CHESTERFIELD, Mo., Nov. 11, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reliv International, Inc. (NasdaqGS:RELV - News), a nutritional supplements and direct sales company, today announced the hiring of Thomas G. Reynolds, Ph.D., as director of research and development, and technical affairs. Reynolds will focus on research and development.

``Dr. Reynolds has broad ranging industry experience in the areas of product development, quality assurance, plant operations and sales and marketing,'' said Dr. Carl W. Hastings, chief scientific officer and vice chairman of Reliv. ``The breadth of his experience will provide great value to Reliv, and we are particularly happy to have his experience in creating innovative new products,'' Hastings added.

Reynolds, 46, brings 23 years of experience to Reliv, most recently as owner of the consulting firm Innovation Food Solutions, LLC, where he consulted with food industry companies on new product introductions and operational improvements.

Prior to Innovation Food Solutions, Reynolds was executive vice president, innovation, for Ubiquity Brands, the maker of Poppycock, Jays and Krunchers potato chips, among other products. He served as vice president, technical services, for The NutraSweet Company prior to his position at Ubiquity.

During his career, Reynolds has helped develop sweet and salty snacks, sweetener applications, and premium sauces, salad dressings and condiments among other products.

Reynolds earned a bachelor's degree in dairy manufacturing from Mississippi State University and his Ph.D. in food technology from Clemson University.

About Reliv

Reliv International, Inc., based in Chesterfield, Mo., is a developer, manufacturer and marketer of a proprietary line of nutritional supplements. Reliv supplements address essential daily nutrition, weight loss and targeted solutions such as energy and performance enhancement, digestive health, women's health and anti-aging. Reliv sells its products through an international network marketing system of approximately 70,000 independent distributors. Additional information about Reliv International, Inc. can be obtained on the Web at http://www.reliv.com.

          Reliv International, Inc.
          Barry Murov, Vice President, Corporate Communications
          (636) 733-1303