Sapphire Energy, a San Diego start-up business that has raised nearly $350 million to develop algae as an alternative to crude oil, has announced that CEO Jason Pyle has stepped down and that it will name Cynthia Warner as its new chief executive officer.

Pyle, who also co-founded Sapphire, will remain on the board of directors. Warner currently serves as Sapphire’s president and board chairwoman. She joined the company after working with British Petroleum.

At BP, Warner worked as group vice president of global refining. She has extensive experience in the refining, energy, and transportation industries and is a member of the National Petroleum Council.

If your business needs help recruiting for executive positions, contact the executive search and management consulting professionals of Construction Hunters today by calling 214-989-6846.