Piloting her way around bioethanol

Hangama Wanner, founder and CEO of LiYF 2G Bioethanol, speaks to Biofuels International
What was your first job?
My first role was as an investment banker at UBS in Zurich, where I managed large-scale trades and advised institutional clients.
I played a pivotal role in expanding UBS’s presence in the French asset management market — achieving 300% growth — and I was proud to win a major industry competition in 2007. Beyond trading, I took on leadership responsibilities, mentoring new team members and contributing to UBS publications. It was a fast-paced world that taught me the importance of vision, resilience and teamwork.
What sparked your interest in the biofuels industry?
It’s the intersection of science, sustainability and purpose that drew me in. I’ve always been intrigued by solutions that can drive both environmental and economic progress.
Biofuels, especially second-generation ones like what we’re working on at LiYF, offer a brilliant use of waste — agricultural and forestry residues — to solve the major issue of energy security with sustainability.
I’m inspired by the...