Alternative protein producer Calysta has appointed a new chief operating officer to lead global operations and corporate development activities.
Bringing more than 20 years of experience in research, venture investing and industrial biotechnology, Thomas JG Huot, Ph.D will also be responsible for corporate strategy and the commercialisation of Calysta’s FeedKind protein.
“With FeedKind protein, Calysta is well positioned to address the dual challenge of food security and environmental sustainability,” said Dr Huot. “I’m looking forward to expanding Calysta’s innovations to broader markets, particularly in Asia where there is significant opportunity to provide feed products for aquaculture.”
Prior to joining Calysta, Dr Huot was managing director at VantagePoint Capital Partners leading the industrial biotechnology, food and agtech investing practice, before providing strategic advisory services to start-up companies and investment funds for Novalis Advisors LLC. In 2018, Calysta appointed Dr Huot as chief business officer.
Calysta’s fermentation process uses no arable land and very little water and does not compete with the human food chain. FeedKind is a key enabler for growth of the aquaculture market by reducing reliance on conventional sources of proteins.
Alan Shaw, Ph.D, Calysta president and chief executive, said, “We strongly believe that FeedKind protein will make a lasting and positive impact on the way we produce food and having Thomas on board in this expanded role is a fresh vote of confidence in Calysta’s ability to achieve that on a global stage.”
