Name: Alexandra French
Position: CEO
Company: Xampla
Website: https://xampla.com/
About Alexandra French and Xampla
Alexandra French is CEO at the deep tech company, Xampla – a world leader in engineering plastic-free, plant-based natural polymers. The company’s mission is to eliminate the world’s most polluting single-use plastics for good with its next-generation Morro materials.
Joining Xampla in October 2023, Alexandra is leading the natural materials company through its next phase of growth. An experienced chemist with a degree in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge, she brings extensive global experience from 25 years at Johnson Matthey, and CEO of AIM listed business, Titon Holdings, where some of her key achievements include developing high performing teams, bringing vision, clarity and strategy, and delivering results in turnaround situations. In her role at Xampla, Alexandra is now responsible for leading the business in its scale-up and commercialisation of operations, and partnerships with leading brands and manufacturers.
Based on more than 15 years of research at the University of Cambridge, Xampla was founded in 2018, with its consumer-facing brand, Morro launching in 2023. Its patented class of plant-based Morro materials are strong, natural and fully biodegradable, and protect and deliver products and ingredients without harming the planet. A drop-in solution for the industry, the company collaborates with brands, manufacturers and converters to provide a plastic-free, plant-based alternative to plastic.
Alexandra is taking Xampla from strength to strength, transitioning its patented technology out of the labs onto manufacturing supply chains to bring Morro materials to market. Since her appointment, she has overseen a series of wins; completing a $7m investment round to advance Xampla’s plastic elimination mission, signing the company’s first licence agreement for commercial supply of Morro materials in 2024 and securing an Innovate UK Smart Grant in partnership with international manufacturer, 2M Group of Companies.
From making its first hire in 2020, Xampla’s team has grown with industry experts hired from leading FMCG companies, and the sector’s best scientists from across the world. The first UK University spin out to be awarded B-Corp status, the company combines profit with purpose.
Looking ahead to 2024, Alexandra’s plans for Xampla are ambitious. She aims to elevate the scale-up of Morro materials by orchestrating strategic partnerships with brands, manufacturers and converters. With its technology already trusted by brands such as global drinks retailer, Britvic; British skincare experts, ELEMIS; and meal-kit retailers, Gousto; Xampla will continue to explore future applications of Morro materials into new territories.
Building on the company’s recent partnership with 2M, the team will focus on expanding the applications of Morro Coating to see the technology replace plastic-based coatings in takeaway packaging, sachets and cups. In collaboration with key partners, Alexandra will also optimise operational efficiency at Xampla by driving down the cost of sustainable materials, while upholding high health and safety and quality standards.
Beyond her business success, Alexandra is a mentor and EMCC-accredited coach. She has a passion for developing people and helping them exceed their own expectations, and this year she will continue to support other business professionals within the technical manufacturing industry.
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