- Costain’s Head of Process Engineering Dr Ollie Folayan MBE becomes 85th president of chemical engineering body
Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, is celebrating Dr Ollie Folayan MBE, its Head of Process Engineering, who has been named as the new president of the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).
Founded in 1922, IChemE is the UK based and internationally recognised qualifying body for chemical, biochemical and process engineers. It facilitates the development of chemical engineering professionals and has a network of around 32,000 members in more than 100 countries.
With more than two decades of experience spanning traditional energy industries and emerging low-carbon technologies including hydrogen and carbon capture, Ollie has become the 85th President of IChemE at a pivotal time for the profession, with chemical engineers fundamental to key challenges and developments, including decarbonisation, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.
As Head of Process Engineering at Costain, Ollie is responsible for delivering best-in-class engineering services across its energy infrastructure projects to build resilience into the UK’s energy system and advance the UK’s transition to low-carbon technologies.
“Chemical engineers possess an extraordinary ability to improve people’s lives, and with that comes a responsibility to ensure innovation is guided by societal and ethical awareness.
Dr Ollie Folayan MBE Head of Process Engineering at Costain
“Our success as a profession depends on our ability to adapt to emerging technologies while communicating our impact more meaningfully with wider society. I am relishing the opportunity to lead these efforts alongside my responsibilities at Costain, where we’re building resilience into the UK’s energy system through best-in-class engineering services, creating prosperity and a sustainable future for the UK.”
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.”
In addition to his work at Costain, last year Ollie was named as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, and he has been widely recognised for his advocacy work to improve diversity and inclusion across engineering. He is the co-founder of the Association of Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers and in 2023 he was awarded an MBE for services to diversity and inclusion in engineering.
Costain supports its people with professional qualifications across all levels and disciplines and has more than 900 chartered professionals supporting our delivery of best-in-class infrastructure. Sam Dale recently became the youngest Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (FRICS) via the Quantity Surveying and Construction Pathway.
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