Eden Research plc announced the appointment of Sean M. Smith as Chief Executive Officer of the company, with effect from September 1, 2014. At the same time, Ken Brooks, currently Executive Deputy Chairman will become Non-Executive Director and Clive Newitt, Managing Director, will become Business Development Director. Smith has extensive experience as an international business leader with a record of success and career progression over 25 years within large corporate and start-up environments.

Smith joins Eden Research from Intellectual Ventures having been Head of Europe, Innovation Advisor within its Invention Development Fund. Sean was responsible for the Invention Development Fund's efforts in Europe and secured deals across multiple channels and technology areas. Between January 2012 and December 2013, Smith was CEO for MatOx Group, Smith secured multiple high-value, long term technology commercialisation contracts, secured substantial non-dilutive funding commitments and agreed terms for the investment of up to €1.65 million from US and European private equity and venture capital investors.