Energy veteran to lead Swift Fuels
July 17, 2012
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Chris D'Acosta |
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. and WICHITA, Kan. - A seasoned professional with experience in the global oil and gas industry has been named CEO of Swift Fuels LLC, a recently reorganized chemical research firm that is actively developing a commercial replacement for leaded general aviation gasoline.
The appointment of Chris D'Acosta, who has been an oil industry consulting executive and previously held management positions with Wichita-based Koch Industries, was announced by majority owner and interim CEO Rob Broin. Broin will remain Chairman of the Board and actively involved in Swift's product development. Broin said D'Acosta's skills will strengthen Swift Fuels.
"Chris brings a successful 30-year track record in the energy industry with skills in financing projects, negotiating commercial deals, building strategic alliances and managing critical supplier relationships. He has global expertise, having lived overseas for eight years of his career and having managed global logistical operations for a $10 billion petrochemical firm," Broin said. "Chris brings a unique package of commercial, operations, compliance and business acumen that will help our team frame the business plan to move Swift Fuels into the next wave of opportunity to serve the specialty chemical and aviation fuels markets."
D'Acosta said Broin's leadership and Swift Fuels' promise were key reasons he joined the company.
"I have confidence in Rob's leadership ability and technical capabilities; he was one of the co-founders of the ethanol industry. He brings a lot of technical credibility and special expertise to strengthen Swift Fuels," D'Acosta said. "I think it's a good company that is poised to take off."
D'Acosta outlined his immediate goals as CEO.
"My first goal is to produce a commercial business plan to help frame the future of Swift Fuels. We see the markets as being specialty chemicals, fuels and additives to serve the aviation industry," he said. "I also am enthusiastic about the opportunity to bridge alliances with Purdue and its world-class researchers and students."
D'Acosta said Swift Fuels will have a presence at EAA AirVenture 2012 in Oshkosh, Wis., one of the largest general aviation conventions in the world.
"We will be located at Booth 8 in Innovation Center with our Cessna 150, fueled by 100SF, our high-octane, unleaded general aviation gasoline. We will have a display that shows our fuel and aviation fuels from the past," he said. "Representatives from Swift Fuels also will deliver presentations on Tuesday, July 24 at 8:30 a.m. in Forum Pavilion 05 HAI, and Wednesday, July 25 at 11:30 a.m. at AeroInnovate Technology Showcase stage."
Swift Fuels LLC is based at the Purdue Research Park.
About Swift Fuels LLC
Established in 2012, Swift Fuels was created in partnership between Swift Development Renewable Fuels LLC and South Dakota-based RMB Energy to scale up production of a high-octane, unleaded, sustainable general aviation gasoline and bring this fuel to market. Swift Fuels builds on the aviation fuels technology created by Swift Enterprises Ltd.
About Purdue Research Park
The Purdue Research Park, with four locations across Indiana, has the largest university-affiliated business incubation complex in the country. The parks are home to about 200 companies that employ 4,000 people and are located in West Lafayette, Indianapolis, Merrillville and New Albany.
Purdue Research Park contact:
Steve
Martin, 765-588-3342, sgmartin@prf.org
Sources:
Rob Broin, 605-275-3700, rob.broin@swiftfuels.com
Chris D'Acosta, 765-464-8336, chris.dacosta@swiftfuels.com
