NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., Nov. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- WellGen, Inc., a biotechnology company using nutrigenomics to discover and develop plant-based wellness products, announced today that it has enlisted industry veteran Arthur H. Finnel to be its first chief financial officer.  This appointment marks another milestone in WellGen's progress, and another key addition to its management team, as it ramps up its capability to research, develop and bring to market a variety of new and promising nutritional products.  

Mr. Finnel's background encompasses significant achievements across a variety of industries, including biotechnology, food and agriculture, and consumer products.  He has considerable experience working at major corporations as well as small companies in launching early-stage businesses and developing them into large-scale enterprises.  He has also gained experience in multiple management functions through his tenures as financial vice president, CFO, and in general management positions. 

"We are truly fortunate to have brought Art into our company at this juncture," said David A. Evans, Chief Executive Officer of WellGen.  "Not only will he be able to assume the traditional duties of chief financial officer as we seek to raise new financing, build out our systems, broaden our financial and legal organization, and negotiate major contracts, but he will bring valuable strategic insight as we research new products and endeavor to bring them to market most effectively."

Mr. Finnel, age 54, has more than thirty years of leadership experience with both public and privately held companies.   Most recently, from 1995-2004, he was Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of Bionova Holding Corporation, an agribusiness biotechnology company.  Among other achievements there, he managed its initial public offering in 1996 and then organized and directed its successful acquisition by Savia S.A. de C.V. in 2004. 

Prior to joining Bionova, Mr. Finnel held executive positions of increasing responsibility at Mars Incorporated, the giant global food company.  During his tenure at Mars from 1982 to 1995, he was Vice President of Finance and Treasurer of its Snackmaster unit, President and General Manager of Effem Foods Ltd., and Vice President of Finance and Treasurer of Uncle Ben's, Inc.

Before joining Mars, Mr. Finnel held research, strategic planning and analyst positions at the Wharton Applied Research Center (1976 - 82), Exxon Corporation (1975-76), and the Busch Center of the University of Pennsylvania (1973-75).  

He holds three degrees from the University of Pennsylvania -- a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the Wharton School, a Master's Degree in Operations Research, and a Wharton MBA in Finance.  He also serves on the Board of Directors of CONRED, based in Mexico City, which provides management consulting services for the establishment of new businesses in Mexico; and Child Find of America Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing home missing, runaway, and abducted children.

About WellGen

WellGen, Inc. is a biotechnology company that is developing products for food, therapeutics, and dietary supplement markets.  WellGen's technical platform is a method of screening the effect of food and related substances on the expression of genes associated with human health conditions.  The company has developed proprietary substances that help reduce risk and severity for a variety of diseases.  Please visit our website at www.wellgen.com for more information.