Distillery owner named CEO of Columbia biopharmaceutical company

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Editor's note: This story has been updated with comment from Dezzutti.

Pixie Paula Dezzutti, owner of Charleston’s Striped Pig Distillery, is the new CEO of a Columbia-based bio pharmaceutical company.

Sycamore BioPharma produces pharmaceutical grade extracts of hemp and other natural materials, renewable plant-based bioproducts and organic food, spice and cosmetics additives.

SBP discovers, develops and produces biological Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients to promote health and well-being as well as control of pain and inflammation according to a news release.  

“Being an educator at heart, I am honored to have a critical role in championing sensitive, controversial, but necessary conversations that could transform a person's entire world of wellness,” Dezzutti told SC Biz News via email. “The years of experience I have had in male-dominated industries has seasoned me to persevere, even where I have been dismissed or overlooked for being a strong female voice with a broad-minded viewpoint. The same has happened with the unfavorable framing of cannabis in our country, culture, and media. Finally attitudes are changing and momentum is growing for drastically more supportive legislation worldwide. I am humbled and honored for me and my team to be making a measurable impact."

Dezzutti, also the owner of Local Choice Spirits in Charleston, will be part of the Inspiring Women Leaders event at the North Charleston Business Expo, hosted by the Charleston Regional Business Journal and the city of North Charleston, on Aug. 23. She will join Nephron owner and CEO Lou Kennedy and SC Ports Authority incoming CEO Barbara Melvin for a discussion with Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette.