Altair Nanotechnologies, Inc., an innovator and supplier of advanced, novel, ceramic nanomaterials, announced it expanded its board to seven members by naming Robert G. van Schoonenberg as director. Mr. Schoonenberg also serves as Chair of the Audit Committee and as a member of the Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee.

Jon Bengtson, Altair Nanotechnologies Chairman commented, “Bob van Schoonenberg is a seasoned executive whose depth of experience in strategic planning, corporate governance and executive leadership greatly enhances the Altairnano Board. Bob has served in various legal and executive capacities for Fortune 500 companies for more than 30 years. In addition, his growing involvement with private equity and emerging companies provides a balance that will benefit Altairnano as it moves toward greater commercialization of its technology.”

Altair has also reported that the board established a new permanent Strategy Review Committee in an effort to further enhance its corporate governance. The committee’s goal is to bring the board closer to the company’s tactical planning process on an ongoing basis, in order to enable more timely strategic counsel. All of the committee members are independent directors.

Schoonenberg also currently serves as Executive VP, Chief Legal Officer, and Secretary to the board of directors of Avery Dennison Corporation. Prior to Avery Dennison in 1981, he was with Gulf Oil Corp. for seven years. In addition, Schoonenberg serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BayPoint Capital Partners LLC, following his retirement in December 2008 from Avery.

Schoonenberg received his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Marquette University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin, and a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Michigan Law School.

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