2015 BioMarine Business Convention has announced that Dr. Mark Lyons, global vice president and head of Greater China for Alltech, will deliver the keynote presentation. The event will be in Wilmington, NC, October 12-14. Dr. Lyons will speak on “What We Should Learn From China,” drawing on his time living in Beijing and covering the country’s success in promoting its marine economy.
“We are excited that Dr. Mark Lyons, with his deep experience in the world’s number one feed-producing country, will be sharing his insights on China with us at the 2015 BioMarine Business Convention,” said Pierre Erwes, chairman of BioMarine. “This is a wonderful opportunity for participants to learn firsthand about the advancements in production, technology, traceability and sustainability in China, a country whose evolution will certainly extend beyond its waters.”
Dr. Lyons received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Chicago in political science and environmental science, followed by a master’s degree in brewing and distilling and a Ph.D. in solid-state fermentation from Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland. He served as director of Alltech’s North American operations from 2009-2011. Since that time, Dr. Lyons has concentrated on key international accounts and industry groups, as well as core company initiatives. He moved to China in 2012 and focuses on Alltech’s “China Now” initiative, which deepens the company’s support of the marine industry through research, education and strategic initiatives.
Alltech is a Grey Pearl sponsor of the 2015 BioMarine Business Convention, and will sponsor a breakout session covering the benefits of fish oil replacement by plant-originated oils in compounded fish feeds. In addition to Dr. Lyons’ presentation, the following Alltech executives will participate: John Sweetman, European technical manager for aquaculture; Becky Timmons, director of applications research and quality assurance, and the global technical director for Alltech Algae; and Jorge Arias, global director, aqua division.
More than 300 international investors, business leaders and government officials are expected to attend the convention, a partnership with the NCBiotech Southeastern office and the Marine Bio-Technologies Center of Innovation (MBCOI), which is being held for the first time in the United States this year. Senior executives, top experts and other dignitaries, will address the attendees throughout the two-day meeting, which features live-streamed sessions, workshops and extensive networking opportunities through one-to-one pre-scheduled business meetings and social events. International representation from 12 countries throughout the world—the United States, Canada, Iceland, Ireland, the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, Portugal, Norway, Mozambique, Australia and Saudi Arabia—are confirmed to attend.
“North Carolina’s strength in biotechnology, particularly marine biotech, makes Wilmington an ideal location for this year’s event,” said North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory. “It’s amazing to think that North Carolina now has more than 600 biotech companies that contribute more than 237,000 jobs to our economy. Entrepreneurs, scientists and educators across the state are developing marine biotech opportunities in numerous fields such as pharmaceuticals and seafood preservation. I warmly welcome participants in the 2015 BioMarine Business Convention to the Port City and to the state of North Carolina.”