Distinguished Scientist and Global Technologist to Lead the Company’s Efforts to Commercialize its Breakthrough Algae-to-Oil Technology
Los Angeles, CA June 29, 2010 – OriginOil, Inc. (OOIL), the developer of a breakthrough technology to transform algae, the most promising source of renewable oil, into a true competitor to petroleum, announced today that it has appointed Brian Goodall, Ph.D. as the company’s Chief Technology Officer.
Previously, Goodall served as Vice President of Downstream Technology at Sapphire Energy, Inc., where he worked with Continental Airlines in helping to achieve the first U.S. commercial demo flight using an algae-oil blend. While Vice President of Technology Development for Imperium Renewables Inc., he also led a team of engineers responsible for powering the world’s first commercial demo flight from London to Amsterdam using bio-jet fuel.
“We are extremely pleased with the appointment of Brian Goodall as OriginOil’s new CTO,” stated Timothy Kemper, President and CEO of seed oil industry leader Desmet Ballestra North America, Inc., an OriginOil strategic partner. “He worked closely with us while at Sapphire Energy, and he has my personal confidence and support. This is an outstanding move by OriginOil that will do much to advance the standing of the company in the fast-growing algae biofuels industry.”
Barry Cohen, Executive Director of the National Algae Association, added: “Dr. Goodall is one of the most highly-respected and knowledgeable people in the algae industry and OriginOil will gain not only a great scientist but also a wide network of connections to drive the company’s commercial success.”
A strategic leader with international experience in the renewable fuels, petrochemicals and polymers, specialty and fine chemicals, catalysis and oil sectors, Dr. Goodall has been integrally involved in all aspects of the algae-to-fuel value chain, from algae harvesting and drying, to extraction, pre-refining and conversion to fuels and chemicals.
“Dr. Goodall brings to OriginOil his unwavering professionalism and ability to create strong and valuable relationships with individuals and companies around the world,” said Riggs Eckelberry, OriginOil’s CEO. “He is the right man to help us strengthen our technology, our intellectual property and our commercial activities.”
With an impressive career spanning more than 30 years in both the U.S. and Europe, Dr. Goodall has held senior positions in multinational companies such as the Royal Dutch/Shell Group, B.F. Goodrich and Rohm & Haas.
A scientist credited with over 80 patents and 60 published papers in the scientific journals, Dr. Goodall invented the Super High Activity Catalyst (SHAC) while working as a Senior Staff Scientist at Royal Dutch/Shell Group. The SHAC is used to make more than one-third of the world’s polypropylene today.
Goodall holds a Ph.D. in Organometallic Chemistry and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Bristol, U.K. He was also granted a NATO Postdoctoral fellowship from the University of Chicago.
About OriginOil, Inc.
OriginOil helps algae growers extract oil from algae for use as a feedstock for the commercial production of transportation fuels, chemicals and foods. In a single step, our breakthrough technology efficiently dewaters and breaks down algae for its useful products, overcoming one of the greatest challenges in making algae a viable replacement for petroleum. As a pioneer and the emerging leader in the global algae oil services field, OriginOil supports its core algae extraction technology with an array of process innovations for some of the world’s most successful algae growers and refiners, just as pioneers like Schlumberger and Halliburton have done in the oilfield services industry. To learn more about OriginOil®, please visit our website at www.originoil.com.
Safe Harbor Statement:
Matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "may," "intend," "expect" and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations of the Company and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. These include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties associated with our history of losses and our need to raise additional financing, the acceptance of our products and technology in the marketplace, our ability to demonstrate the commercial viability of our products and technology and our need to increase the size of our organization. Further information on the Company's risk factors is contained in the Company's quarterly and annual reports as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.
