LOS ANGELES — Julie Daoust, Ph.D., has joined Soylent Nutrition, Inc. as its new vice-president of product development and innovation. In this role, Dr. Daoust will support the company’s product innovation agenda as Soylent expands distribution.

Dr. Daoust was most recently senior director of research and innovation and the leader of the sustainability portfolio at Vega, a Danone S.A. brand that offers plant-based nutrition products. Before joining Vega in 2013, she was a quality assurance scientist at Canadian health supplement manufacturer Clef Des Champs.

Dr. Daoust received her Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of British Columbia, where her research focused on bioprospecting for new drug leads found in marine organisms.

“Innovation is cornerstone to what Soylent is as a company, and we’re thrilled to have an industry leader like Julie lead our product development team,” said Bryan Crowley, chief executive officer of Soylent. “Her extensive sustainability and innovation experience will help us achieve our mission of making complete, sustainable nutrition accessible, appealing and affordable for all.”

Founded in 2013, Soylent offers powder and ready-to-drink beverages that are sold online and in select retail locations.

“I’ve been watching Soylent from the sidelines since its crowdfunding debut and am honored to join such a strong team that’s committed to innovation and charged with entrepreneurial spirit,” Dr. Daoust said. “All of the elements are in place for us to bring a new wave of innovative, sustainable products to consumers. I truly believe that Soylent is the perfect platform for new food technologies to come to market and make real progress in bringing an end to food voids.”

The appointment of Dr. Daoust follows three recent additions to Soylent’s leadership team. In August 2018, the company brought aboard a new chief financial officer, vice-president of digital acquisition and e-commerce, and vice-president of brand marketing.