Monolith supports growth with new hire, 2 promotions

LINCOLN, Neb.—As Monolith looks to increase its sustainable carbon black and turquoise hydrogen production capacity at its Olive Creek facility, the company is adding one new face and promoting two others who helped pave the way for success.

Looking internally, Monolith promoted Amy Ostermeyer to chief development officer and Phil Joyner to senior vice president of manufacturing.

Those appointments took place Oct. 5 and Sept. 6, respectively.

In addition, Monolith named Gintas Vildzius as chief technology officer, a hire that was effective Oct. 5.

Vildzius comes to Monolith after more than two decades at GE and other companies in technical and research and development roles.

Monolith uses methane pyrolysis to produce a more sustainable carbon black (much less feedstock energy is required than recovered carbon black or furnace black), ammonia and a bluish hydrogen, all of which can be recovered and sold.

As executive vice president of development, Ostermeyer was key in expanding the Monolith team, forging strong relationships with customers, development partners and local, state and federal officials.

"Amy has consistently set a high standard for anything she takes on, and over the last five years, we have watched her growth-oriented mindset help to drive our strategy forward," said Rob Hanson, co-founder and CEO of Monolith. "We're fortunate to have Amy on the leadership team and look forward to the expanded role she will play as we strive to reach our vision for the future."

Ostermeyer, who joined Monolith as vice president of human resources in 2018, will be charged with leading Monolith's carbon black and hydrogen sales.

"Over the course of my time at Monolith, I've had the privilege of sharing the importance of Monolith's impact with our employees, communities, partners and legislators," Ostermeyer said. "I'm eager to expand upon this work alongside our innovative and talented team and grow the technology that will create the path to environmental transformation."

Joyner transitions from his role at Monolith as vice president, manufacturing, capital projects and EHS, to senior vice president of manufacturing.

Specifically, Joyner will lead planning and development at Olive Creek Phase II.

Joyner joined Monolith about five years ago.

"Phil has been a significant part of Monolith's growth, and we are thrilled to have him take on a larger leadership role as we continue to scale our carbon black and clean ammonia manufacturing efforts," Hanson said. "He has played an instrumental role in the success of our Olive Creek 1 facility, and we are confident he will continue to help us achieve our goals in his new expanded role and as Olive Creek 2 is constructed and commissioned."

Joyner's background is in industrial manufacturing and operations in pulp, paper and fertilizers. He has worked for Koch Fertilizer in Nebraska and on the board of directors for several other Koch assets; as well as Georgia Pacific, formerly Alabama River Pulp.

"Scaling our plasma torch at Olive Creek 1, a first-of-its-kind technology, demonstrates the leadership role that manufacturing can take in reducing carbon emissions and making a cleaner planet," Joyner said. "I am honored to have the opportunity to take that next step with the organization and excited to see what the future holds for us in the carbon black industry and other markets."

Vildzius brings extensive research and development experience to Monolith as chief technology officer, leading the core technology team and product development.

He has served in numerous engineering roles with GE and Boston-based Revvity, formerly PerkinElmer.

"Gintas is a proven leader who has demonstrated strategic technology development and commercialization over his career," Hanson said. "As we make progress toward our goal of a decarbonized world, we're focused on continued research and innovative thinking to further scale and develop the disruptive technologies required for a clean energy future and the experience he brings to our team is invaluable and crucial to continue innovating."

Vildzius has worked in systems and design engineering; on launches of new products; sourcing customer and partner solutions; and driving transformation in collaboration with business teams.

He also served in the U.S. Air Force as a commissioned officer early in his career.

"Achieving breakthrough innovations in the chemicals and materials science industry, especially Monolith's one-of-a-kind approach, requires a level of creativity and fearlessness in continuing to iterate and streamline design with an eye toward reducing emissions," Vildzius said. "I am excited to join a team with such a forward-thinking mindset and look forward to continuing to grow our technical research and development program."

Monolith is backed by Azimuth Capital Management, Cornell Capital, Decarbonization Partners, Imperative Science Ventures, Magnetar Capital, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America, NextEra Energy Resources Inc., SK Inc., TPG Rise Climate and Warburg Pincus.