In a shake-up at the top, Amyris, Inc., a pioneer in the synthetic biotechnology field, has announced the resignation of John Melo, its President & Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors. The news arrived amid the company's efforts to pioneer sustainable consumption through its Lab-to-Market™ technology platform and clean beauty consumer brands.

Filling the void, the Amyris Board has placed Han Kieftenbeld in the position of Interim Chief Executive Officer. Kieftenbeld, who will concurrently continue his duties as the company's Chief Financial Officer, will guide the company through its imminent period of transformation. Additionally, the company has unveiled plans for a global reduction in its workforce, a move it deems crucial in achieving previously stated cost reduction targets.

Praising Melo's role, Geoffrey Duyk, Board Chair of Amyris, expressed his gratitude. "John's dedication and leadership were instrumental in the evolution of Amyris' Lab-to-Market technology platform and the development of our diversified consumer brands portfolio. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I sincerely thank John for his many contributions over the last 16 years," he said. Duyk went on to express confidence in Kieftenbeld's capabilities to lead during this transformative period.

The announcement arrives in the wake of Amyris' engagement with the Business Recovery Services unit of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). In its quest to steer the company toward financial stability, Amyris aims to achieve Fit-to-Win cost actions of approximately $250 million. This ambitious plan includes cost optimization of goods sold, reduction in operating expenses, and a streamlined business portfolio.

Speaking on the upcoming challenges, Kieftenbeld acknowledged the difficult decisions ahead. "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," he said. Expressing gratitude for the board's faith in him, he assured, "I will work closely with my leadership team and colleagues globally to set out a path towards profitable growth and sustained cash generation."

‍