DECATUR, ILL. — Dirk Reif has joined Archer Daniels Midland Co. as a sweetener development scientist to lead the company’s high-intensity sweetener research. High-intensity sweeteners are zero-calorie and low-calorie sugar substitutes that are used in a variety of food applications.

“This role reflects our ongoing interest in the high-intensity sweetener category,” said Mark Matlock, senior vice-president, Food Research, for Decatur-based ADM. “Dirk has extensive experience in the development of high-intensity sweeteners, and his expertise will be instrumental as we grow this product line to meet our customer needs.”

Mr. Reif previously worked for Radian, Inc., a supplier of engineering, logistics support and system integration services. He received a bachelor’s degree in science from Southern Illinois University and a master of science from the University of Illinois.