Versarien taps James Stewart for chairman role

Advanced materials engineering group Versarien appointed James Stewart to the role of non-executive chairman on Friday, with immediate effect.

Stewart, currently managing partner of investment company Menlo Partners, has spent 25 years in the private equity sector and brings "significant business and transaction experience" to the group.

The AIM-listed group said Stewart's skills and contacts would be "particularly valuable" as it looks to progress its commercial partnerships and international expansion strategy.

Chief executive Neill Ricketts said: "James has considerable experience of doing business in Asia and a wide range of contacts that will assist Versarien.

"I look forward to working closely with him and the group being able to utilise his skills and experience as the commercial adoption of our graphene and other 2D materials accelerates."

As of 0855 BST, Versarien shares were up 4.04% at 48.30p.