Solvay

In this high-impact role at Solvay, I've been a transformative leader, steering the company towards innovation, sustainability, and global competitiveness, while laying the groundwork for future executive leadership:

• Visionary Leadership: Shaped the short, medium, and long-term innovation portfolio, setting the stage for sustainable growth and reinforced industry leadership.

• Strategic Financial Stewardship: Leveraged financial acumen to secure €20 million in innovation grants, optimizing resource allocation and fortifying our competitive edge.

• Sustainability as Strategy: Pioneered a holistic sustainability agenda, achieving a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions and laying the groundwork for carbon neutrality, thereby aligning corporate goals with global sustainability imperatives.

• Global Collaborative Networks: Established strategic alliances with academic and research institutions worldwide, amplifying our innovation capabilities and mitigating business risks.

• Operational Excellence: Managed a multi-disciplinary team of chemists and engineers and a significant budget (OPEX and CAPEX), driving innovation, efficiencies and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

• Innovation in Decarbonization: Led comprehensive scenarios for green hydrogen initiatives worldwide, in conjunction with other breakthrough strategies aimed at decarbonization, positioning Solvay as a thought leader in sustainable solutions.

• Co-Leadership in Business Development: Co-led the business development efforts for Solvay’s proprietary myH2O2® technology, exploring partnerships for commercialization and market entry.

The strategic initiatives and transformative leadership demonstrated in this role have not only driven significant advancements in innovation and sustainability but also propelled me closer to my aspiration of assuming executive leadership positions, where I aim to further leverage my expertise for organizational growth and global competitiveness.

Process Innovation Manager & Sustainability Champion- GBU Peroxides

In this foundational role at Solvay, I harnessed my technical and managerial expertise to propel operational excellence and strategic alignment, laying the groundwork for subsequent leadership positions:

• Global Operational Impact: Supervised technical and procedural effectiveness across eighteen chemical plants worldwide, contributing to an annual turnover of approximately €900 million.

• Strategic Industry Insight: Kept a finger on the pulse of industry shifts, scientific advancements, and regulatory landscapes, orchestrating proactive strategies that fortified our competitive positioning.

• Expertise in H2O2 Production: Provided global support to all hydrogen peroxide plants, leveraging my deep-seated expertise in the H2O2 production process to enhance operational efficiency and product quality.

• Leadership in Innovation: Facilitated technical teams in industrial trials and coordinated technology improvement programs, advocating for the industrialization and start-up of new production units.

• Technical Proficiency in SMR Technology: Developed significant expertise in Steam Methane Reforming technology for hydrogen production, broadening the scope of technical support provided to global operations.

• Crisis Management & Problem-Solving: Deployed advanced process knowledge to preemptively identify and resolve complex challenges, exemplifying crisis management and leadership acumen.

• Technological Adaptation: Championed the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies to drive efficiency and productivity gains, showcasing a forward-thinking approach to technological adaptation and digital transformation.

The technical and managerial competencies honed in this role propelled me towards advanced positions. My efforts in technological adaptation and innovation not only enhanced operational efficiencies but also readied me for higher leadership roles, aligning with my aspirations in Innovation, Sustainability, or Operations.

GBU Peroxides Technology Engineer & Digital Champion

In this multifaceted role at Solvay Portugal, I showcased my technical and managerial expertise across various organizational areas, laying a solid foundation for advanced roles:

• Unit Design, Commissioning & Optimization: Designed, installed, and commissioned new units, while troubleshooting and upgrading existing processes. Notably improved the energy consumption of the sodium chlorate unit by 4%, and revamped the site layout post the shutdown and demolition of several units, optimizing operational flow.

• Process Analysis & Quality Improvement: Assessed and refined operational procedures utilizing engineering tools, leading to enhanced process efficiency. Conducted a capability study that halved the number of quality complaints in sodium chlorate, significantly elevating product quality.

• Project & Laboratory Management: Led projects managing cost and time constraints in collaboration with subcontractors, and supervised laboratory accreditation, personnel, and compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations. Oversaw equipment maintenance and calibration ensuring analytical process reliability.

• Demolition Management & Safety Compliance: Entrusted with the leadership of the team responsible for the complex technical operation of demolishing deactivated plants, ensuring significant risk mitigation. Accomplished the task with zero incidents, showcasing a paramount commitment to safety and environmental standards.

• Policy Compliance & Standardization: Ensured adherence to established policies, standards, and protocols, maintaining operational consistency and quality.

The blend of technical, procedural, and managerial initiatives undertaken in this role significantly contributed to operational excellence and prepared me for escalated responsibilities in future assignments.

Production Engineer & Analytical Services Manager

In this foundational role at Solvay Portugal, I honed my expertise in health, safety, and environmental (HSE) management, laying a robust groundwork for subsequent advanced roles:

• Environmental Compliance & Sustainability: Ensured adherence to environmental regulations, fostering a safe and responsible workplace. Spearheaded projects to enhance sustainability and operational efficiency, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to environmental stewardship.

• Regulatory Reporting & Guidance: Prepared comprehensive environmental reports to ensure transparency with stakeholders. Provided strategic guidance on the applicability of environmental laws to plant operations, aiding informed decision-making.

• Stakeholder Engagement & Communication: Cultivated positive relations with Portuguese authorities and relevant partners, facilitating open communication and collaborative problem-solving.

• Project Implementation & Management: Led key improvement initiatives in the environmental domain, demonstrating adept project management and a commitment to continuous operational enhancement.

The competencies acquired and the impact made in this role significantly contributed to my professional growth, preparing me for more complex and impactful roles in HSE and operations management.

Deputy HSE Manager

APQuímica - Associação Portuguesa da Química, Petroquímica e Refinação

Embarking on my professional journey at AP Química, I honed a blend of technical, regulatory, and stakeholder engagement competencies, laying a valuable foundation for future career advancements:

• Technical Advisory & Compliance: Provided pivotal guidance on technical matters, ensuring informed decision-making. Managed the national implementation of Responsible Care®, advocating for enhanced safety, sustainability, and responsible chemical management practices.

• HSE & Sustainability Analysis: Conducted thorough analysis of health, safety, environment, and sustainability-related laws to ensure compliance and inform strategic planning.

• REACH Regulatory Proficiency: Developed a strong acumen in REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) regulations, offering valuable insights to associates and stakeholders.

• Stakeholder Engagement & Communication: Offered robust support to associates, fostering productive relationships. Served as a liaison with official entities and stakeholders, facilitating effective collaboration and information sharing.

• Knowledge Sharing & Publication: Authored publications in the field of Responsible Care, contributing to the industry's knowledge base and showcasing my growing expertise.

The hands-on experience and diverse competencies acquired in this role played a significant part in shaping my career trajectory towards more specialized and leadership-oriented positions in HSE and operational management.

Technical Advisor for Responsible Care

Seasoned professional with an 18-year track record in the chemical industry, currently serving as Innovation Leader at Solvay. Deeply committed to sustainability in its full spectrum - environmental, social, and economic - every innovation project I lead aims to make a holistic positive impact. 

I take great pride in being people-focused, not just project or result-focused. Driven by the purpose of fostering a more sustainable world, I am dedicated to empowering those around me to reach their full potential. 

My sprinting days in the 100m and 200m races during the 1990s instilled discipline and focus in me, values I carry into my leadership roles. My passion for track and field led me to become a university track and field coach, enriching my coaching skills and shaping my leadership identity. 

Currently expanding my business horizons through an MBA. 

Open to connecting with like-minded professionals passionate about driving change and contributing to a more sustainable future.

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