Haydale confirms David Banks as its new chairman

Nanomaterials group Haydale Graphene announced the appointment of David Banks as its non-executive chairman with immediate effect on Thursday.

The AIM-traded firm said Banks was replacing John Knowles, who - as previously announced - had decided to retire and had stepped down as the group's non-executive chairman.

It said Banks is a senior executive investment banker with more than 30 years of experience in advising companies.

He was joining Haydale from Cantor Fitzgerald Europe, where he held the position of managing director in corporate broking.

Banks was bringing a “wealth of capital markets experience” to Haydale, according to the board’s statement, having held senior positions at Dawnay Day, Durlacher, Arbuthnot Securities and Panmure Gordon & Co prior to his role at Cantor Fitzgerald Europe.

“I am really pleased to have joined Haydale today as their new chairman,” David Banks said.

“Given my background in investment banking, I fully appreciate the importance for growth companies to clearly communicate their investment story not only to their current investor base but also to potential investors who can help facilitate the growth of the company.

“I am already very close to the Haydale story and as such, I am really excited at the prospect of applying my expertise to a business which is already commercialising nanomaterials for the benefit of global industry.”

Commenting on the appointment, Haydale’s CEO Ray Gibbs said the company’s management team was “delighted” to welcome Banks to the board.

“He has significant experience at a senior level within the City and, together with his considerable industrial connections, he will undoubtedly be of great added value to Haydale.

“Having acted as our corporate broker, David knows the business and its shareholders extremely well and we are looking forward to David's counsel as we transition to a sales-driven global advanced materials business.

“We will benefit from his knowledge and experience in helping commercialise our business further whilst generating value for our shareholders.”