DAVIS, Calif., March 26, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Marrone Bio Innovations, Inc. (MBI) (Nasdaq:MBII), a leading global provider of bio-based pest management and plant health products 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.
About Marrone Bio Innovations
Marrone Bio Innovations, Inc. (Nasdaq:MBII) is a leading provider of bio-based pest management and plant health products for the agriculture, turf and ornamental, and water treatment markets. Our effective and environmentally responsible solutions help customers operate more sustainably while controlling pests, improving plant health, and increasing crop yields. We have a proprietary discovery process, a rapid development platform, and a robust pipeline of pest management and plant health product candidates. At Marrone Bio Innovations we are dedicated to pioneering better biopesticides that support a better tomorrow for users around the globe. For more information, please visit www.marronebio.com.