Outlast Technologies has appointed Dr. Patrick Gruber, as President and Chief Executive Officer. Gruber comes from NatureWorks LLC (formerly Cargill Dow LLC), where he was the Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. As one of the founders, Gruber has served in his position since the company’s inception in 1997.

Gruber has spent his career focused on the technology, business development and commercialization of renewable resource based products. Gruber has been the leader in the development of lactic acid based polymers and products, in particular, NatureWorks™ PLA and Ingeo™ Fibers. He is the recipient of numerous awards in recognition of his work and accomplishments and holds 48 US patents.

“Outlast Technologies has established themselves as the market leader and global innovator of phase change materials (PCM). I look forward to joining the Outlast team and furthering the company’s position in the marketplace,” said Gruber.

Retiring President and CEO, George Cattermole, will remain involved with Outlast Technologies by continuing to serve on the Board of Directors, facilitating coordination between the Board and business operations.

“Everyone on the Board is excited about the appointment of Dr. Patrick Gruber as President and CEO of Outlast Technologies,” said Cattermole. “Gruber will be a great addition to our leadership team, leveraging his experience in taking concepts from the idea stage to market introduction, as well as building a strong team and infrastructure for growth.”

Some of the highlights for Outlast Technologies over the last 4 years include; formation of joint ventures in Europe with C.F. Ploucquet GmbH & Co. and in Asia with Pacific Resources; purchase of the remaining assets of Frisby Technologies, Inc.; contribution to a new ASTM standard test (ASTM D7024) to measure steady state and dynamic thermal performance textiles; launch of a new consumer brand ‘Smart Fabric Technology’ that is currently featured in Joseph A. Bank suits, Eddie Bauer sweaters and crews, Faribault Mills blankets, and Arnold Palmer footwear.