Hayward welcomed as new chair of NEPIC

Dai Hayward has been appointed chair of the North East of England Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC).

With a long history of supporting the growth of its members, NEPIC is currently the largest process cluster in the UK, representing more than 320 member companies.

Hayward was a founding board member during NEPIC’s inception in 2004, and rejoined the board in 2018.

He enters the new position as he departs the role of CEO at Micropore Technologies, which he had held since November 2009. Micropore is an authority on microparticle and nanomedicine engineering using scalable membrane technology. Hayward, also Micropore’s co-founder, takes over from IChemE Fellow Roger Kilburn who has been NEPIC’s chair for the last 12 months.

Speaking about his appointment, Hayward said: “I am honoured to take on the role and I am dedicated to continuing the great work Roger has implemented during his tenure as chair.

“I am keen to progress the opportunities available in our industry. As an ex-council member of the Chemical Industries Association, past chair of its Responsible Care Board and SOCSA and past chair of the Yorkshire Chemical Focus, I hope to utilise this knowledge and experience within my new role, including how we can continue to promote STEM across the region.”

Kilburn said: “I feel positive about leaving the future of NEPIC in Dai’s very capable hands. I have thoroughly enjoyed leading the organisation in a new direction this past year and I am excited to see where Dai will take it next.”

Joanne Fryett, interim CEO of NEPIC, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Dai as our new chair. I have no doubt his dedication and years of expertise in the sector will lead us well [through] our next phase of NEPIC.”

Haywood has previously spoken to The Chemical Engineer to discuss Micropore’s membrane technology.