Pacific Biodiesel Technologies announced that Samuel Millington has been installed as CEO for the 17 year-old Maui-based company. Millington, a long time Hawaii resident, joins PBT with years of experience in the for-profit, nonprofit and public service sectors.

Millington joins PBT at a pivotal moment for the rapidly growing company, with fuel production ramping up at Big Island Biodiesel, the company’s newest development—a  state-of-the art, zero waste, 5.5 MMgy facility. PBT’s production now equals 10 percent of the onroad statewide use of petroleum diesel, and increasing demand for the now super-premium biodiesel requires advanced strategic planning, one of Millington’s specialties.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of the Pacific Biodiesel family of companies,” said Millington. “But more than thrilled, I’m also humbled. Pacific Biodiesel has an incredibly talented, committed staff and a reputation for innovation, quality and integrity that extends throughout the world,” he added. “As the company continues to grow, it’s a great opportunity for me to roll up my sleeves and pitch in.”

Millington moved to Hawaii in the mid-1990s and has served on numerous boards, commissions and task forces including J. Walter Cameron Center, Maui United Way, Maui Non-Profit Directors Association and Maui Police Commission. Most recently, Millington served as a Franklin Fellow for the State Department where he helped build public-private partnerships to support U.S. foreign policy interests.

With Millington focusing on management strategies, PBT President Robert King is finding more time to utilize his technology and mechanical skills to develop new opportunities and assist new biodiesel customers. King said, “I’m looking forward to continuing the progress we have all made and working together with Sam to build our employee support system and ensure profitability while keeping true to our values.”

King founded Pacific Biodiesel in 1996 in Kahului, Hawaii in response to the alarming amounts of waste oils being dumped at the Central Maui Landfill. A diesel mechanic by trade, King developed the biodiesel company as an offshoot of his first business, King Diesel, the Cummins Engine Dealership for Maui County, and has since devoted his professional life to the company mission to promote community-based production of sustainable renewable fuel.