Amyris Biotechnology, Inc.
 


January 28, 2008

Amyris Names Jeryl L. Hilleman Chief Financial Officer



Emeryville, CA - January 28, 2008 - Amyris, an innovator of hydrocarbon-based renewable fuels, announced that it has appointed Jeryl L. Hilleman to the new position of Chief Financial Officer. Hilleman brings 21 years of experience in CFO and related positions and a strong background in arranging financing and facilitating rapid growth for both biotechnology and energy industry startups.

"2008 is a pivotal year for us as we deliver on key technical and business milestones," said John Melo, CEO of Amyris. "Jeri's valuable expertise and insight in the financing and scale-up of fast-growing, emerging companies will be a big asset for us and we’re excited to have her on board as a key member of our executive team."

During a ten-year term with Symyx Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SMMX) as Executive Vice President and CFO, having joined as its twentieth employee, Ms. Hilleman grew the company from seed stage to over $125 million in profitable revenue and more than 500 employees. She achieved a number of other milestones during her tenure there, including securing over $130 million in equity financing and helping to secure alliances with ExxonMobil and Dow Chemical, guaranteeing $350 million in revenue over six years. She was the second employee and Vice President at Geron (NASDAQ: GERN), taking the company through a successful IPO. She served a five-year term at Cytel Corporation, a public biotech company, as Vice President and CFO. Ms. Hilleman holds an A.B. from Brown University and an M.B.A. from the Wharton Graduate School of Business.

"With its commitment to helping solve big world problems, its lab-proven, pioneering technology in hand and substantial financing already secured, Amyris is in the right place at the right time," commented Hilleman. "Most importantly, Amyris is assembling a tremendous team of diversely talented individuals who have the passion to create and deliver world changing renewable products. I'm looking forward to using my expertise in building companies to help Amyris reach its next stage of growth."

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