Lanxess polymer beads partner appoints new chief executive
14/09/2015
A former director of UK-based chemicals group BOC, Mark Nichols, has taken over from Bill Westwater as chief executive of Xeros with immediate effect. The company said Mr Westwater has decided to step down after seven years in the role; he will continue to work with Xeros for a period of time to ensure a smooth transition.
Mark Nichols spent more 18 years at BOC, including three as chief executive of the East Asia division, where he oversaw a period of growth before becoming group director of strategy and business development.
More recently, he has led two cleantech start-ups: firstly as chief executive and then chairman of Encos Ltd, a provider of carbon negative building product technologies, and latterly as chief executive of CH4e, a developer of renewable energy generation and supply solutions.
John Samuel, chairman of Xeros, said on announcing the appointment: “This is a natural progression and we look forward to working with Mark to deliver further growth from Xeros’ polymer bead technology platform. His experience in driving forward international businesses, combined with his expertise in developing new technologies, will greatly benefit the development of the group.”
In August, Xeros announced that the first phase of a joint development with leather chemicals manufacturer Lanxess is now complete. Other phases of the development will follow during the second half of 2015.
Its system centres on replacing a large proportion of the water tanners traditionally use in the tanning process with polymer beads that Xeros has already used successfully in the laundry business.
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