operation in China.

Senhe anticipates that the company will establish a wholly owned subsidiary in the United States within the next 12 months, either through the acquisition of an existing company or through the incorporation or other formation of a new business entity. Dowd will also assist Senhe with business development and coordinate with Global Equity Management, Senhe’s international Private Equity advisor.

Senhe produces a wide variety of specialty indoor and outdoor landscape plants and seeds. It also owns and operates garden centers in China, engages in landscape design, park development and trades in garden materials.