AFC Energy PLC (LON:AFC) has appointed former Rolls-Royce Holding PLC (LON:RR) director Dr Gerry Agnew to its board.

Agnew, who spent 19 years at Rolls-Royce in various roles, will join AFC Energy as a non-executive director.

During his time at Rolls-Royce, he was chief technologist and executive vice price president of engineering at the company’s fuel cell systems business.

He left the company in 2012 to join LG Fuel Cell Systems, where he worked for seven years as chief technical officer and chief technology advisor.  However, he continued to serve as a senior fellow on the Royal-Royce Council of Fellows, attending the group chief technology officer's technology strategy workshops with the chief executive.

John Rennocks, chairman of AFC Energy, said: “Gerry brings an extremely high caliber of commercial and technological acumen to the business and reflects the state of our company that we can attract such talent.”

Agnew said: “I first met AFC Energy many years ago, and have watched with interest the dramatic change and progression made by the Company over recent years, not only in its existing technology, but also in the development of its business models, key market applications and its new cutting edge high power density fuel cell power system. 

He added: “The AFC Energy alkaline fuel cell affords many advantages compared to its peers in the market today and I very much look forward to working with the executive and scientific teams in taking the business forward to commercial success."   

AFC also announced Lisa Jordan and Percy Hayball, both representatives of Ervington Investments Limited, have stepped down from the board with immediate effect. 

Chairman Rennocks said Jordan and Hayball have been “great supporters of AFC Energy and we wish them all the best in their future endeavors”.