OREANDA-NEWS. Xeros Technology Group plc (AIM: XSG, "Xeros" or "the Group"), the innovative developer of patented polymer bead systems with multiple identified commercial applications, has appointed Vikrant (Vik) Pratap as Global Director of Leather Technologies, with immediate effect.

Following a successful early career with Lehman Brothers and McKinsey in New York and London, Vik worked with Coller Capital, a leading global investor in, and acquirer of, private equity portfolios, and most recently has been advising start-up and global scale companies on business development and growth. He has a B. Eng from The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art and an MBA from INSEAD.

Vik will lead the implementation of the Group's strategy in leather processing, a global industry seeking solutions to the challenges of high water consumption and effluent management.  Xeros has developed a patented polymer bead based process to significantly reduce water and chemical consumption and is currently working with LANXESS Deutschland GmbH in a multi-phase joint development programme to trial the technology within a leading tannery.

Mark Nichols, Chief Executive of Xeros, said:

"I am delighted that Vik is joining Xeros as the leader of our Leather team, and look forward to working with him.

"With his significant expertise in developing both start-ups and global businesses, Vik will drive forward our strategy of progressing quickly from field trials to commercialisation in this hugely exciting industry."