Gerald R. Cysewski, PhD, Cyanotech's president and CEO, said, "We are certain to benefit from Marc's 20-plus years of successful sales and marketing experience, particularly his achievements in the natural products industry. We look forward to his contributions to Cyanotech's continued growth and evolution."

Formerly, Ketchel served as president and national sales manager at NeemAura Naturals, a natural products finished goods branded distributor. He co-founded NeemAura and, from 1991 to 1999, managed the day-to-day global production of NeemAura personal care products, as well as marketing, sales and distribution.

Ketchel also held the post of director of Business Development at Nutrinet Systems, a technology development company with products supporting the business requirements of natural product retailers. During his tenure at Nutrinet, he built a nationwide team of independent sales representatives and negotiated key technology acquisitions.

Cyanotech Corporation, a world leader in microalgae technology, produces BioAstin Natural Astaxanthin and Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica -- all-natural functional nutrients that enhance human health and nutrition. Cyanotech's spirulina, FDA reviewed and accepted as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for use a food ingredient, augments energy and immune response. BioAstin's benefits derive from its superior antioxidant activity and from its ability to support and maintain natural inflammatory response, enhancing skin, muscle and joint health. Cyanotech produces these products from microalgae grown at its 90-acre facility in Hawaii using patented and proprietary technology, and distributes them to nutritional supplement, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical and animal feed makers and marketers in more than 40 countries worldwide.

From the June 4, 2007, Prepared Foods e-Flash