Ilika taps Jason Stewart as its new finance chief

The AIM-traded firm said Stewart is a senior finance director and executive with “significant” commercial experience in the manufacturing sector.

Most recently, he was the interim CFO at Sunseeker International, where he managed the company through the Covid-19 crisis, managing costs and reestablishing production subsequent to the lockdown.

A CIMA qualified accountant, it said Stewart joined Sunseeker in 2010 and held several senior roles including director of commercial finance and IT, and head of strategy and performance management.

Before that, he spent five years with Kingfisher’s retail arm B&Q in various finance roles, after completing his professional training with Kerry Foods.

He would bring with him a “wealth of knowledge” across financial functions, the board said, with particular expertise in project appraisals, performance management and business development.

The appointment followed the departure of the previous CFO Steve Boydell, who stepped down in July to pursue other opportunities.

“We are delighted to welcome Jason to Ilika and look forward to working with him at such an exciting time for the company,” said chief executive officer Graeme Purdy.

“Jason has an impressive level of breadth and depth in terms of his previous experience and capabilities, and it is no doubt that his knowledge of the manufacturing sector will prove invaluable as we take Ilika forward.

“The Board would also like to take this opportunity to, again, express its appreciation to Steve and wish him the very best in his future endeavours.”

At 1309 GMT, shares in Ilika were down 39.01% at 27.75p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.