Rotsaert will lead Solazyme's operations, including the expansion of its oils marketing to industrial and food markets, the company said in a news release.

San Francisco-based Solazyme makes oil using strains of algae that eat plant-based sugars. The company's target markets are fuels and chemicals, food, and personal care products.

Rotsaert currently is president and CEO of the U.S. business of AAK, a Swedish company that makes vegetable oils and fats for industries.