Graeme Purdy
An entrepreneur specialising in chemistry-based companies, Graeme is the Chief Executive Officer of Ilika: a successful start-up that promotes an innovative approach to materials discovery through speed of execution and science-led approaches to experimental design.
- Graeme joined Ilika in May 2004 as CEO, where he is focused on leading the company to build on past successes discovering new materials for diverse market segments ranging from the fuel cell sector to electronics applications.
- Ilika specialises in materials discovery through the use of thin film research methodology to create new inorganic materials, the application of polymer science and leveraging expertise in crystallographic analysis.
- Before taking his MBA at INSEAD in France in 2000, most of Graeme’s career was been spent at Shell International, where he worked all over the world in a variety of technical and commercial roles.
- He decided to apply for the course because his work was becoming increasingly focused on the business end of the operation.
- After gaining his MBA Graeme took a directorship at Avantium Technologies, which provides high throughput screening for product and process development for blue-chip clients in the pharmaceutical and chemicals industries.
- Avantium’s strategic investors include Shell Chemicals, Pfizer and WR Grace.
- The MBA gave him a strong education in business and, in particular, a firm basis for learning about mergers and acquisitions.
- Being an SMF offered Graeme the opportunity to work in an innovation setting.
Topics for comment:
•innovation
•‘start-up’ experience
•business funding
xe-commerce
•international business development
xwomen in business
xcreative career development
Industry spokesperson – start-ups and funding
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