After working for B.F. Goodrich Chemicals, he joined FMC Corporation as an area production
manager in 1967. In 1969, he joined the BASF group where he played a major role
in developing the company into a multi-billion dollar corporation. While employed
at BASF, he held numerous positions before becoming vice president of the Intermediate
Chemicals group, a corporate officer, and a member of the executive committee.
In 1980, he left BASF to become CEO of Rio Tinto Zinc Chemicals in the United States
and Canada. He shaped the company from the ground up into a leader in the chemical
treatment industry. In 1984, Purdy established the AGDATA group of companies, now
one of the largest agricultural, animal, and human health data analysis and marketing
companies in the world. AGDATA provides Internet and business-to-business solutions
to major agrochemical, animal health, hospitals and physicians, throughout the
world. It has offices Europe, Canada, and the U.S. In September 2010, Mr. Purdy
sold AGDATA and currently sits on the Board of Directors. He is also a co- founder
of Cadrillion Capital, a closely held private investment firm located in Charlotte,
NC.