Chromatin, Inc. Adds Seed Industry Leader to Executive Team

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Chromatin, Inc., a biotechnology company leading the development and production of sorghum planting seed and biomass for both agriculture and cleantech markets, announced today the addition of Jeff Widder to its executive team. As its Vice President of Seeds, Jeff will oversee the company’s seed production, sales, marketing, and distribution activities at its subsidiary, Sorghum Partners, LLC.

“The company is focused on sorghum — a crop that can sustainably produce sugar, starch and lignocellulose, while conserving valuable land and water resources. Chromatin’s strong technology capability, its collaborations with key industry players, and its focus on both grower and bioprocessor customers position the company for rapid growth.”

"Jeff’s first-hand experience in the sorghum industry and his passion for harnessing agriculture to improve energy security make him an excellent addition to the Chromatin team,” said Daphne Preuss, CEO of the company. “I am confident his leadership will enhance Chromatin’s ability to meet our customer’s needs, both for today’s sorghum markets and for emerging opportunities for sorghum as a purpose-grown cleantech crop.”

Widder began his career in a family-run sorghum processing plant and subsequently held positions managing seed production and distribution at Dekalb Genetics, and sales and marketing at Cargill Hybrid Seeds, Mycogen Seeds, Garst Seed Company, and Monsanto Company. Jeff joins the Chromatin team after leaving his role as the Marketing and Specialty Crops Manager at Monsanto, where he has led the sorghum, canola, and alfalfa businesses since 2008.

“I’m pleased to join Chromatin’s executive team,” noted Widder. “The company is focused on sorghum — a crop that can sustainably produce sugar, starch and lignocellulose, while conserving valuable land and water resources. Chromatin’s strong technology capability, its collaborations with key industry players, and its focus on both grower and bioprocessor customers position the company for rapid growth.”

Widder will take over the responsibilities for leading Chromatin’s seed activities from Jeff Scheib, who oversaw the recent integration of Sorghum Partners and Chromatin. Scheib, Chromatin’s VP of Biofuels, will next focus on further expanding the company’s operations by launching Chromatin’s biomass supply business. “I am really pleased to have Jeff Widder join Chromatin — his depth of experience and insight into the seed industry make him an excellent addition to the company’s leadership team,” said Scheib.

About Chromatin:

Chromatin, Inc. is a privately-held growth stage company that provides innovative technology, seeds and biomass to cleantech and agriculture markets. The Company is deploying a broad and unique intellectual property platform to develop specialized sorghum, creating next generation, high-quality seeds, feed, and feedstocks to meet the yield and performance requirements of the industry. The company has commercialized its biotechnology applications with leading agriculture companies and sells its seed products in the US and over 20 other countries. For additional information, please visit http://www.chromatininc.com