Rivertop Renewables Appoints John Monks as Vice President of Business Development

MISSOULA, MT--(Marketwired - Apr 25, 2013) - Rivertop Renewables (www.rivertop.com), a Montana-based renewable chemicals company, today announced that John Monks has joined the company as Vice President of Business Development. Monks' career in the performance chemicals and biotechnology sectors spans more than 30 years, having led business development and sales and marketing teams for companies such as ICI, DSM and Genencor. His technical and commercial experience in the global chemicals and biotechnology industries will help Rivertop develop market initiatives for its innovative, bio-based products. Rivertop is developing glucaric acid products as effective and cost-competitive replacements for phosphates in the multi-billion-dollar global detergent industry and other large markets.

"John's deep industry experience and leadership will expedite commercialization of Rivertop's products in new markets and propel successful strategic partnerships," said Mike Knauf, Chief Executive Officer of Rivertop Renewables. "His proven ability to create value in the renewable chemicals industry will serve our company well."

While at DSM, Monks directed the commercialization of new technologies that convert second-generation feedstocks into biofuels and intermediates for biobased chemicals. He built and led a global team that supported DSM's bio-conversion technology and business development programs, culminating in a large cellulosic ethanol joint venture between DSM and POET. At Genencor, Monks managed global accounts and product development strategies.

"I'm excited for the chance to lead Rivertop's commercialization activities and bring innovative solutions to large consumer product and industrial markets," said Monks. "Green chemistry is at its best when we can make existing products better, open the door to entirely new products, and do both competitively. That's what I see at Rivertop."

Monks' appointment comes at a time of significant growth for Rivertop. In addition to appointing renewable chemicals veteran Mike Knauf as CEO last fall, the company opened a multi-million dollar laboratory expansion and semi-works site co-located at its headquarters in Missoula. Rivertop has also introduced its Riose^™ detergent builder into the automatic dishwashing market and sells its Headwaters^™ corrosion inhibitor into the road de-icing market.

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.