Management Team

As Managing Director Shaz is responsible for leading all aspects of the business and brings significant experience after more than 20 years in leadership roles across different aspects of the chemical industry.  Initially in the Biotech-Pharma industry starting in operational roles, including Engineering and Operations; Shaz then moved into the chemical industry in roles growing from General Management, Global Procurement and Commercial Head of a Global Division.

Shaz has a depth of understanding of how businesses run.  Strategy setting and providing leadership to his teams throughout his career has been his strength with a real focus on delivering improvement.  With international experience, across different functions and markets Shaz leads the Briar team driving the business towards manufacturing excellence supporting our global partners.

As Head of Engineering, Syed is responsible for all of the engineering, maintenance and project activities on the site and is a member of the Senior Management Team.

Syed has over 25 years of asset management experience in the heavy engineering industry mainly power generation, managing several high value new and upgrade projects within the power and pharmaceutical industry. He is very passionate about developing skilled engineering resources and new engineers, taking an active role in professional institutions.

Syed holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering and is a Chartered member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and a Fellow Member of the Institute of Leadership and Management.

As Transformation and Systems Manager, Nick is responsible for leading the company’s technology strategy and managing overall IT operations and customer service.

Nick has experience in IT strategic planning, project management and operations, supporting companies worldwide.

Nick holds qualifications in IT service delivery (ITIL), Project Management (Prince2) and IT security (GICSP & GSLC) as well as being an active member of the British Computer Society.

Robin has over 25 years’ experience in the chemical industry, starting off as a shift chemist, working way up, via process development, to plant management. Robin has managed both batch and continuous processes, and been involved with many improvement projects, from small scale new vessel introduction, to larger scale plant expansion and modernisation.

Robin has an honours science degree, and an M.B.A.

As Logistics Manager, Richard is responsible for the efficient flow of raw materials to site and the timely despatch of finished products around the world by land, sea or air.

Richard has over 30 years’ experience in the chemical manufacturing industry, with the last 15 years in supply chain management. Richard holds a degree in Chemistry.

Mark has 25+ years of experience in the ceramic, technical ceramics and COMAH industries in which he has held numerous senior positions.

Working internationally with multi-functional teams and diverse cultures coupled with an understanding of social science, Mark believes and champions that people are the success to the business.

Mark is a graduate of Staffs and Keele University in Stoke on Trent as well as EEMUA and COMAH expertise.

As Production Unit Leader, Ian is responsible for the safe, reliable and efficient operation of his plants.

Ian has over 12 years’ experience across engineering and operations. Starting in the industrial gas industry working for a global leader, he worked his way up to plant management, managing the technical, resourcing and planning elements of the site.

Ian holds a Masters in Chemical Engineering from Imperial College London.

As Commercial Manager, Derrick is responsible for managing key accounts, identifying strategic & tactical partners, together with implementing Briar’s growth focused commercial strategy.

Derrick has over 25 years’ experience across the Speciality Chemical, Petrochemical and Lubricant industries, working internationally with global blue chip customers and partners.

Derrick brings a wealth of Commercial knowledge & experience, having held several Senior roles with both “household” industry leading companies and contract manufacturing/private label lead companies.

Derrick is focused on using this broad experience to deliver strong commercial growth at Briar Chemicals.

As Head of HR & Training, Rosalind is responsible for Briar Chemicals people agenda; attracting and retaining talented people and building a diverse and inclusive work environment which allows employees to succeed in equal measure to deliver high business impact and performance.

With over 15 years’ experience within HR and Learning Development, Rosalind is passionate about providing HR solutions, attracting high calibre talent and building strong performing teams.

Rosalind holds a Law Degree and CIPD Level 7 Advanced Certificate in Human Resource Management.

As QHSE Manager for Briar Chemicals, Mark is responsible for safety, health, security and environmental control, including waste management.

With over 20 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, Mark started his career in R&D for Glaxo Welcome before moving into the agrochemical industry, supporting sites in the UK and across the globe.

Mark holds a degree in Medical Physics, a diploma in Occupational Hygiene and is a Chartered Safety Practitioner.

As Operational Excellence Manager, Graham is responsible for all production and manufacturing activities on the site and is a member of the Senior Management Team.

Graham has over 25 years’ experience in plant management, technical support and process development through his years working for Bayer CropScience, Aventis CropScience and Rhone-Poulenc Agriculture.

Graham holds a first class honours degree in Chemistry and Physics from the University of Brighton and is a Chartered Chemist and member of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

As Finance Manager, Sharon reports to the CEO and has a direct role in providing financial leadership, strategy, information and support to the rest of the management team and the wider business and has responsibility for all areas of financial compliance.

Sharon has more than 25 years of accounts experience across public and private sector, as well in accountancy practice.