IChemE's new President Dr Ollie Folayan looks to the future
9th June 2026
IChemE has welcomed Dr Ollie Folayan MBE as its 85th President, succeeding Professor Raffaella Ocone. Currently Head of Process Engineering at Costain, Dr Folayan has more than two decades of experience spanning traditional energy industries and emerging low-carbon technologies including hydrogen and carbon capture. He assumes the presidency at a pivotal time for the profession, with chemical engineers fundamental to key challenges and developments, including decarbonisation, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.
Dr Folayan said his presidency would focus on the IChemE helping the profession adapt to rapid industrial and technological change while reinforcing chemical engineering’s central role in the energy transition. He described the path to net zero as a “patchwork rug” of solutions spanning emissions reduction, process efficiency, hydrogen and carbon capture, adding that chemical engineers would remain essential to delivering sustainable industrial progress.
“Chemical engineers possess an extraordinary ability to affect the lives of others, and with that comes a responsibility to ensure innovation is guided by societal and ethical awareness,” said Dr Folayan.
“Our success as a profession depends on our ability to adapt to emerging technologies while communicating our impact more meaningfully with wider society,” he added.
Alongside his engineering career, Dr Folayan has been widely recognised for his advocacy work to improve diversity and inclusion across engineering. He co-founded the Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE-UK) and was awarded an MBE for services to diversity and inclusion in engineering in 2023.
Yvonne Baker OBE, Chief Executive of IChemE, said: “Dr Folayan brings extensive experience across both traditional energy sectors and emerging low-carbon technologies, alongside a strong commitment to inclusion, professional development and the future of engineering. His leadership comes at an important time for both the profession and the industries it supports.”
After serving as President for 2025-26, Professor Raffaella Ocone will continue to support the Institution as Immediate Past President. Throughout her presidency she focused on strengthening the role of chemical engineering in addressing societal challenges while promoting ethics, inclusion and public trust across the profession.
“It has been a privilege to serve as President during a period of significant change for both the profession and wider society,” said Professor Ocone. “I am proud to have championed the importance of ethical leadership, diversity and research in shaping a fairer and more sustainable future for chemical engineering, and I look forward to continuing to champion these areas as Immediate Past President .”
Further details on Dr Folayan’s Presidential Year and upcoming IChemE activities will be shared in the coming weeks via the Institution’s website and member channels. Find out more about IChemE's events.
What is chemical engineering?
Chemical, biochemical and process engineering is the application of science, mathematics 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. Energy, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, synthetic fibres and clean drinking water are just some of the industry sectors and products where chemical engineering plays a central role.
IChemE
The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) advances chemical engineering's contribution for the benefit of society. We facilitate the development of chemical engineering professionals and provide connections to a powerful network of around 32,000 members in more than 100 countries.
We support our members in applying their expertise and experience to make an influential contribution to solving major global challenges, and are the only organisation permitted to award Chartered Chemical Engineer status and Professional Process Safety Engineer registration.