IChemE Board of Trustees accepts decision of Deputy President to not proceed to become President in 2019

IChemE Board of Trustees accepts decision of Deputy President to not proceed to become President in 2019

2nd November 2018

Yesterday, (1 November 2018) the President and the Board of Trustees accepted the written and verbal decision of the Deputy President, Dr Andrew Thompson, to not proceed to become President of IChemE at the Institution’s Annual General Meeting next May. In his letter to IChemE President Ken Rivers, Dr Thompson stated that owing to a combination of professional and domestic circumstances, he had concluded that it was no longer in his own interest or that of the Institution for him to proceed in to the role. 

In his letter, Dr Thompson further commented:

“Since the AGM, I have come to understand that many of the ideas, ambitions and concepts that we had as members on the ‘outside’ (remote from the Trustees) had requested, are already in motion and meet with many of our expectations. This is hugely encouraging and while there is still much to do, the direction of travel is excellent and the speed of change appropriate to an institution of our standing. The Institution is in good hands, and in better shape than was apparent to the wider membership at the time of my appointment. 

The Board of Trustees respects Dr Thompson’s decision and is greatly encouraged by his commitment to work diligently and passionately for the Institution for the duration of his time as Deputy President. For the remainder of his term Dr Thompson will provide a vital bridge between the Board of Trustees and the newly elected Congress, support the Strategy 2022 roll out by the Board of Trustees and continue in his role as the Chair of the newly formed Communications Panel Committee. 

Commenting on Dr Thompson’s decision, Ken Rivers, IChemE President said:

“Andrew is clearly a great believer in IChemE as the institution supporter for all chemical engineers around the world. He really is a members’ champion. This is an authentic and brave decision and many would have not have had Andrew’s self-awareness to put the Institution first. I admire this greatly. I have no doubt he will be a very strong institutional supporter and reformer for many years to come. I sincerely hope so.” 

The Board of Trustees will confirm following their meeting of 17 January 2019 the process of electing a new President.

What is chemical engineering?

Chemical, biochemical and process engineering is the application of science, maths and economics in the process of turning raw materials into everyday, and more specialist, products. Professional chemical engineers design, construct and manage process operations all over the world. Oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, synthetic fibres and clean drinking water are just some of the products where chemical engineering plays a central role. 

IChemE

With an international membership exceeding 40,000 in around 100 countries, the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) aims to be the organisation of choice for chemical engineers. It promotes competence and a commitment to best practice, advances the discipline for the benefit of society and supports the professional development of its members.

IChemE is the only organisation to award Chartered Chemical Engineer and Professional Process Safety Engineer status.