Dr Ollie Folayan MBE becomes 85th president
The Institution of Chemical Engineers (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. To find out more about IChemE’s events, visit its website.
