HeiQ Plc announced 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.