Topigs Norsvin USA President and CEO John Eggert of Shakopee, Minn., died on Jan. 13 following complications from renal and pulmonary illness.
Eggert, 57, led Topigs from 2010 to 2014, guiding the organization through its merger with Norsvin to form Topigs Norsvin. Following the merger, he served as chief development officer beginning in 2014 and was promoted to chief executive officer in January 2021.
“When John entered any room, he brought a big presence, in terms of his physical size, carriage and simply who he was,” says Les Cain, Topigs Norsvin contract manager. “John was totally transparent then and continued to be all the time I knew him. It became quickly obvious to me that John was going ‘to be.’ I told my boss at the time that John needed to report directly to the CEO with an eye on the future, but also to recognize his importance to Topigs Norsvin. That happened.”
Born in Hammond, Ind., in 1968, Eggert was a man of remarkable intellect, drive and integrity. He earned his undergraduate degree from Harvard University and went on to complete his master’s degree, doctorate and MBA at Purdue University.
“John was one of the smartest people I’ve ever known,” Cain says. “He was able to deliver a highly technical message to any level and do so with knowledge, insight, understanding and, when warranted, deadpan humor.”
Eggert’s annual presentation to the company was a highlight for many because he delivered a clear message along with a background story that engaged everyone.
“John always had your back, was forthright and not afraid to take on any challenge,” Cain adds. “You could follow John into any room and have the confidence that no matter what we faced, we could overcome and win – a win when it comes to developing trust and relationships toward a mutually beneficial solution.”
His team valued his ability to listen and fully understand all of the steps needed to get a project over the finish line, he says.
“John brought a unique blend of knowledge about pork production and the U.S. industry, as well as a solid understanding of the technical aspects of genetics,” says Jon Feitz, a national key account manager at Topigs Norsvin. “John enjoyed face-to-face interactions, whether through in-person meetings with producers or engaging with people at shows.”
These are just a few of the reasons why Eggert was so well respected by Topigs Norsvin employees worldwide.
“I saw a post recently about the attributes of a true leader and it made me think of John,” Cain says. “It said, ‘A true leader is a manager who challenges the boss and stands up for their team, even if it risks their own career (or standing).’ John did this for the whole U.S. team over the past four years and for his sales and research teams prior to being CEO. He really cared about the success of his people and fought for them, no matter what.”
Despite his many accomplishments professionally, Eggert was defined most by his character.
“John was a man of the highest integrity, always, no matter what,” Cain says.
He was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting and fishing alongside his daughter. From lively card games with his many friends to the great pride he took in his hosta gardens, Eggert lived life fully.
“John was also a great family man, who was devoted to his wife Amy and to his daughter Lexie,” Cain says. “He was not only husband and father, but also their friend. You could feel that whenever you spent time with them together.”
Eggert is survived by his wife Amy (Schipper) Eggert; daughter Alexandra Eggert and her fiance Christian O’Banion; father Jack Eggert; in-laws, Glenn and Barbara Schipper; brother and sister-in-law Chad and Sarrah Schipper; and nieces Eden Schipper and Cloe Schipper. He was preceded in death by his mother, Sherri (Monahan) Eggert.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, supporting America’s heroes – first responders, veterans and their families.
A celebration of John’s life will be announced at a later date.
