Future is wrapped up with new leadership for Bristol bio-materials innovator

Bristol-based bio-materials innovator Kelpi has unveiled a new leadership structure to support the next chapter of the sustainable packaging company’s ongoing global growth.

Neil Morris, the founding CEO, is moving up to non-Executive Chairman, with Kelpi’s Chief Commercial OHicer Hugo Adams moving into the CEO role.

“Hugo and I have worked closely for a long time, and he’s a brilliant leader to take Kelpi through the next chapter as we act upon regulatory approval to take our products into global markets,” said Morris, who has led the business through three successful funding rounds to global impact since he co- founded it in 2020.

Adams joined Kelpi in June 2023 as Chief Commercial OHicer, after spells as CEO at high-growth sustainable clothing brand Frugi and Start-Rite Shoes. “I am excited by the opportunity to take over as CEO at Kelpi at this time,” he said. “Over the last two years I have successfully taken Kelpi to some of the world’s largest food and drink and personal care companies and have seen first-hand the fantastic response to our coating to paper and card that can finally match or even exceed the performance of fossil fuel plastics.

We have a unique technology, industry-leading partners and I’m excited about taking our product to market.”

At the same time, co-founder and Finance Director Murray Kenneth has announced he is stepping back from the business to focus on new opportunities. A search is now under way for a CFO for Kelpi to support the company’s run-up to a Series A funding round in 2026.

Also this month Kelpi has further strengthened the leadership team with the appointment of its first COO, taking up responsibility for collaboration with some of the world’s largest paper, card and fibre packaging convertors. The leading packaging industry specialist will take up his post in April 2025.

And bringing further extensive packaging industry knowledge at Board level, Kelpi is announcing the appointment of Dylan Ellis as non-Executive Director. Bringing nearly 30 years’ senior experience, Dylan is currently Managing Director at Coveris, leading their films business and two UK packaging sites.

Kelpi was founded in 2020 by Morris, Kenneth and Professor Chris Chuck, first developing in the lab an eHective, renewably-sourced, fully biodegradable alternative to fossil fuel plastics in single-use packaging, then winning global industrial clients and working in collaboration with leading European producers of paper, card and fibre packaging to which Kelpi’s coatings are applied.

Morris added: “It's nearly 40 years since I set up my first company at the age of 23, so it will be a change not to be going into work as a CEO from now on. With a brilliant leader in Hugo ready to take Kelpi forward, I’m delighted to support him as non-Exec Chairman to ensure Kelpi’s ongoing success.”