Robert (Robin) Cameron Paul: 1990–1991

Robin Paul was born in July 1935 and was educated at Rugby School. As the son of a doctor he was preparing to follow in his father's footsteps until he was influenced towards chemical engineering by a school master. Together they visited a production site at Oldbury owned by Albright & Wilson and that resulted in the change of career direction.

After finishing his studies at Rugby he spent two years' national service as an engineer in the Sappers, before studying chemical engineering at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge.

On leaving Cambridge he joined ICI Mond Division, and took on roles in design, experimental work and plant management, before becoming works manager of the Castner Kellner plant in 1971. At this stage ICI offered him two years at central personnel in London and he became director of ICI Fibres in Harrogate and then Deputy Chairman of Mond Division from 1979.

Seven years later, in 1986, he returned to the company where it has all started for him - Albright & Wilson - as its Deputy Chairman.

Since returning to Albright & Wilson, Robin Paul has also held a high profile role as Chairman of the CBI's environment committee and launching its action programme; as well as taking on the chair of the Chemical Industries Association's fuel and energy committee where he argued the industry's case for competitive energy.

As far as his association with IChemE is concerned he became a Fellow in 1984 and also served an earlier term on Council from 1984 to 1987. During this period he led a working group which produced the "Paul Report" on ways of improving public perception of the image of the discipline and the profession. He also served as Vice President from 1989 to 1990 prior to taking on the Presidency.