Detailed History

Chemical Search International Limited, Based London, UK Founder and CEO January 2000 – present Founded and launched Chemical Search International (CSI) in January 2000 after analysing the market for chemicals executive search and spotting the opportunity. Rapid success led to development of business plan, marketing, securing finance, operational structuring, designing services, first website and professional database. Established unique model to gain broader market reach by building an executive advisory board, now over 90 strong. These are independent, contracted consultants (M&A, strategy, deep sector specialists) who develop business and extend research. Expanded team over the years based today around 3 hubs – EMEA, USA and Asia. Developed partnerships with providers of executive coaching and psychometrics before this became commonplace to further differentiate the service offering to our clients. Negotiated partnership and joined global organising committee of Chemspec events. Set up ‘Careers Clinic’ and presented at events since 2008; Europe, ME, USA, Asia. Invited speaker at ‘HR in Chemicals’ conferences; Paris, Barcelona, Atlanta, India. Today CSI is well established in the chemicals sector with an excellent reputation and is especially strong in commercial and consulting roles worldwide up to VP level. Air Products & Chemicals PLC, Based Hamburg, Germany European Business Manager | Polyurethane Speciality Products Sept 1994 – Oct 1999 Reported jointly to European Business Director Polymers, based NL and Corporate Development Director, based USA. Performed two roles; European Business Management of the market’s highest performance resins for cast elastomer applications (PSP) and business development of the game-changing water-based high-performance polyols business for industrial coatings applications (ICR). Externally hired 2 technical service professionals, matrix-managed 7 country sales executives (UK, NL, Germany, France, Italy, Nordic), helped establish and drove business via 4 distributors (Germany, Italy, France), managed key accounts directly in Germany, Spain, NL and Turkey. Travelled about 80% during these 5 years. Segmented and rationalised the PSP business, working with corporate technical services in the US to optimise the portfolio for Europe. Focused sales activities strongly on differentiated products, successfully replacing ‘me-too’ accounts with defensible technology. Achieved approximate doubling of turnover and improved the profitability dramatically over 5 years before eventual business sale. After rigorous market analysis and business development to major coatings companies across Europe, achieved proof of concept and first commercial-scale sales of ICR’s unique zero-VOC, water-based high-performance polyols to Dutch global coatings company. Achieved significant sales of acrylic-urethane hybrid polymers for automotive applications in Germany and wind-turbines in Denmark. Air Products & Chemicals Inc, Based Allentown, PA, USA / Surrey, UK Business Analyst / Corporate Development – July 1991 – Sept 1994 Joined the Advanced Career Development program (CDP scheme – one of only 2 MBA’s hired in Europe in 1991) and was assigned for 1 year to the Advanced Separations group in UK. My role was to develop a new market for nitrogen-generating technology, replacing entrenched cryogenic technology. Involved market analysis and persuasion of own matrix sales team and the client. Achieved largest ever sale to a UK utilities major. Following this success was promoted by European VP Chemicals becoming the first-ever CDP transfer to the US headquarters. Joined 2-year fast-track program in business analysis, corporate planning, acquisition scouting and ultimately market preparation for launch of a recently licensed coatings technology product. Spent one year as the business analyst for Specialty Amines, providing detailed modelling and financial analysis for a major tolling contract with German major which I supported during a board presentation for investment (funding approved). Successfully identified a market for waste streams from the production as an asphalt additive. Researched the market and rigorously pursued sales targets, achieving a successful multi-million dollar profit on sales to a TX-based client. Second year was spent in Chemicals Corporate Planning where my role was to identify potential acquisition targets for the industrial coatings resins business. I prepared dossiers and compiled intelligence on 25 target businesses resulting in approaches to 3 significant European manufacturers for potential carve-out. This included presentations with senior management to counsel in NYC and London. S.G Warburg, based London, UK Chemicals Equity Research Analyst Sept 1987 – Apr 1990 Provided analysis and investment recommendations on all UK-quoted chemicals stocks. I became the lead for specialist sales to brokers and institutional clients. Represented company at many analyst meetings, events, investment roadshows and provided daily market commentary to institutional brokers in London and NY. In 2 years from unranked, achieved 8th place in London for chemicals in the 1989 Excel ranking.