Simon Somogyi, Ph.D., has been appointed head of the Department of Agricultural Economics in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, effective Aug. 1.
With a career spanning agribusiness marketing, consumer research and global food systems, Somogyi brings a broad yet applied perspective to the department. Currently, he holds the Dr. Kerry Litzenberg Endowed Chair in Sales and Economics and directs the Weston AgriFood Sales Program.
Since joining the department in 2023, Somogyi has played an active role in undergraduate education, industry engagement and academic program development.
“We look forward to seeing the department benefit from Dr. Somogyi’s research and vision as it continues to lead in agricultural economics and serve Texas,” said Jeffrey W. Savell, Ph.D., vice chancellor and dean for Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Goals to expand impact through education and outreach
Somogyi said he plans to strengthen the existing relationships across its teaching, research and Extension missions, including with former students, current students and the commodity stakeholders the department has long served.
“All of these relationships are very strong components of the department,” he said. “We provide timely economic analysis and guidance to Texas producers, producer associations, and state and federal agencies through applied research, workforce development and direct engagement — and I’m committed to strengthening that impact.”
Additionally, Somogyi said he wants to shape a departmental model that serves as a “one-stop shop” for lifelong value to students, career professionals and industry alike. This would include delivery of flexible programs such as short courses, certificate programs and applied master’s programs that support career progression at every stage across the agricultural food supply chain.
“I see this as a hub for industry education,” he said. “If you earn your undergraduate degree, then want to move into a leadership role mid-career, you could return and take part in these short courses. This department can be a lifelong partner in professional growth. We can also offer continuing education programs that help professionals maintain their credentials, for example, certified financial planners, by providing the required coursework and training to stay up to date in their fields.”
Somogyi also plans to support early-career faculty and grow opportunities for collaborative, cross-disciplinary research.
“We need to support and mentor our early-career faculty across all facets of the department, especially in building their research programs,” he said. “Our department has a strong global reputation in agricultural and resource economics, agribusiness, and financial planning, and we’re committed to fostering multidisciplinary collaboration across the College, across the state, through the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service network and beyond.”
Bridging academic research and real-world impact
In 2024 and 2025, RETHINK Retail recognized Somogyi as one of its Top Retail Experts, signifying global thought leadership in the retail sector.
Somogyi has taught, mentored and guided curriculum and policy development for the Weston Agrifood Sales Program at Texas A&M, which partners with industry leaders to develop ethical sales professionals, deliver high-impact experiential learning opportunities and advanced training focused primarily on business-to-business sales.
Additionally, he is the lead author of the Texas A&M Food Price Predictor, a report that forecasts food prices for the coming year.
His current research includes work on consumer adoption in addition to industry and policy development of smart and virtual food retailing. He has led and contributed to value-chain research and development projects in countries such as China, Japan, Australia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Kenya and Canada.
Somogyi has appeared in various print, radio and television media outlets, such as the BBC News, Washington Post and Guardian.
Before arriving at Texas A&M, Somogyi served as the Arrell Chair in the Business of Food at the University of Guelph, Canada. He earned his doctorate in Agribusiness Marketing from the University of Adelaide in Australia, where he examined the impact of communication on business-to-business relationships in sales in the Australian wine industry.
Somogyi is also an adjunct professor at the School of Hospitality, Food and Tourism Management at the University of Guelph. In addition, he is a Senior Fellow in Agribusiness in the School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University of Queensland, Australia.