German biotech company MicroHarvest has announced changes to its leadership team as the company prepares for its next phase of growth.

Co-founders Katelijne Bekers and Jonathan Roberz will jointly serve as co-CEOs, which Bekers leading commercial expansion and Roberz the strategic direction and European scale-up.

Luísa Cruz, the company’s third co-founder, remains chief technology officer, leading technology development and continuing to shape the company’s strategic direction alongside Bekers and Roberz.

Meanwhile, Jan-Philipp Birke, previously head of operations, has been appointed chief operating officer, while Justus Reich, previously head of finance, has been appointed chief financial officer.

The company, based in Hamburg, uses biomass fermentation to produce protein from regional agri-food side streams within 24 hours. Its ingredients are already approved in the EU for aquaculture and pet food applications, with the company planning to extend to food-standard certification later, once appropriate Novel Food approvals are secured.

The new leadership structure aims to create a more clear division of responsibilities, with Bekers focusing on opening new markets and regions, and Roberz building the European base to turn demand into reliable supply. This includes the company’s new manufacturing plant in Leuna, Germany, due for completion by the end of next year.

Bekers commented: “MicroHarvest has reached the point where initial product launches are turning into repeat demand. Our priority now is on meeting it in more markets.”

“Scaling our production foundation and expanding strategically at the same time is exactly what this moment requires. This structure is how we do both.”