ABI

The Austrian Biofuels Institute is a private organization founded in 1995 which works with an experienced international team of 45 experts from various fields.

Andreas Stepniczka, MBA   Managing Director

Mr. Stepniczka joined the Austrian Biofuels Institute in 2001, where he has advised corporate and governmental clients from around the world regarding the market and financial aspects of biofuels. Previously, Mr. Stepniczka worked as a management consultant in the strategy practice of Accenture and at McKinsey & Co., and in Mergers & Acquisitions at the European Privatization and Investment Corporation. Mr. Stepniczka holds an MBA from Wharton.

Werner Körbitz, Dipl.Ing.†   Founder of the Austrian Biofuels Institute

Mr. Körbitz was the Managing Director of the first industrial-scale biodiesel facility in the world, BioEnergie GmbH. In 1989 he established the company and oversaw its planning, construction, and operations. In 1995 Mr. Körbitz founded the Austrian Biofuels Institute and advised banks, multinational corporations, and government organizations throughout the world regarding biofuels. Mr. Körbitz held a Master’s Degree in Agronomy.

Wolfgang Zeiner, Dr.   Advisor to the Board

Dr. Zeiner was the head of Research and Development for liquid fuels at OMV, the Austrian national petroleum company. He joined the Austrian Biofuels Institute in 1999 and is an expert in biofuel quality, formulation, and analysis. Mr. Zeiner holds a Doctorate in Chemical Engineering.

Siegfried Meyer, Ing.   Senior Vice President

Mr. Meyer was the Technical Director of Oelmühle Bruck, an integrated oil mill / biodiesel facility owned by Bunge, until 1994. Thereafter he joined the Austrian Biofuels Institute as a feedstock and oil milling expert, provided consulting services to the international biofuels and oilseed crushing industries, and became active in trading fresh oils and oilseeds. Mr. Meyer holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Eduardo Vidal Latorre, Ing.Agr.   Director, member of the Board

Mr. Vidal Latorre joined the Austrian Biofuels Institute in 2007 as a feedstock and biofuels processing expert, focusing on Latin American projects. Prior to this he researched biofuel production processes; designed commercial biodiesel production facilities using vegetable oils, animal fats, and used cooking oils as raw materials; and developed biogas projects, especially to fuel gas-powered vehicles. Mr. Vidal holds a degree in Agricultural Engineering.