Imperial Petroleum reported that its Board of Directors has accepted the resignation of its former CEO and President, Mr. John Ryer, effective January 26, 2012.

Mr. Ryer cited personal reasons for his departure. The Board of Directors has immediately begun a search for a replacement and has a few potential candidates already being reviewed. Mr. Tim Jones, CFO of Imperial Petroleum and President of e-biofuels, will act as interim-CEO and President until a replacement has been appointed.

The Company announced that it has appointed Mr. Robert Willmann (age 41) as a new director. Mr. Willmann is the owner and founder of State Safety and Compliance in Indianapolis, IN. As a successful business owner of eleven years, Mr. Willmann has dealt with a variety of organizational matters and management conditions including vendor relations, marketing and finance.

In addition, Mr. Willmann has served as an advisor to one of the country's larger privately held Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) and tooling companies for eight years. Mr. Willmann is married with three school aged children and a graduate of Indiana State University. He is active in many children's charities in the Indianapolis area, including About Special Kids and Answers for Autism of Indiana.

Mr. Willmann commented, 'I am pleased to join the Board of Directors at Imperial Petroleum and am looking forward to immediately contributing to the Company. I also consider it an honor and a privilege to be involved with a Company with so much growth potential.'

Tags: Imperial Petroleum