Amyris has appointed an interim chief executive after long-term head John Melo resigned with immediate effect after 16 years at the US biotech outfit.
The personal care ingredient producer’s chief financial officer Han Kieftenbeld has taken the helm at the Emeryville, California firm.
Amyris also announced a global reduction in force as an important step towards its previously announced cost reduction targets.
“We are making tough choices including the decision to implement a reduction in force which we are executing today. We thank our departing employees for their efforts, dedication and contributions to Amyris,” said Kieftenbeld.
"I want to thank the board for placing confidence in me to lead Amyris through this next phase. I will work closely with my leadership team and colleagues globally to set out a path towards profitable growth and sustained cash generation.”
Earlier this month, Amyris engaged the Business Recovery Services unit of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to guide its transformation efforts.
As part of this process, the company aims to deliver Fit-to-Win cost actions of approximately $250m.
This effort includes optimizing the costs of goods sold, reducing operating expenses and streamlining the business portfolio.
