Impossible Foods has named Vanderbilt University Biochemistry Department Chair Dr. John D. York as chief science officer at the world’s leading food technology startup.
Impossible Foods’ scientists’ best known achievement to date, Impossible™ Burger, tastes like beef and is hailed as a triumph of food engineering — the result of nearly a decade of basic science and hard-core research and development in the company’s headquarters in California’s Silicon Valley, according to the company.
Under York’s leadership, Impossible Foods will continue to build its food technology platform and expand basic research capabilities to accelerate next-generation products. The company also plans to continue to invest heavily in R&D, doubling the number of scientists on the team within a year.
Starting January 4, John York will serve on Impossible Foods’ senior leadership team and oversee research and development and product innovation. He will report directly to Impossible Foods CEO and founder Dr. Patrick O. Brown.
“Throughout his career, John has contributed to discoveries in biochemistry thanks to his curiosity and risk tolerance,” Patrick O. Brown said. “Just as important, he’s a proven and strong mentor and team leader. I’m confident that John will make an immediate, positive contribution and quickly become an inspiring role model within our expanding R&D team.”