News & Events

Chromatin Inc. Recruits Industry R&D Leader David Jessen as its Chief Technology Officer

David Jessen, Ph.D To Apply Traits and Technology Expertise to Spearhead Development of Proprietary Energy Feedstocks

CHICAGO, IL - April 01, 2010 - Effective today, Chromatin, Inc. announces 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 Chromatin's continued commercialization of its mini-chromosome gene-stacking technologies as well as lead the company's efforts to develop a portfolio of high-value biomass 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 oversaw multimillion-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 its aggressive 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 now positioned to leverage that expertise in the development of crops that are optimized for bioenergy production. 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.

About Chromatin:
Chromatin, Inc. is developing and marketing innovative technology and products that can benefit the agricultural, energy, chemical, nutritional, and pharmaceutical sectors. Its proprietary gene stacking technology can be used in any plant to simultaneously and precisely introduce multiple genes, and this technology has been licensed to leading agbiotech companies for use in corn, soy, cotton, canola and sugarcane. Chromatin is building on this platform to create next generation crop products that are better designed to meet yield and performance requirements, including products targeted to the renewable energy industry. For additional information visit www.chromatininc.com.

Media Contact:
Daphne Preuss, CEO
Chromatin, Inc.
312/235-3612
dpreuss@chromatininc.com