Key Takeaways:
- Terviva has appointed Eric M. Bowen as Executive Vice President of Business Development.
- Bowen previously held executive roles at Renewable Energy Group, Inc. (REGI), including Vice President of Strategy and General Counsel.
- He was instrumental in building REGI’s renewable diesel business and its $3.2 billion sale to Chevron.
- Bowen also founded Tellurian Biodiesel, Inc., and currently serves on several renewable energy boards.
- His appointment highlights Terviva’s strategy to scale pongamia for sustainable fuel, food, and feed.
Terviva Expands Leadership Team
Terviva, an agricultural innovation company developing large-scale pongamia plantations with energy transition investors, farmers, and landowners, has announced the appointment of Eric M. Bowen as Executive Vice President of Business Development. The move strengthens the company’s efforts to expand its partnerships and market presence.
Bowen’s Experience in Renewable Energy
Bowen brings more than 20 years of leadership and business development experience in renewable fuels. His career includes 12 years at Renewable Energy Group, Inc. (REGI), where he held roles such as Vice President of Strategy, General Counsel, and Vice President of Corporate Business Development. He played a central role in establishing REGI’s renewable diesel business, which grew to become the largest producer of biodiesel and renewable diesel in the United States, culminating in the company’s $3.2 billion sale to Chevron in 2022.
Industry Perspective
“We are thrilled to welcome Eric Bowen to our executive team,” said Naveen Sikka, CEO of Terviva. “His deep understanding of the renewable energy landscape, proven track record in business development, and existing relationship with Terviva through our advisory board make him an invaluable asset as we scale our innovative pongamia-based solutions for sustainable fuel, food, and feed.”
Bowen commented: “I am delighted to deepen my relationship with Terviva. I look forward to leveraging my deep experience in biofuels and business development to work with strategic partners to realize the full potential of pongamia. Together we can scale pongamia globally to be a meaningful new source of sustainable energy, food, and feed.”
Strategic Direction for Terviva
Before joining Terviva full time, Bowen served on the company’s advisory board and has also held leadership roles at Tellurian Biodiesel, Inc., Forge Hydrocarbons, Hydrogen Works, and RYAM. His appointment underscores Terviva’s long-term strategy to advance pongamia as a climate-resilient crop that supports sustainable energy, food, and agricultural systems.
