Press Release
Rivertop Renewables Names New President
Jere Kolstad will lead company through next stages of growth and product commercialization
(March 23, 2011) MISSOULA, Mt. -- Rivertop Renewables (www.rivertop.com), a Montana-based renewable chemicals company, today announced its current Chief Financial Officer Jere Kolstad will assume the role of President. Kolstad will be responsible for leading Rivertop through its next stages of product commercialization and contract manufacturing. He replaces Jim Stoppert, who will continue as an advisor to Rivertop advising on strategic partnerships and special projects.
Rivertop has experienced a period of rapid advancement, including successful technology demonstrations, private fundraising, and accelerating interest from key industries and policymakers. During the past year, the company has refined the key markets for its glucaric acid products, added key personnel in chemistry and engineering, and begun strategic discussions with multiple commercial partners. Rivertop initially plans to apply its glucaric products as effective and cost-competitive replacements for phosphates in the multi-billion-dollar global detergent market.
“There’s no doubt we’re a different company today than we were a year ago thanks to Jim’s extensive experience in developing early stage companies and technologies. He really fast-forwarded the company,” said Rivertop Founder and Chairman Dr. Don Kiely. “Jere’s experience and skills are perfect for executing on our current priorities - finalizing initial commercialization of our technology, closing out our round of funding and selling our glucaric acid products to first customers.”
Kolstad not only has a deep legacy at Rivertop, most recently as Chief Financial Officer, but brings more than 17 years of experience as a senior level executive advising and leading early-stage companies. In previous companies, Kolstad has held executive level finance, marketing and business development positions, raised venture capital and driven successful outcomes.
“It’s an exciting time. We’re demonstrating cost-competitive performance of our initial applications and look forward to seeing our green chemicals make products safer, cleaner and more sustainable for both industrial and consumer buyers,” said Kolstad.
About Rivertop Renewables
Based in Missoula, Montana, Rivertop Renewables is innovating a new category of science – Progressive Chemistry. Merging proven science with renewable resources, Rivertop Renewables is creating an abundant and economical supply of sustainable, biodegradable and non-toxic chemicals and bioproducts derived from renewable plant sugars. In 2009, Rivertop was a national finalist in the Cleantech Open, the nation’s premier business plan competition for clean tech startups. More information is available at www.rivertop.com.