Emergence client, Peterborough, ON-based Noblegen Inc. has announced the addition of David Abramson and Rob Gillison to its Board of Directors.
This follows the announcement of the launch of Noblegen’s series B fund-raising round.
The new directors will guide the executive team in the implementation of the company’s aggressive growth strategy.
Abramson and Gillison were instrumental in leading Martek Biosciences Corporation to become one of the most successful algae-based biotechnology companies ever, with annual sales surpassing US$470 million. Martek sold for US$1.1 billion in 2011 to Royal DSM N.V.
Adam Noble, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder & Dr. Andressa Lacerda, Chief Commercial Officer, Executive Vice President and Co-Founder
Speaking about the new directors, Noblegen CEO, Adam Noble told us: “Our new board members bring decades of industry experience and expertise to Noblegen. These appointments add significant value to an already strong group of existing directors and leadership team. We are very fortunate to have access to their knowledge and networks.”
Abramson and Gillison are two of the founding members of SDA Ventures LLC – a consulting firm that advises emerging, middle-market and multinational companies in the health and wellness, nutritional products, food ingredients, and food service industries. SDA focuses on matters relating to business development, corporate acquisition, customer engagement, growth strategies and corporate finance.
David Abramson
David Abramson is currently a principal at SDA Ventures LLC. From 2003-2011, he worked at Martek, serving as President of Martek Biosciences Corporation beginning in 2006. During Abramson’s tenure, market penetration grew to 99.5% in its core U.S. infant formula business. Prior to joining Martek, Abramson was the Executive Vice President and General Counsel for U.S. Foodservice from 1996 to 2003. During his tenure with U.S. Foodservice, he directed acquisitions which increased the company’s business more than 500% and contributed to the sale of U.S. Foodservice for a price in excess of $4.0 billion.
Robert Gillison
Robert Gillison is currently a Managing Director of SDA Ventures LLC. He brings a substantial experience from the food and beverage industry after having served as the Vice President of Corporate Development for Martek Biosciences Corporation for six years. Gillison played a key role in transitioning Martek’s business from an R & D company to a fully integrated, profitable, commercial organization with over $470 million in annual sales. Prior to joining Martek, Gillison was the Senior Vice President and Treasurer for U.S. Foodservice (1997-2006). In addition; Gillison was a Senior Vice President in corporate banking for Bank of America (1986-1997).
The appointment of Abramson and Gillison expands the board of Noblegen to six directors. Abramson and Gillison will join Gwyn Morgan (Alberta Energy Company, Encana Corporation, HSBC Bank Canada and SNC-Lavalin Group Inc.), John Desbiens (Cambium Inc.), Kate Ramsay (James Richardsons & Sons, Limited) and Adam Noble as members of Noblegen’s board.
About Noblegen: Noblegen is an advanced ingredients company that produces unique proteins and oils for the healthy living industry. Noblegen’s proprietary technology creates high quality ingredients from one of nature’s oldest microorganisms. Noblegen’s ingredients are sustainable, non-GMO, cost-effective, and easily customized. Noblegen’s minimally processed ingredients offer clean-label marketing opportunities for clients.