Plant cell culture technology company Ayana Bio announces the appointment of Jill Zullo, PhD, described as “an experienced commercial leader with deep technical roots in biotechnology”, to the company’s Board of Directors. Zullo is the former president and CEO of NatureWorks and Global Managing Director Biointermediates at Cargill.
According to the company, the appointment “further underscores the focus on establishing Ayana Bio as a leader in the plant cell culture space and assembling a board of directors with diverse backgrounds of expertise to guide the company to commercial success.”
Ayana Bio uses plant cell cultivation to grow plant materials, with a focus on creating ingredients that leverage plant bioactives for health and wellness products. A spinoff from Boston’s Ginkgo Bioworks, Ayana recently partnered with Wooree Green Science from South Korea to produce agriculture-free saffron using plant-cell technology.
Solving challenges in the botanical supply chain
Zullo’s experience includes the creation of a joint venture between Cargill and HELM AG called QoreTM to utilize Geno BDO technology to produce QIRATM (renewable 1-4, butane diol) for use in the apparel, automotive, and packaging industries, among other applications. In the new role, Zullo will support Ayana Bio’s development platform to deliver innovation and profitable results.
Frank Jaksch, CEO of Ayana Bio, comments, “Jill’s expertise in biotechnology and her customer-focused approach to innovation aligns perfectly with our mission to collaborate with customers and introduce products to the market that solve the challenges in the botanical supply chain.”
“I am excited to join Ayana’s Board of Directors as we work to establish Ayana Bio as a leader in the plant cell culture space,” said Dr. Jill Zullo. “Ayana Bio’s customer-centric focus to develop bioactives aligns with my values in bringing sustainable biotechnology innovation to the consumer product goods market.”
For more information visit www.ayanabio.com.
