Synthetic Genomics Inc. Appoints Joseph Mahler as Chief Financial Officer

LA JOLLA, Calif., June 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Synthetic Genomics, Inc. (SGI), a privately held company applying genomic-driven commercial solutions to a variety of global needs including clean renewable energy, new food sources, and medicines, today announced that Joseph Mahler will join the company as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective June 18, 2011. Mahler will be responsible for leading and directing all financial aspect of the company. He will report directly to J. Craig Venter, Ph. D., SGI Founder and CEO.

"Joe has had an impressive career directing the financial and corporate strategy for public and private companies," said Dr. Venter. "I am extremely pleased to have him join the SGI management team to help us through the next exciting growth phase of our company. Joe has strong, demonstrated financial skills, coupled with a proven ability to translate cutting-edge technology into revenue-generating business."

Mahler joins SGI from FuelCell Energy Inc, a publicly-traded developer and manufacturer of ultra-clean stationary fuel cell power plants, where he had been employed since 1998. Mahler played a leading role at the company as Senior Vice-President, CFO, Corporate Treasurer and Secretary. In these roles he raised more than $500 million from seven public offerings. He was also instrumental in helping shape the company's business strategy as they grew from 120 employees to more than 400 and expanded operations to serve global markets in Europe and Asia.

Prior to his employment with FuelCell Energy, Mahler was the VP and CFO for Earthgro Inc. where he worked closely with the CEO and management to significantly increase sales and profitability. Earlier in his career, he was a partner with the accounting firm Ernst & Young and other predecessor firms and was employed from 1974 to 1992.

Mahler received a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Boston College in 1974, and his certification as a public accountant in 1978.  

About Synthetic Genomics Inc.
SGI, a privately held company founded in 2005, is dedicated to developing and commercializing genomic-driven solutions to address global challenges. SGI's research advances present limitless opportunities for commercial applications in a variety of industries. The Company's main research and business programs are currently focused on the following areas: harnessing photosynthetic organisms to produce value added products (including next generation biofuels, food and feed products) directly from sunlight and carbon dioxide; developing new biological solutions to increase production and/or recovery rates of subsurface hydrocarbons, and creating tools and technologies to advance the field of synthetic genomics. For more information go to: www.syntheticgenomics.com.

Media contact:
Heather Kowalski, [email protected], 858-361-0466

SOURCE Synthetic Genomics Inc.