Amyris CEO John Melo joins Renmatix's board of directors, Ellen Purdy becomes CFO; Georgia-based Renmatix produces cellulosic sugars for biofuels, chemicals

Rachel Carter

KENNESAW, Georgia , September 14, 2011 (press release) – Bioindustry leader John Melo joins board of directors; financial veteran Ellen Purdy will lead financial strategy

Renmatix, the leading producer of cellulosic sugars, is pleased to announce John Melo, CEO of renewable chemical and fuels company Amyris, has joined the Renmatix Board of Directors. Ellen Purdy, who last year was named "CFO of the Year" by the Philadelphia Business Journal, will fill the chief financial officer role as the company expands operations.

Melo comes to the Renmatix Board of Directors with rare perspective gained from launching one of the bioindustry's most watched companies. Melo began his career in energy markets at British Petroleum, where he most recently served as President of US Fuels Operations.

"Ask any of my colleagues in this bioindustry what they most need to succeed and they'll tell you: we need reliable sources of cost effective cellulosic sugar," said Melo. "Renmatix is delivering that sugar sustainably, with very attractive economics and taking the guesswork out of the bioindustrial supply chain."

Prior to joining Renmatix, Ellen Purdy served as CFO for SDI, serving the pharmaceutical and biotech markets. She brings more than a decade of chemical business experience to the company. Purdy's academic credentials include a B.S. from the Wharton School of Business at University of Pennsylvania, and an M.B.A. from Northwestern University.

"As a business person, I find Renmatix exciting because it's every bit as focused on economics as it is on technology," said Purdy. "I look forward to making the most of Renmatix's unique financial opportunities as we change the economics of cellulosic sugar."

Mike Hamilton, CEO of Renmatix, commented, "We are thrilled to have these two outstanding individuals join the Renmatix team. The additions position us for continued success and further reinforce our excitement in the company and the value Renmatix brings to the renewable materials business."

About Renmatix

Renmatix is the leading producer of cellulosic sugars for the global renewable chemical and fuels markets. The company's proprietary Plantrose(TM) process challenges conventional sugar economics by cheaply converting biomass - from woody biomass to agricultural residue - into useful, cost-effective sugars. Renmatix technology deconstructs non-food biomass an order of magnitude faster than other processes and enhances its cost advantage by using no significant consumables. Backed by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Renmatix is privately held, with operations in Georgia currently capable of converting three dry tons of cellulosic biomass to sugar per day. For more information, please visit www.renmatix.com .

Media contact: Katie StrubleAntenna Group for Renmatixrenmatix@antennagroup.com415-977-1928

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