NutraCea, a US based stabilized rice bran nutrient research and technology company, has appointed James C. Lintzenich, the chairman of the audit committee, as its interim chief executive officer (CEO). Lintzenich will replace Brad Edson, who has resigned from the position of president, CEO and as board member, effective March 10, 2009. Lintzenich has been serving on the company's board, since October 2005 and as a director of The RiceX Company, a NutraCea's subsidiary, since June 2003.

Edson will serve as a consultant to NutraCea as requested by Lintzenich and the board of directors during a transition period for up to two months following Lintzenich’s appointment. The company has commenced a formal search to identify a permanent chief executive officer.

Currently, Lintzenich is overseeing the previously announced review initiated by the audit committee of the company’s board and the expected financial restatements for the year ended December 31, 2007, including the associated second, third and fourth quarters in 2007, and all of the quarters in 2008. Previously, Lintzenich was president and chief operating officer of Sallie Mae. He also served as chief executive officer, chief operating officer and chief financial officer of USA Group, Inc.

Lintzenich, commented, ‘Our immediate, short-term focus is to conclude the Audit Committee’s internal review of the accounting matters, complete the previously announced restatements expeditiously and resume normalized communications with our shareholders as quickly as possible.

‘While we work through these near-term challenges, I will work with our entire organization to both take advantage of, and prioritize, market opportunities for NutraCea as well as to develop a strategic plan and direction for our Company. I will also be leading our efforts to identify and retain a high quality, experienced CEO with a good balance of leadership and food manufacturing experience.’

David Bensol, chairman of the board, stated, ‘We are pleased that Jim has agreed to assume the role of interim CEO; his extensive corporate experience will serve NutraCea well until a full-time candidate is identified. We remain committed to maximizing the Company’s long-term growth opportunities and shareholder value.’