DSRT: Desert Control Appoints Lars R. Eismark as Executive Chairman

Sandnes, Norway—15 October 2024: Desert Control AS ("Desert Control" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Lars R. Eismark as Executive Chairman of its Board of Directors following Knut Nesse's planned retirement. Mr. Eismark brings extensive experience in strategic consulting, corporate development, and guiding technology-driven innovation, marking a new chapter in Desert Control's journey as it advances its groundbreaking Liquid Natural Clay (LNC) technology.

The appointment of Mr. Eismark follows a recruitment process initiated by the board in March 2024. After formally joining as a board member following the annual general meeting in June, he spent the past five months immersing himself in the Company’s operations, engaging with key stakeholders, visiting customers and partners across the United States and the Middle East, and gaining a deep understanding of Desert Control’s pioneering work in soil health and water conservation technologies.

Mr. Eismark has held senior leadership roles in a wide range of industries, including strategy consulting as a Senior Partner at A.T. Kearney, Director roles at Andersen Consulting and Radiometer, and advisory and board positions in technology-driven and sustainability-focused organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Uhrenholt A/S, Twoday A/S, and well-reputed international PE firms. His expertise in guiding high-impact technology portfolios will be valuable as Desert Control continues to drive innovation of its LNC technology as a scalable soil-health platform. With a strong focus on the science behind soil regeneration and its holistic impact on biodiversity, Desert Control is positioned to lead the development of economically scalable soil and water conservation solutions for agriculture, landscaping, reforestation, and nature conservation initiatives.

"Lars Eismark is a highly respected leader with deep experience in areas essential to Desert Control’s mission," said James E. Thomas, board member and largest shareholder of Desert Control. "His appointment underscores our commitment to accelerating the development of our LNC technology, improving soil health, conserving natural resources, and creating long-term value through advanced R&D. I am confident his leadership will further strengthen the Company's position to deliver innovative, economical solutions to address global environmental challenges."

Knut Nesse, who has been the Chairman since 2018, leaves behind a legacy of guiding Desert Control through critical phases of its early development. Under his leadership, Desert Control transitioned from early-stage MVP technology to field-tested prototypes, successfully listed on Euronext Growth in 2021, and expanded its operations into the Middle East and North America. His contributions laid a solid foundation for Desert Control’s success in the sustainable technology space.

"Knut leaves behind a company with strong technological foundations and a clear path to unlock further scalability through its innovation efforts," commented Mr. Eismark. "I am honored to step into the role of Executive Chairman at this exciting juncture for Desert Control. I look forward to working closely with the board and management team to continue advancing our mission of Making Earth Green Again by deepening our R&D efforts to scale the impact of our technology."

As the Company continues advancing its technology development and commercial scalability, Mr. Nesse expressed confidence in his successor and the Company's trajectory. "It has been a rewarding journey to lead Desert Control’s board over the past six years," said Knut Nesse. "With Lars Eismark now stepping in, the timing is right for this transition. I am confident that the Company will continue to flourish under his guidance, and I will continue to follow Desert Control’s progress with great interest."

The Board of Directors expressed gratitude for Mr. Nesse’s contributions and leadership during his tenure. His efforts have created a strong foundation as a technology-driven innovator in sustainable soil health and water conservation solutions.

Looking forward, CEO Ole Kristian Sivertsen welcomes the leadership transition, highlighting the alignment between Eismark’s experience and the Company's vision. "We are excited to welcome Lars to his new role as Executive Chairman," said Mr. Sivertsen. "His understanding of our innovative technology and business opportunity, combined with the time he dedicates to engaging with key stakeholders to support our mission, is invaluable. We are on track to meet our development milestones, including scaling production capabilities to support commercial deployments and accelerated market adoption with exciting times ahead."