Appointment of CEO

RNS Number : 0931O

AFC Energy Plc

13 September 2011

 



13 September 2011

Embargoed until 07:00

AFC Energy PLC

("AFC Energy" or the "Company")

Appointment of Chief Executive

AFC Energy (AIM: AFC), a leading developer of alkaline fuel cells, announces that Ian Williamson has been appointed Chief Executive of the Company with effect from 14 November 2011.  Ian joins AFC Energy from Air Products (NYSE: APD) where he worked for 26 years, most recently holding the position of Hydrogen and Bio Energy Systems Director.

Ian has significant experience within the industrial gas sector particularly centred on the manufacture, provision, distribution and commercial sale of Hydrogen.  He is very well known in the industry and his external positions include President of the European Hydrogen Association, Vice President of PATH (the Partnership for the Transition to Hydrogen), Director of CENEX (the UK's Centre of Excellence for Low Carbon and Fuel Cell Technologies) and Board Member of the UK Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association.  Most recently Ian has been leading Air Products' new venture into the renewable energy market and has been instrumental in obtaining planning permission for the proposed 49MW advanced gasification power plant to be built in Teesside.

Ian Williamson, currently holds no shares in AFC Energy, he will be granted an option over 1,000,000 ordinary shares in AFC Energy upon his appointment as a director of AFC Energy.

Tim Yeo, Chairman of AFC Energy plc, commented:  "I am delighted that we have attracted someone of the calibre of Ian to lead the Company.  His decision to join AFC Energy after a successful career at Air Products is a reflection of his belief in the tremendous commercialisation opportunities that the Company has."

Ian Williamson commented:  "I have known and admired the work of AFC Energy for some time.  In my opinion, the commissioning of its beta system puts AFC significantly ahead of its competitors in developing a viable low cost, low carbon alternative to conventional electricity generation. I am excited at the prospect of leading the Company through its next phase."

For further information, please contact:

AFC Energy plc Tim Yeo, Chairman Ian Balchin, Deputy Chairman David Marson, Finance Director	[phone]
Allenby Capital Limited Brian Stockbridge Dan Robinson	[phone]
Threadneedle Communications John Coles Fiona Conroy	[phone]
Say Communications Sue Glanville Geraldine Fernandez [e-mail]	[phone]

About AFC Energy 

AFC Energy is a leading developer of low-cost alkaline fuel cells.  AFC Energy's technology is focused on large-scale industrial applications and the objective of producing the lowest possible unit cost electricity.  Please visit our website at www.afcenergy.com.

Regulatory information

Ian Williamson (47 years old)

Ian Williamson is or has been a director of the following companies in the last five years:

Current directorships	Previous directorships
CENEX (Centre of Excellence for Low Carbon and Fuel Cell Technologies) UK Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association	None

Save as disclosed above, there are no further disclosures to be made in relation to Ian Williamson under Schedule Two, paragraph (g) (i)‒(viii) of the AIM Rules for Companies.

 

END

 

 

BOADKBDBABKDQCD