SANTA ROSA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Environmental engine technology firm Rotoblock Inc. (OTCBB:ROTB - News) announces the appointment of Richard H. DiStefano as Chief Operating Officer. The recent addition is integral to the company’s business plan and its US-China expansion.

Mr. DiStefano is a business strategist with 13 years experience managing multiple product lines in both the corporate and entrepreneurial environments. He has broad-based experience with companies like IAC, match.com, Premier Wireless, and Hansen Beverage Company involved in management, planning, business development, product development and marketing.

According to Rotoblock CEO Mr. Chien Chih Liu, “The addition of Mr. DiStefano as COO will help with the Company's recently planned expansion." In May Rotoblock agreed to acquire controlling interest in Hikom Gottell Corporation for US $25 Million. The US-China venture intends to develop and manufacture small engines, air-conditioning systems and other consumer and industrial equipment.

"Mr. DiStefano has a balanced background with a proven track record in business development," said Mr. Liu. "I believe he will be an excellent addition to Rotoblock, bringing new ideas that will be of strategic importance to future growth."

In February DiStefano was promoted to Senior Director for IAC (InterActive Corp.). Prior to this, he spent the past three years as Director of Mobile Products for match.com, which was acquired by IAC in 1999. DiStefano was instrumental in developing and launching SMS alerts, an integrated WAP site and Brew downloadable client applications with AT&T, Sprint, Virgin, Alltel and Telefonica in Spain. He led the global on-deck expansion into the UK and Spain with Vodafone and Orange. He also created and launched an off-deck model for match and MSN dating and personals in the US and 14 additional countries.

"Rotoblock is in a very dynamic situation internationally with its business focus of energy efficiency and advanced technology," said DiStefano. "I think the opportunity and timing is critical with all of the changes taking place throughout the world, and in particular China."

Mr. DiStefano is also an entrepreneur, founding San Francisco-based Premier Wireless in 2003, which now operates 12 outlets that have formed dealer relationships with Sprint, Verizon, Cingular, T-Mobile and Metro PCS. In 1994, he was the founder of Video City in Davis, California which he turned to profitability in its first year and led the sale to new ownership 10 years later.

Mr. DiStefano has a diverse business background. From 1998 to 2001, he was Regional Manager for Hansen Beverage Company, involved in marketing and distribution and helping to launch the energy drink segment in the US. From 2001 to 2004, he served as Vice President, Products for Intercontinental Nail Products.

Mr. DiStefano has a Law Degree from Lincoln Law School in Sacramento, California and studied Communications and Rhetoric at the University of California, Davis.