Qore, a joint venture between Iowa-based Cargill and Helm Ag focused on producing biobased materials, has appointed Mark Concannon as interim CEO. He succeeds Jon Veldhouse, who will transition from his leadership role after guiding Qore through its establishment and commercial launch of QIRA, a chemical made from renewable biomass sources, such as Iowa-based dent corn instead of fossil fuels. In July, Cargill opened a $360 million facility for Qore’s operations in Eddyville. Concannon most recently led efforts within Cargill’s bio innovations and home and packaging businesses, building solutions that marry biotechnology and renewable resources.
He has also served in senior roles at DSM Biobased Products, Corbion Biochemicals and Cytec (Solvay). “As Qore continues to scale the impact of QIRA and deepen partnerships across the value chain, we are confident that Mark’s leadership will ensure continuity and drive the next chapter of innovation and growth,” Bruce Leslie, Qore board chair, said in a news release.