MÖLNDAL, Sweden — I-Tech AB has appointed Dr. Markus Hoffmann to the role of Technical Director. In the newly created senior position, Hoffmann will play a pivotal role in I-Tech’s commercial and development processes with the aim of accelerating and expanding current business within the global marine coatings industry. He will also be a key player in generating new revenue streams from the use of Selektope^® in other application areas and sectors.

Hoffmann joins I-Tech following eight years in the role of Subject Matter Expert Antifouling Coatings Research and Development at Hempel A/S. Previously, he served as R&D Department Manager of Hempel’s Antifouling Global Center of Excellence in Barcelona. Earlier in his career, Hoffmann held the post of Team Manager Central R&D at BASF. His academic qualifications include a PhD in organic chemistry from JMU of Würzburg, Germany, and a post-doc position at Kyoto University, Japan.

Hoffmann brings significant knowledge to his role at I-Tech, having a proven track record of innovation in the management of processes from the creation of new antifouling technology ideas, to the selection of fundamental and applied research and successful conversion, to product development and launch. In addition, his well-established network throughout large parts of the value chain will expand I-Tech’s reach even further.

“I am very pleased that a key industry player such as Markus has joined I-Tech in the position of Technical Director,” said Philip Chaabane, CEO of I-Tech AB. “Markus’ experience in product management and antifouling coating development, coupled with his academic background in organic chemistry and well-anchored position in the industry, make him the perfect addition to our growing team of talent and entrepreneurship.”

I-Tech is a biotechnology company that has developed Selektope, an active agent that prevents barnacle attachment on submerged surfaces such as ships and boat hulls and other marine installations.