Calyxt announces Dr. Yves Ribeill appointed as Executive Chair, replacing CEO Jim Blome

Calyxt, Inc., a plant-based technology company, announced that the Board of Directors has appointed Yves Ribeill, Ph.D., to the new role of Executive Chair of the Board effective immediately. Dr. Ribeill will serve in this role while Calyxt initiates a search for a new Chief Executive Officer to replace Jim Blome, who is leaving to pursue other opportunities. Calyxt has retained a premier executive search firm to lead the search. Based on his long experience in the biotech and innovation fields, Dr. Ribeill will help guide the CEO search on behalf of the Board and support the transition once the incoming CEO is selected.

“On behalf of the Board, we want to thank Jim for guiding Calyxt to a streamlined business model that can capitalize on delivering disruptive, plant-based innovations,” said Yves Ribeill, Ph.D., Chair of the Calyxt Board. “He led Calyxt to a strong 2020, redirected Calyxt’s innovation engine to new and high-value opportunities and built a team with the right talent mix to drive Calyxt’s go-to-market strategies. Jim has positioned Calyxt for future growth and success, and we wish Jim all the best in his future pursuits. This action represents a continuing step to focus Calyxt on significant innovation opportunities beyond commodity-based agriculture,” concluded Dr. Ribeill.   

“I am proud of what Calyxt has been able to accomplish during my tenure as CEO and I am honored to have had the opportunity to lead the talented Calyxt team to this important level,” said Mr. Blome. “I believe Calyxt is poised to capitalize on the unlimited possibilities that can be created with its plant-based innovations and have confidence that the Calyxt team will continue to leverage and expand Calyxt’s position as a global leader in plant gene editing.”

Dr. Ribeill has served as a member of the Calyxt board since July 2018 and as Calyxt’s interim Chief Executive Officer from August 2018 until October 2018. Since January 2018, he has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Ribogenics, Inc., which is a private biotechnology company working on RNA biology. Dr. Ribeill was also a founder of SCYNEXIS, Inc., served as its Chief Executive Officer from November 1999 until April 2015. Dr. Ribeill has more than 35 years of experience in the healthcare industry, with an expertise in anti-infective diseases. Prior to moving to the U.S. 21 years ago, Dr. Ribeill held several management positions during his international career with Rhône-Poulenc and Aventis in France and in the UK. Dr. Ribeill was a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the World Health Organization and the Medicines for Malaria Venture in Geneva.