Rethinking chemistry for a
greener future
Leading Holiferm’s growth through sustainable innovation
About
Built on knowledge. Driven by people.
As COO of Holiferm, Richard is on a mission to replace fossil and petroleum-based chemicals with green alternatives that don’t compromise on performance. With a background in biochemistry and nearly 22 years’ experience working in the chemical industry, he knows how to scale complex technologies at pace and drive real commercial value. He brings together R&D, manufacturing and strategy, making things work, and making them matter.
Since joining in 2020, Richard has helped Holiferm’s operations move from lab to pilot plant into full-scale production, as it pioneers’ fermentation-based biosurfactants that are now supplied across the world. He leads with instinct, insight and impact, focusing on what works, not just what’s new. A believer in fail-fast culture and practical innovation, he’s created a company built to move fast, solve problems and grow sustainably.
Richard is committed to accelerating the transition to a circular economy by developing sustainable, non-fossil-based, fermentation-derived ingredients for industrial and consumer products.
Purpose-led. People-focused. Commercially driven.
Richard’s leadership is shaped by three principles: be passionate, be useful, and never stop learning. He builds cultures where ideas thrive, teams collaborate, and mistakes are accepted as a necessary part of the process to move ideas forward. His dyslexia gives him a unique lens, favouring clarity, simplicity and human connection over corporate jargon.
Before Holiferm, Richard held senior positions at Libra Speciality Chemicals Ltd, Amec Foster Wheeler, and AMCOL International. He has scaled multi-million-pound product lines, developed major CapEx projects, and led international teams. Today, he applies that experience to a business with global ambition and local heart, operating from Manchester and Wallasey Liverpool , and exporting into major markets like the US and China.
Whether mentoring colleagues or convincing a board to back a bold idea, Richard brings energy, empathy and a deep understanding of how to turn great tech into real-world success.
Deep industry experience
Over 19 years in the chemical industry.
Delivering growth
Managed a chemical portfolio generating annual revenues of £28.5million with EBITDA growth from 10% to 14% between 2018 – 2019. Instrumental in scaling Holiferm, leading to the establishment of a 1.6KTA biosurfactant plant.
Investment backed vision
Developed the commercial business case for a 64,000 TPA £3.5 million betaine plant. Part of £32 million fundraise for Holiferm.
Industry Leadership
Board member of the Bio-Based and Biodegradable Industries Association (BBIA).