ZÜRICH — November 27, 2023 — HeiQ, supplier of materials innovation and hygiene technologies, is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert van de Kerkhof as non-executive director, with effect from January 1, 2024, to the board of HeiQ plc and as chairman of the Environmental, Occupation, Health & Safety and Sustainability Committee. van de Kerkhof will also be appointed to the board of HeiQ AeoniQ Holding AG (in Switzerland), a subsidiary of HeiQ plc.
Van de Kerkhof has more than 30 years of experience in general management and sustainability leadership and extensive knowledge of the textiles industry, including cellulosic fiber technology. He founded PEPPER-i2, an advisory company specializing in sustainability and circularity. Robert also serves as the chief sustainability officer and as a Board Member of Lenzing AG, a position he has held since 2014. Robert will be leaving Lenzing and its Board on December 31, 2023.
Van de Kerkhof 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 transform the textile industry, now the second-most polluting in the world, into one of the most sustainable, by rendering fossil fuel-based fibers like polyester obsolete.
Van de Kerkhof 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 align well with HeiQ’s vision for the future.”
“I am delighted to be joining the Board of HeiQ,” van de Kerkhof said. “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.”
Posted: November 27, 2023
Source: HeiQ Materials AG
