A BIOTECHNOLOGY company focused on alternative protein has appointed Quorn's former innovation boss as its technology chief.

Based at the firm's technology hub in Teesside, Dr Geoff Bryant will join Calysta in its mission to develop and manufacture protein ingredients from new sources to feed the growing population without causing further damage to the planet.

Mr Bryant has more than 20 years’ experience in leading research and development (R&D)and technology teams, most recently as Quorn Foods technical and innovation director and previously with Mars Inc.

At Quorn, he led the R&D and technical teams in fermentation science, new product development, innovation, quality, regulatory and process technology.

The new boss will oversee global product development, engineering and innovation activities and the delivery of production facility, called Calysseo, Calysta’s 50/50 joint venture with Adisseo in China.

Calysta’s chief operating officer Thomas JG Huot said: “This is a very important appointment for Calysta.

"Geoff comes in at a very exciting time in our development, with the Calysseo facility in China due to start operation in 2022.

“As we move into the next phase of our growth, expanding our product line is very important to us and Geoff will be a terrific asset to the company as we increase our research and development activities, both globally and at our strategically important UK facility.”

The new CTO said: "I am passionate about transforming the food system and I strongly believe sustainable proteins can play a crucial role in helping reduce the impact food production has on our planet.

“Calysta’s mission is to make more from less, and I am looking forward to meeting that challenge in this exciting new role.”