Our Leadership

Dr. Shengrong Li

Head of Avanti R&D

Shengrong Li, Ph.D., earned his B.S. in Chemistry (1983) and M.S. (1986) in inorganic chemistry from Nankai University (Tianjin, China). After graduation, he worked as an administrative associate in process development of chemical fertilizers in The Ministry of Science and Technology of China for four years. In 1990, he came to the United States to continue his education in chemistry. He earned another M.S. degree in Analytical Chemistry from Sam Houston University (Huntsville, Texas) in 1992 and his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Auburn University (Auburn, Alabama) in 1996. After his postdoc training at Rice University in 1999, Avanti offered him a research scientist position to develop new lipid products. He became the Head of Research Chemistry to lead Avanti’s research lipid development in 2015. He is now the Head of Avanti R&D. In his career at Avanti, he has enjoyed laboratory bench work, discussion of chemistry with colleagues, and talking to customers about lipids. 

James O’Dwyer

Business Head

James attended St. Mary’s University with a Liberal Arts degree with focus on biology and chemistry and a MBA from Loyola University of Chicago. James’ career has been in multiple commercial leadership positions in the United States, Singapore, and China. Upon his return to the U.S., James was responsible for the integration of Avanti Polar Lipids into the Croda organization. At the beginning of 2021, he managed the IT, SHE, HR, CS, Marketing, Facilities Departments. In September 2021, James accepted the Business Head position with Sales, Project Management, Business Development, Marketing, Shipping and Customer Service reporting to him.

Christina Sigafus

Regional HR Manager

Christina Sigafus is the Head of Human Resources at Avanti Polar Lipids. Prior to joining Avanti, Christina held Human Resources positions at CRO, Pharma and Telecommunications organizations. She holds a Master’s degree in Human Services with a concentration on Conflict Resolution from the University of St Edwards in Austin, Texas. Christina is a dedicated and driven professional with more than 25 years of broad-based management experience highlighted by longevity and promotions. She successfully fosters an environment that best supports a company's mission and vision. She is skilled in analyzing and developing strategic direction, and creating processes that add value, focus on efficiency, and strengthen employee loyalty. Christina has a natural training ability in the classroom as well as in the design of training programs.

David Beauchaine, CPA

Head of Finance

As Avanti’s Head of Finance, David Beauchaine leads in developing financial and operational strategies, continuously analyzes performance metrics, and monitors control systems designed to preserve Avanti’s assets. A results-driven and financial focused leader with more than 38 years’ experience in financial accounting, healthcare and pharma related industries, David oversees the company’s risk management, capital investments, operational efficiency, and financial reporting and analysis functions. David began his career in public accounting. He has served as Chief Financial Officer for start-up companies, as well as public and privately held healthcare, pharma, technology, and manufacturing corporations. David is a Certified Public Accountant and obtained a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business from Saint John’s University.

John Guyton

Head of Production

John attended Birmingham-Southern College with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. Later, he attended University of Alabama for his M.S. in Chemical Engineering and the University of Alabama at Birmingham for his MBA with a finance focus. As Avanti’s Site Operations Manager, John Guyton leads the site’ engineering, maintenance, capital projects, IT, and EHS organizations. As a results-driven and growth oriented leader, John focuses on strategic delivery, continuous improvement, engineering design, new business processes, process efficiencies, and revenue margin improvements to allow the site to meet its strategic business targets.