Biofuels technology leader Qteros names Mick Sawka Vice President, Business Development
Qteros, Inc., a leading developer of second-generation technology solutions for the biofuels industry based on its unique Q Microbe™ platform, announced today that Mick Sawka has joined the company as Vice President, Business Development, to help accelerate the company’s technology and commercial initiatives in the worldwide cellulosic ethanol marketplace.
Mr. Sawka’s 19-year experience in the specialty chemicals industry includes negotiating and leading numerous large-scale strategic partnerships, alliances, and acquisitions as well as complex product introductions throughout the world. Additionally, Sawka has been responsible for the development of numerous technology platforms and associated strategic business plans within both development-stage and large-scale specialty chemical organizations.
Mr. Sawka joins Qteros from Microbia, Inc. where he led business development efforts for this developer of unique bio-based specialty chemicals directed at large-scale industrial applications. Prior to Microbia, Mr. Sawka spent six years at Cabot Corporation, most recently serving as Director of New Business Development and R&D for Cabot’s Performance Products Business Group. Prior to Cabot, Sawka spent 11 years at 3M in various senior level business and product development positions throughout the company. Mr. Sawka holds a BS in Chemical Engineering from Stanford University, an MS in Chemical Engineering from MIT (including assignments in Dr. Robert Langer’s lab), and a Masters in International Management from The University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota.
“Having worked closely with Mick at Microbia, I’m thrilled to have him join us to help at this important stage of our development and believe he brings the kind of energy, industry experience, and business creativity we need at Qteros to help catalyze our strategic corporate development efforts”, stated John McCarthy, President and CEO of Qteros. “Mick’s experience and success helping lead innovative product development within large-scale industrial chemicals companies will bring a great complement to our team as we accelerate the development of important industrial partnerships for Qteros.”
“Qteros is a dynamic organization with a truly disruptive technology platform, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to help build the partnerships that will transform Qteros’ scientific achievements into commercial reality within the emerging worldwide biofuels industry,” stated Sawka.
