Nigel Hirst: 2023–2024

Nigel Hirst has been involved in process design and project management for many years, including responsibility for plant operations in the UK and Asia. His background in speciality chemicals, activated carbon and ion exchange resin manufacture equipped him well for his role in running a diverse group of companies.

He has been an employee of large public companies, private companies and has led a successful management buyout.

As CEO of Haden Freeman Group he was responsible for companies operating in consultancy, design and build, risk management, lean process improvement, facilities management, and manufacture of fired heaters and flare tips. Manufacturing sectors served include chemical, environmental management, nuclear, oil and gas, and pharmaceutical. Projects have been carried out in many parts of the world, with a long and successful track record.

He maintains a keen interest in the higher education sector and was a member of the Industrial Advisory Board of a large UK university's chemical engineering department, performing a small role as facilitator during a major reorganisation.

He has also been a trustee/chair of trustees of several charities over several decades, in the fields of music, education and social mobility. He is a passionate believer that opportunities in education and entry to professions should be open to all, not the preserve of the privileged few.

He also brings experience of the financial services sector, having had the role of Local Chairman at Yorkshire Bank for ten years.

View the recording of Nigel's Presidential Address.