Origin Materials, a technology-driven company committed to enabling the global transition to sustainable materials, has announced significant leadership changes. Effective December 31, Co-Founder and Co-CEO John Bissell will take on the role of Chief Executive Officer, marking the company’s shift to a single CEO leadership structure. This transition reflects Origin’s readiness to enhance operational agility as it scales its manufacturing capabilities in 2025.
Rich Riley, who has served as Co-CEO alongside Bissell since 2020, will step down from his role and the Origin Board of Directors on December 31. To ensure a smooth transition, Riley will continue to support the company in an advisory capacity until the end of 2025. Additionally, Origin’s Chief Financial Officer, Matt Plavan, will assume the expanded role of Chief Operating Officer alongside his current responsibilities, also effective December 31.
Leadership Contributions and Transition
John Bissell expressed gratitude for Riley’s transformative contributions over the past four years:
“I want to thank Rich for his valuable efforts in helping Origin achieve key milestones. During his tenure, we successfully became a publicly listed company, built strong partnerships, and positioned Origin for its next growth phase. The transition to a single CEO structure will streamline our decision-making and operational processes as we ramp up manufacturing activities in 2025. I look forward to leading Origin into this exciting new chapter.”
Since joining as Co-CEO in 2020, Riley has played a pivotal role in shaping Origin’s commercial strategy and driving its go-to-market efforts. With a longstanding history as an advisor and investor in Origin since 2010, Riley brought deep insights and guidance to the company’s leadership team.
“I am deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished at Origin,” Riley stated. “Over the past few years, we’ve built a solid foundation and created opportunities for rapid and sustained growth in our PET caps and closures business. I’m confident in Origin’s bright future under John’s leadership and the continued efforts of our exceptional team.”
R. Tony Tripeny, Chair of Origin’s Board of Directors, commended Riley for his contributions:
“Rich has been instrumental in setting Origin on its current trajectory. On behalf of the Board, I thank him for his dedication. We are excited to see John, Matt, and the rest of the leadership team drive Origin forward as we commercialize our innovative solutions and unlock value for our shareholders and the world.”
Operational Expertise for Growth
The appointment of Matt Plavan as COO/CFO aligns with Origin’s strategic focus on scaling its manufacturing operations. With a robust background in managing corporate finance and operations, Plavan brings critical expertise to Origin’s next phase.
“Matt’s leadership experience and operational acumen are invaluable as we ramp up commercial production,” Bissell said. “Having previously served as COO/CFO of a publicly held medical device company, Matt has demonstrated success in managing both financial and operational functions. This dual role ensures Origin is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of scaling our business and delivering sustainable solutions to the market.”
Advancing Sustainability with Innovation
Origin Materials continues to lead the industry in developing sustainable solutions. The company’s patented biomass conversion platform enables the production of PET caps and closures that enhance recycling circularity and performance in a $65 billion market. Origin’s specialty materials, developed for a broad range of end products, demonstrate its commitment to creating sustainable alternatives that address global environmental challenges.
About Origin Materials
Origin Materials is at the forefront of sustainable innovation, with a mission to enable the world’s transition to sustainable materials. Through its patented biomass conversion platform and cutting-edge solutions, the company transforms carbon into sustainable materials for diverse industries. Origin’s advancements include high-performance PET caps and closures, specialty materials, and scalable technologies designed to drive circularity and sustainability.
