DAN Marr has been appointed commercial director of Cross Hills-based Airedale Chemical.

He joined the Skipton Road company as marketing manager in 2011.

Mr Marr became head of marketing four years later and was subsequently appointed to the board.

In his new role, he will oversee the technical, compliance and marketing departments and continue to support the firm's expanding sales team.

"I am really looking forward to the challenges attached to the role," said Mr Marr.

"It’s crucial that we continue our forward momentum in the marketplace and uncover new opportunities where we can expand our presence."

The appointment is welcomed by managing director, Chris Chadwick.

"Dan originally headed-up our marketing department but over the last six years his role has diversified and increased in responsibility and he has excelled in all his positions," he said.

"The commercial director role is a new position and will be incredibly important to Airedale Chemical in 2019 and beyond.

"We head into an important year for the company as we continue our plans to expand into new markets and industries whilst considering possible challenges presented by Brexit."

The company has supplied speciality chemicals to the agriculture, food and drink, manufacturing and healthcare industries for more than 45 years.