Cleantech entrepreneur takes on chief executive role at Xeros

CLEANING system developers Xeros have wiped the slate clean with a new chief executive.

Mark Nichols will take over the role from Bill Westwater with immediate effect, who has decided to step down after seven years.

Mr Westwater will continue to consult at the Rotherham-based business for a period of time to ensure a “smooth transition.”

Mr Nichols has recently led two cleantech startups, as chief executive and chairman of Encos Ltd, a provider of carbon negative building product technologies, and also as chief executive of SH4e, which develops renewable energy generation and supply solutions.

Prior to these roles, he has more than 20 years’ experience in senior business development, with the BOC Group, including three years as chief executive of its East Asia division.

John Samuel, chairman of Xeros, said: “This development 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.

“On behalf of everyone at Xeros, I’d like to thank Bill for his entrepreneurial and energetic leadership over the past seven years during which time we have evolved from an early stage concept business to a listed company with a fast growing presence in North America.

“We now have a proven bead cleaning technology which is being enthusiastically adopted by corporate customers in the commercial laundry world as well as being applicable in other markets beyond commercial laundry including leather.

“We all wish Bill well for the future.”