Companies: AXS   

Environmental science technology counter Accsys Technologies has unveiled Finlay Morrison as its new chief executive, an appointment that augments the commercial know-how of the group and frees up chief executive Willy Paterson-Brown to concentrate on his duties in the executive chair.

Morrison, 47, was most recently vice-president, Acetyls, at NYSE-listed chemicals giant Celanese, an investor and strategic partner of Accsys and has held a key role at Hoechst.. He has built up a wealth of sales and marketing experience throughout Asia and China in particular.

‘Finlay’s extensive international commercial expertise will be invaluable in driving the global licensing activity of the company,’ enthused Paterson-Brown, ‘and this appointment is another indication of the significant growth being achieved by Accsys, as we develop our business on a worldwide basis.’

Morrison, who immediately becomes chief executive of the company’s key Titan Wood subsidiary, has also been granted one million share options at an exercise price of €3.80 per share. Accsys recently became the first company with a dual listing on AIM and Euronext Amsterdam by way of a €20.5 million (£14.4 million) funding and has wowed a band of blue-chip investors with its lead technology, a process known as ‘acetylation’, which has the potential to transform the wood industry.