7th Sep 2009 08:31
For release: 07 September 2009
Plant Impact Appoints New Scientific Advisory Board
Plant Impact plc (AIM:PIM), a leading developer of technologies that improve crop productivity, is pleased to announce that a new Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) has been established for the Company. The new SAB consists of seasoned industry professionals with in depth experience of commercial development with key expertise in the areas of agrochemicals and natural plant protectants. The SAB comprises of Alan Jutsum, William Thompson, David Dent, David McNeilly and Edward Sharkey.
Alan Jutsum is currently the Managing Director of CEMAS, a company that provide services and research for the pharmaceutical, veterinary medicine and agrochemical industries and a director of tecsolve who offer a range of technical and regulatory services. Plant Impact has recently signed long term agreements with both these companies. Alan was Head of Global Standards at Syngenta with responsibility for setting and maintaining standards globally for pesticide application, technical excellence of all field trials, data quality and IT. He has over 30 years' experience in the field of agrochemical research and global evaluation. He holds a BSc and a PhD in zoology from the University of Hull and has written over 60 scientific publications to date.
As COO of Plant Impact, William Thompson has extensive experience in mergers & acquisitions, product launches and start-up companies. He joined the Board of Plant Impact as a Non-Executive Director in 2004 and has played an active role in the company ever since. Previously, he served as Managing Director of Microcheck Technical Services Ltd and worked at DowElanco for in excess of ten years, where he held multiple roles. He holds a BSc in applied biology and an MSc in Nematology from Imperial College University.
An agricultural scientist of background with extensive global expertise in leadership of life-science based businesses, David Dent is an effective science and business leader with an impeccable track record in strategic business planning, relationship management, engaging key opinion formers and securing international trade. He established his own consultancy, Dent Associates, in 2005 which provides advice and support to government and science based agro-industry on strategic business development, technology transfer, international marketing and promotion. A keen political campaigner, he successfully lobbied the Government on behalf of an industry client to raise the profile of new approaches designed to meet input needs addressing climate change. He has previously worked for CABI Biosciences as Managing Director.
David McNeilly began his career in Australia, and spent over 40 years working in more than seven countries around the world, primarily in the life sciences arena. A globally experienced manager with proven skills in leadership, change management, marketing, sales, supply-chain improvement, administration, financial controls and strategic planning, and a specialist in working at the interface of technology and business development, David is skilled in assessing how to add and capture value and implementing appropriate strategies. Prior to his appointment at Plant Impact, David has previously worked for ProKyma Ltd and Alaska Food Diagnostics. He is particularly competent in the management of change, conception & implementation of strategy and development and leadership of biotechnology based businesses.
Edward Sharkey is a founder of Ambechem Ltd, a business and management consultancy operating in the agrochemical industry and has grown the company significantly since its inception in 2003. With the launch of products based on novel technology, turnover is expected to grow to $30m within four years. Ambechem has recently established a long term supply agreement for an Asian agrochemical manufacturer in the USA. Prior to founding Ambechem, Edward was the commercial director at A H Marks, where he led a team of 12 research scientists to develop and use rapid screening techniques to discover and customise new performance chemicals. He holds a BSc and PhD in chemistry from the University of Edinburgh.
Commenting on these new appointments, Pete Blezard, CEO of Plant Impact said, 'I am delighted to welcome all these distinguished individuals to the Plant Impact SAB. They bring a great wealth of experience to the Company. Their appointments will further strengthen the Company's decision making process by providing high level support and guidance as we continue to focus on growing and developing our business. The newly established SAB will meet for the first time on 15 October, and we look forward to productive times ahead.'
For further information, please contact:
Peter Blezard Tel: +44 (0) 1772 645 164
CEO
Plant Impact
Anna Dunphy / Tristan Jervis Tel: +44 (0) 207 861 3838
Financial PR/IR
De Facto Communications
About Plant Impact plc
Plant Impact addresses the increasing global demand for effective, sustainable and ecologically-sound products to combat environmental plant stress and improve crop productivity. Common environmental plant stresses include drought, salinity, nutrient deficiencies, pests and disease. Plant Impact's advances produce practical results that reduce inputs and benefit the whole of the agricultural value chain, providing solutions for growers, food manufacturers and consumers.
A broad product portfolio has been developed using these innovative and proprietary technologies, the most advanced of which are already being marketed and sold through established agricultural distribution networks. Products for the home and garden market are also distributed direct to consumers through reputable high street stores.
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