The appointment was effective March 22, and he was simultaneously made chair of the company’s audit committee.

Burke currently serves as executive vice-president, chief corporate officer and chief financial officer for AECOM Technology. Prior to that, he served in various senior leadership positions with accounting giant KPMG and was a member of its board for five years.

“Mike brings a wealth of operational and financial experience to help us guide our company forward,” said Rentech president D Hunt Ramsbottom.

“Mike's industry experience will be a tremendous asset for the company as we continue to focus on our commercialisation strategy.”

Burke replaced Thomas L Bury, who resigned from the seat last week. He’ll be eligible for a three-year term election during the company’s shareholder meeting in 2008.