John Evans has joined AB Mauri, St. Louis, as vice president of yeast innovation. In his new role, Evans will lead the company’s yeast innovation team in the origination, design and development of yeast innovation projects.

Evans joins AB Mauri after spending more than 31 years in academic and research positions. His most recent role was vice president of science and technology for POET, a bioethanol and bioproduct producer. During his time at POET, Evans led research efforts on starch and cellulosic ethanol and on valorizing biorefinery co-products. He also served as an assistant research professor in the department of chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Colorado at Boulder.

“John is a tremendous addition to our innovation team,” says Mark Prendergast, AB Mauri North America president. “Under John’s leadership, I’m confident and excited for the future of AB Mauri’s yeast innovation efforts throughout North America.”