On the Move – LanzaTech, RFA, DMC, ADM, CFI, and more

Remember former Bolt Threads VP of Research Josh Kittelson, PhD? He’s now at New Culture, a company focused on animal-free dairy. And Topsoe has a big change at the senior leadership level too. A new Chief Product Officer at Tidal Vision is a result of their acquisition of ViaeX Technologies – a company that turns discarded crab shells into chitosan-based biochemical solutions.

If you have an “On the Move” for us to cover, please contact Helena Kennedy at hkennedy@biofuelsdigest.com.

LanzaTech appoints Dr. Steven F. Stanley, PhD as Chief Commercial Officer

In Illinois, LanzaTech which transforms waste carbon into materials such as sustainable fuels, fabrics, packaging, and other products that people use in their daily lives, announced that Steven F. Stanley, Ph.D., has joined LanzaTech as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). As CCO, Stanley will lead LanzaTech’s business development team and lead the transformation of LanzaTech’s licensing division while leading revenue generation across all aspects of LanzaTech’s business, including LanzaTech’s CarbonSmart Chemical Products, Process Plant and Key Mechanical Equipment Sales, and a Co-Development Initiative.

“I am proud of the growth of our company and the vital role our technology is playing in creating a post pollution future,” said Dr. Jennifer Holmgren, CEO of LanzaTech. “Having Steven on board as our Chief Commercial Officer will help us reach new clients worldwide by changing the way they think about waste carbon, treating it as an opportunity instead of a liability.”

Stanley joins LanzaTech after a long and distinguished career, most recently serving as President of Univation Technologies LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company. Stanley led Univation Technologies to record business performance seven years in a row, growing earnings five-fold through creating and implementing new technologies. He led its global expansion and negotiated successful licensing agreements that helped the company expand its global footprint.

RFA adds Mikayla McKenna to the Communications Team

In Washington, D.C., the Renewable Fuels Association announced that Mikayla McKenna has joined the organization’s staff as its new Communications Manager. McKenna’s experience includes interning with the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA), the American Feed Industry Association and the Iowa Corn Growers Association.

“We’re pleased to have Mikayla join the team at RFA,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “As someone who was raised on a farm, excelled at her university studies in agriculture and has shown herself to be an excellent communicator, Mikayla brings a valuable background to the organization as we deal with the many opportunities and challenges facing the industry. We know Mikayla will hit the ground running and look forward to the many contributions she has to offer.”

DMC Appoints Kenny Erdoes as COO

In Colorado, DMC Biotechnologies appointed Kenny Erdoes as Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective immediately. Kenny has more than 20 years of experience in process engineering, project development and manufacturing operations.

Kenny Erdoes is a chemical engineer with a broad range of experience in building and operating manufacturing facilities for different company sizes and varying product markets. He has a consistent track record of successful execution across a diversity of countries and cultures.

Matt Lipscomb, Ph.D., CEO & Co-Founder of DMC said, “Kenny Erdoes is a seasoned professional and a welcome addition to the DMC team as we bring our first wave of products to the market following our latest fundraise. Kenny’s calm, confident leadership will be a great asset as we take DMC to the next phase.”

Kenny Erdoes, Chief Operating Officer of DMC, said, “I am thrilled to be joining DMC Biotechnologies at this time, as their technology and renewable platform are a giant leap forward for producing chemicals predictably and sustainably.  I look forward to working with a very talented team to ensure the long-term success of DMC.”

ADM Names Ron Bandler Treasurer

In Illinois, ADM, a global leader in sustainable human and animal nutrition, appointed Ron Bandler Vice President and Treasurer. He succeeds John Stott, who recently took on a new role as President, ADM Investor Services, Inc.

Bandler previously served as Assistant Treasurer where he was responsible for foreign exchange risk management, debt capital markets, equity capital markets, cash management, accounts payable, bank relationships, revolving credit facilities and rating agency relationships. He has been at ADM for more than 32 years and has held a variety of roles within the finance organization throughout his career.

CFI Welcomes Mickie French as Executive Director

In Missouri, an accomplished global expert in food value chain communications and marketing strategy, Mickie French is the new executive director of the Center for Food Integrity. With extensive experience in the food industry, her expertise has positioned her as a trusted strategy and innovation partner with a knack for bringing together multiple stakeholders to drive significant impact on critical issues.

Eagle Genomics appoints Food & Nutrition Pioneer Dr. Artem Khlebnikov and AgBio Innovator Dr. Yvonne Pinto

In the United Kingdom, Eagle Genomics, the platform business pioneering the application of network science to biology across the Food and Nutrition, AgBio, Beauty and Personal Care, and Biopharma industries, announced two new senior appointments to its Global Strategy and Operations team. Dr. Artem Khlebnikov joins as Director of Bioeconomy, Food & Nutrition, and Dr. Yvonne Maria Pinto as Director of Bioeconomy, AgBio. Both are renowned experts in their respective areas.

The creation and appointment of the two major new positions reflects the deepening importance of what McKinsey has called the Bio Revolution in the development of next-generation, sustainable products. In catalysing the Bio Revolution, Eagle Genomics is providing accessible opportunities for companies to innovate at pace and derive scientific insights previously undetectable by humans alone. This approach is key to driving the ‘bioeconomy’ – the bio-inspired circular economy that is addressing challenges in areas such as food & nutrition, health as well as the environment.

Anthony Finbow, CEO, Eagle Genomics, said: “We couldn’t be more pleased that Artem and Yvonne, as established and recognized experts in their fields, have chosen to join Eagle Genomics as we scale our business and implement our bioeconomy strategy across the Food & Nutrition and AgBio verticals.

Certarus appoints new CFO

In Canada, Certarus Ltd. announced the appointment of Ms. Robin Kooyman as Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation.

Robin is an accomplished executive with approximately 15 years of finance experience. Prior to joining Certarus, Robin served as the Senior Vice President, Investor Relations, with Brookfield Asset Management for their Renewable Power and Transition business, and held senior roles with RBC Capital Markets and TD Securities. She received her Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Victoria and obtained her Executive MBA at the London Business School. Robin is also a CFA Charterholder and earned a certificate in ESG investing from the CFA Institute.