27 November 2023
HeiQ Plc
("HeiQ" or "the Company")
Board Appointment
HeiQ (LSE:HEIQ), a leading company in materials innovation and hygiene technologies, is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert van de Kerkhof as Non-Executive Director, with effect from 1 January 2024, to the board of HeiQ plc and as Chairman of the Environmental, Occupation, Health & Safety and Sustainability Committee. Robert will also be appointed to the board of HeiQ AeoniQ Holding AG (in Switzerland), a subsidiary of HeiQ plc.
Robert has over 30 years of experience in general management and sustainability leadership and extensive knowledge of the textiles industry, including cellulosic fiber technology. He is the founder of PEPPER-i2, an advisory company specializing in sustainability and circularity. Robert also serves as the Chief Sustainability Officer and as a Board Member, a position he has held since 2014, of Lenzing AG (ATX listed LNZ.VI). Robert will be leaving Lenzing and its Board on 31 December 2023.
Robert joins HEIQ AeoniQ with the firm belief that the novel HEIQ AeoniQ man-made cellulosic fibers (MMCF) are one of the most promising solutions to decarbonizing the textile industry and achieving a path to net zero for brands.
Robert has also held senior positions as President of the Austrian Fiber Institute, President and Board Member of CIRFS - the European Man-made Fibres Association, and Chairman of the ReHubs Business Council for Euratex, which is the voice of the European Apparel and Textile Industry. These roles further demonstrate his strong leadership experience and expertise within the textiles industry.
Esther Dale-Kolb, Non-Executive Director and Chair of HeiQ plc, commented: "I would like to welcome Robert to the HeiQ board as Non-Executive Director. His extensive experience and proven track record in leadership, sustainability and innovation are well aligned with HeiQ's vision for the future."
Robert van de Kerkhof, HeiQ plc Non-Executive Director, commented: "I am delighted to be joining the Board of HeiQ. I am confident that the Company is on the right course and I look forward to helping it advance its commitment to delivering innovative textile solutions that positively impact the industry. In particular, I firmly believe the Company's novel HEIQ AeoniQ MMCF fibers are one of the most promising solutions to decarbonizing the textiles industry and achieving a path to net zero for brands."
For further information, please contact:
HeiQ Plc Carlo Centonze (CEO) |
+41 56 250 68 50 |
Cavendish Securities plc (Broker) Stephen Keys / Callum Davidson |
+44 (0) 207 397 8900 |
SEC Newgate (Media Enquiries) Elisabeth Cowell / Molly Gretton / Tom Carnegie |
+44 (0) 20 3757 6882 |
About HeiQ
HeiQ is a Swiss-based international company that innovates pioneering and differentiating materials in partnership with established global brands. We bridge the academic and commercial worlds to conceive performance-enhancing materials and technologies, working with aligned brands to research, manufacture and bring products to market, aiming for lab to consumer in months. Our goal is to improve the lives of billions by innovating the materials that go into everyday products, making them more hygienic, comfortable, protective, and sustainable.
Our strong IP portfolio positions us as an innovation leader for niche, premium and high-margin products in the textile chemicals, man-made fibers, paints and coatings, antimicrobial plastics, probiotics and household cleaner markets. We have also expanded into healthcare facilities, probiotic cleaning, and hygiene coatings markets to help make hospitals and healthcare environments more hygienic.
We have developed over 200 technologies in partnership with 300 major brands. With a substantial research and development pipeline, including key technology development projects HeiQ AeoniQ, HeiQ ECOS, HeiQ GrapheneX, and HeiQ Synbio, HeiQ aims to deliver shareholder value through sales growth and entry into new lucrative markets through disruptive innovation and M&A.
We have built a strong reputation for ESG & sustainable innovation, having won multiple awards including the Swiss Technology Award twice and the Swiss Environmental Award. Under experienced leadership, we are committed to driving our profit in close connection with people and the planet. For more information, please visit www.heiq.com.