MBI Hires VP of Technology Development

The US biopesticide company Marrone Bio Innovations (MBI)recently announced it has hired Amit Vasavada, Ph.D., as Vice President of Technology Development, a newly created position within the company. Dr. Vasavada brings 30 years of experience in industrial bioproducts, fermentation R&D and manufacturing, process engineering, and technology transfer to MBI. His broad commercial background includes positions with General Atomics, Vical Inc., Diversa Corporation, Monsanto (CP Kelco), and Chiron Corp.

According to Dr. Alison Stewart, Senior Vice President of R&D and Chief Technology Officer of MBI, “Dr. Vasavada will play a crucial role in enhancing our process development and formulations as we continue to move multiple products through development to commercialization. His background in the development and production of industrial bioproducts is a perfect fit for MBI.”

Dr. Stewart added, “Our business of biopesticides and plant health products is, obviously, very science driven. From the discovery of new active ingredients through development to manufacturing our success depends heavily on the skills of our scientists. The addition of Dr. Vasavada will add to the depth and quality of our scientific leadership.”

Dr. Vasavada is a co-inventor on three patents and is a frequent invited speaker at professional scientific society meetings. He earned his Ph.D. in Applied Microbiology at the University of California, Davis.