I joined AkzoNobel in January 2013 as Head of Manufacturing for Ashington. Before joining AkzoNobel, I was a Plant Manager for Rio Tinto Alcan at the Aluminium Smelter in Ashington, where I worked for twelve years. Prior to this, I was a Navigator on Marine Exploration Vessels for six years, conducting surveys in various regions of the world.

I believe a sustainable culture for industry is built upon on a fundamental desire to learn and grow in a high challenge, high support environment. AkzoNobel recognised this culture in the Pitmen Painters which inspired them to invest in the North East and build upon the strong culture that already existed here. We need to encourage and inspire this culture within the next generation so that they are proud of our heritage in Northumberland and also proud of themselves, so they that have the confidence to believe they can succeed in whatever they choose.