Biotech Firm Geno Hires Shawnte Mitchell as First Legal Chief

Biotech firm Genomatica has tapped Shawnte Mitchell, an experienced in-house legal leader in the life sciences industry, to serve as the San Diego-based company’s first-ever chief legal officer. 

Shawnte Mitchell will build the legal team at Geno while serving as a strategic adviser to the company as it looks to continue its growth following a recent $120 million joint venture with global consumer goods company Unilever.  Geno is working with Unilever to use biotech to develop sustainable alternatives to palm oil, which is widely used in food manufacturing.  The company also collaborated with Lululemon to replace nylon used in Lululemon’s clothing with renewable, plant-based materials and bring more sustainable supply chains to the $22 billion global nylon market. 

Mitchell joins Geno after having most recently served as the general counsel, executive VP and corporate secretary at Zogenix.