DELFT, the Netherlands - Royal DSM has hired Atul Thakrar to head its Bio-based Products & Services unit. Thakrar will be responsible for DSM’s involvement in the emerging bio-renewables industry, including holding board positions on the Reverdia and POETDSM Advanced Biofuels joint venture boards. Thakrar will be based in Delft, the Netherlands, and will report to Rob van Leen, Chief Innovation Officer, DSM.

DSM’s Bio-based Products & Services unit focuses on conversion technologies in the field of renewable biomass to fuels and chemicals, with its main presence in Elgin, IL, São Paulo, and Delft, the Netherlands. Central to the unit’s activities is the development, demonstration and licensing-out of full technology packages in close cooperation with value chain partners.