Christophe founded Genomatica in 1998, with foundational expertise in engineering cellular metabolism. Since being named CEO in May 2009, he has driven the company toward its core purpose to lead the irresistible transition to sustainable materials through its technology, and united with industry leaders, make the world a better place. Under his leadership Genomatica has delivered the first building blocks for renewable materials, earning widespread recognition for its potential to enable more sustainable global material flows. These include a commercialized first process and plant for the widely-used chemical 1,4-butanediol, helping to remake plastics, as well as second commercialized process, for Brontide™ butylene glycol, to remake cosmetics (and winner of the ICIS Innovation Award); and technologies under development to remake nylon for apparel and carpeting applications with multiple leading partners and consumer brand owners. Both of the commercial technologies are already delivering attractive economics while slashing global warming potential by more than half compared to conventional technologies to make these chemicals from fossil-based feedstocks. The company has earned awards for industry impact (ICIS Top40 Power Players six years in a row, and highest rating for sustainability technology in 2017 ICIS survey), engineering (Kirkpatrick Award), science (EPA Presidential Green Chemistry), industry leadership (voted #1 Hottest in renewable chemicals four years in a row by Biofuels Digest), and company culture (The Scientist as a Best Place to Work).
Christophe is on the executive board and Chairman Elect of Biocom, the largest advocacy organization for California’s life sciences sector; serves on the World Economic Forum Global Agenda Council on Biotechnology; and is an active member of YPO, an international leadership organization for chief executives.
Christophe holds a Ph.D. in bioengineering from the University of California, San Diego. He received a B.S. in biomedical engineering from Duke University and was honored as the Distinguished Young Alumnus in 2010.
