THOUSAND OAKS, CALIFORNIA, U.S. — Ceres, Inc., an agricultural biotechnology and seed company, announced on Aug. 5 that Walter De Logi, chairman of the board and a co-founder of Ceres, died unexpectedly at the age of 63.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend and colleague, and our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time," said Richard Hamilton, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Ceres. "Walter was a remarkable individual — a mentor to many and a visionary who believed deeply in the positive impact that plant science could have on the world. He leaves us with a tremendous legacy and will be deeply missed."

De Logi served on Ceres' board of directors since the company's inception and as chairman of the board since 2002. He was Ceres' president and CEO from 1996 until 2002. Prior to co-founding Ceres, Dr. De Logi was the CEO of Plant Genetic Systems, an eminent first-generation plant biotechnology company that was sold to Hoechst Schering AgrEvo, now part of Bayer, in 1996. He held an MBA from Harvard University and a PhD from the California Institute of Technology.