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SYNGENTA'S HEAD OF TRAITS AND TECHNOLOGY JOINS CHROMATIN
Apr. 2, 2010
Source: Chromatin, Inc., news release
Chromatin, Inc., has announced the appointment of biotechnology and trait development expert David L. Jessen, Ph.D, as the company's chief technology officer. Jessen will oversee all facets of Ch.romatin's continued commercialization of its mini-chromosome gene-stacking technologies as well as lead the company's efforts to develop a portfolio of high-valuebiomass feedstocks targeted at the bioenergy sector.
Jessen joins Chromatin from Syngenta A.G., where for the past eight years he served as the head of traits & technology for corn and soy, and previously held several strategic leadership roles within the company, including global head, field crops R&D, and vice president of research and development at Novartis Seeds, Inc. (legacy organization of Syngenta Seeds, Inc.).
In his various roles, Dave oversawmultimillion-dollar budgets, managed research and development teams involving over 200 employees, held direct responsibilities for the creation and commercialization of elite corn hybrids, soybean, wheat and cotton traits and directed global maize breeding activities. Jessen was also instrumental in developing and commercializing biotechnology and genomic technologies for plant products. Prior to joining Syngenta, he worked for Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. for over a decade where he held roles of increasing responsibility involving product development, plant breeding and traits and technology development.
"Dave brings a tremendous understanding and a wealth of experience across the agbiotech industry. His expertise in applying cutting-edge technologies, developing new crop products, and managing large scientific teams will transform Chromatin's R&D capability," said Daphne Preuss, CEO of Chromatin. "We look forward to Dave's guidance and insight in shaping our initiatives and enabling Chromatin to meet itsaggressive growth targets," she said.
Jessen said, "I am pleased to be joining one of the leading small companies in the agbiotech space. Chromatin is already recognized for its breakthroughs in technology innovation, and the company is nowpositioned to leverage that expertise in the development of crops that are optimized for bioenergyproduction. It is a fantastic time to be joining Chromatin's team, and I look forward to the challenges ahead."
Dr. Jessen earned his doctorate in Plant Breeding from the University of Minnesota, his master's degree in Plant Breeding from Iowa State University, and his bachelor's degree in Agronomy from the University of Minnesota.
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