INEOS stalwart named as new IBioIC chair

The Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) has appointed Dr Peter Williams, Group Technology Director and Head Of Investor Relations at INEOS, to lead its governing board and support the centre’s continued impact on the growing bioeconomy.

Dr Peter Williams, Group Technology Director and Head Of Investor Relations at INEOS

 Peter has more than four decades of experience in the chemicals industry and currently sits on the UK's Building a Green Future Advisory Board, having previously been a council member of the UK's Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. His career at the multinational chemicals producer began in 2006 as CEO of INEOS Technologies and before that, he spent over 20 years with BP.

Peter is also a member of the Supervisory Board for Avantium NV, a Netherlands-based business which is in the process of commercialising a bio-based polyester.

Peter will oversee IBioIC’s strategic efforts to strengthen the bioeconomy in Scotland and the UK, helping companies and startups in a range of sectors to translate research into large-scale innovation, using more sustainable bio-based processes and materials. Since 2014, the innovation centre has played a significant role in the growth of the industrial biotechnology sector in Scotland and beyond, helping to attract £35 million in additional funding for research and development.

Peter Williams said: “IBioIC is already making an important contribution to the development of a bioeconomy by guiding companies towards funding and investment opportunities, helping with skills development and offering expertise and specialist facilities for scale up. The centre’s network has grown significantly over recent years and further geographical spread will be a key part of its continued success.

“Bioindustries in Scotland are gaining momentum, and the redevelopment of the central belt will create even more opportunities. At IBioIC we have a pivotal role to play in developing these industries by helping small companies to navigate the difficult path towards scale up and commercialisation of new materials from sustainable feedstocks.

“The UK has an excellent research technology base, but needs greater success in translating new ideas into commercial realities for the benefit of the UK economy. This is where the IBioIC can make a real difference, and I look forward to working with the team to try to achieve this.”

Mark Bustard, CEO of IBioIC, added: “Peter is a fantastic addition to the board and has a wealth of experience from a career in the chemicals industry that will be incredibly valuable in shaping the future direction of IBioIC. His work supporting startups and entrepreneurs is well aligned with our mission and we look forward to having Peter join us at our annual conference next month, where he will have the chance to meet with some of our member organisations and partners from across the biotechnology community.”