Ostara appoints Scott McDonald as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

VANCOUVER, Nov. 20, 2012 /CNW/ - Ostara Nutrient Recovery Technologies Inc., a company that recovers phosphorus and nitrogen from water streams at municipal and industrial water treatment facilities to create a premium fertilizer, announced today the appointment of Scott McDonald as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. McDonald will strategically lead Ostara on the path to industrial commercialization and oversee the corporate finance function, in addition to leading operations in strategic planning, administration, information technology and business services. 

"As a proven change agent in the renewable, high-tech and cleantech industries, Scott will play an integral role in developing our growth strategy as we expand our nutrient management solution to the treatment of industrial process waters," said Ostara co-founder and CEO, Phillip Abrary. "His extensive knowledge of capital markets, aptitude for corporate strategic thinking and high-level energy will be instrumental in guiding the company's exponential growth as we shift into the industrial market.  We are very proud to welcome him to the Ostara team." 

Mr. McDonald brings extensive experience in financial planning, operating management, and corporate strategic development to Ostara. His understanding of high-growth companies in the cleantech and high-tech sectors has been instrumental in successfully raising substantial amounts of equity and guiding companies to progress to the next level.

Mr. McDonald began his career in finance, and quickly rose to the role of Chief Financial Officer at several high-tech companies where he led two initial public offerings (IPOs) and multiple merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions.  He also was Chief Executive Officer at Castelle (CSTL) - a public company - from 2002 to 2008. Mr. McDonald has served on various corporate boards, in both the public and private sector. He holds a BS Accounting from The University of Akron, and an MBA in Management from Golden Gate University.

"At Ostara, I look forward to working with the company's founder and CEO, Phillip, and his dynamic team.  The company has a game changing nutrient recovery water treatment technology, and at this critical inflection point, I'm excited to help drive the changes that will align Ostara's mission with shareholder, industry and client objectives," said Mr. McDonald.  "My first priority will involve the strategic alignment of available resources, and to provide the necessary focus to achieve crucial next steps, both fundamental in the long-term success of a high-growth business."

About Ostara Nutrient Recovery Technologies Inc.: Ostara designs, builds and markets a proprietary nutrient recovery technology that transforms phosphorus and nitrogen recovered from municipal and industrial water treatment facilities into a high-value, eco-friendly fertilizer, sold and marketed by Ostara as Crystal Green^®.  Ostara's nutrient recovery technology was invented at the University of British Columbia and commercialized in 2005, when the company was founded. The company has five operating nutrient recovery facilities, with three more in development, as well as a demonstration facility to treat industrial process water. Major investors include VantagePoint Capital Partners in the US, and Frog Capital in the UK. Ostara is the recipient of numerous awards including being named a 2011 Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum, and being placed on the Global Cleantech 100 for the past four years. Ostara is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.  For more information: visit www.ostara.com.

SOURCE: Ostara Nutrient Recovery Technologies

Contact:

Debra Hadden
Ostara Nutrient Recovery Technologies Inc.
[phone]