Xampla, a materials innovation company, has recently made significant additions to its team and promoted two of its current members to Director-level positions in preparation for the global launch of its plastic-free Morro™ materials. This move follows a successful Series A funding round of $14 million and aims to replace ten billion units of single-use plastic over the next five years.
To support its expansion, Xampla has welcomed Sam Walker, former Director at BioPak UK, as its new Head of Business Development and Sales. Walker brings extensive experience in developing sustainable packaging for global brands and their supply chain partners. He will be responsible for managing customer relationships worldwide and establishing valuable partnerships to meet the increasing demand for Morro materials.
Walker played a crucial role in BioPak UK’s growth as Director of Strategic Partnerships, securing partnerships with prominent brands such as Deliveroo, Dishoom, Morrisons, and Wahaca, as well as supply chain players like Bunzl. He also served as Technical Director, leading BioPak’s product innovation efforts and gaining a deep understanding of the industry’s regulatory and environmental challenges.
David Cohen, with over a decade of experience in building the reputations of science and technology companies, has joined Xampla as PR & Communications Manager. Cohen’s expertise in the sustainability space will be valuable in strengthening Xampla’s marketing and communications efforts.
In addition to these new hires, Xampla has also promoted Scott Thompson and Katrina Curl to Director positions in its Technology and Marketing departments, respectively. This reflects the company’s growth from a startup to a global leader in plastic-free materials.
As Technology Director, Thompson will be responsible for scaling Morro materials through innovation, working with his team to develop new product offerings and optimize the material’s performance. In his previous role as Head of Technology & Development, Thompson played a significant role in bringing Morro Coating to market, resulting in partnerships with sustainable packaging giant Huhtamaki and Just Eat Takeaway.com.
Curl, who joined Xampla in 2021 as Head of Marketing & Communications, has been promoted to Marketing & Corporate Affairs Director, where she will lead the company’s global marketing and corporate affairs efforts. With her extensive experience in delivering award-winning marketing campaigns for renowned technology, FMCG, and retail brands, including Unilever, Canon, and Britvic, Curl has played a crucial role in Xampla’s growth, particularly in the launch of the Morro brand in 2023.
Xampla CEO Alexandra French expressed her pride in leading such an outstanding team and highlighted the importance of expanding their business development and marketing functions to support global growth. She also congratulated Thompson and Curl on their promotions, acknowledging their significant contributions to the company’s success.
Walker also shared his excitement about joining Xampla and being a part of the shift towards plastic-free packaging. He commended the company’s technology, developed by experts from the University of Cambridge, and its partnerships with leading players in the industry.
This news follows the recent announcement of Xampla’s securing a $14 million Series A funding round and its Morro materials becoming the first packaging material to be tested as plastic-free, as per REACH and SUPD regulations, by the UK’s National Physical Laboratory.
Friday 17 October, 2025
