Crotty leads Cogent

Tom Crotty of INEOS has been confirmed as the next chairman of Cogent Sector Skills Council to succeed Dr John Beacham CBE, who retired in mid-June.

Crotty is corporate affairs director of INEOS, chair of INEOS ChlorVinyls and currently president of the European Petrochemicals Association. He is also a board member of Plastics Europe, sits on the UK’s CBI Climate Change Board and is a recognised advocate for skills development for the process industries.

“I am looking forward to working with Cogent, its National Skills Academies and businesses across the sector to help the UK’s science-based industries punch above their weight in the global economy,” said the incoming chairman. “I’ve seen how Cogent’s model of research, consultation and skills forecasting provides employers and government with the intelligence to develop and deploy our scientific and technical skills to best effect. “

• The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), Cogent Sector Skills Council and the National Skills Academy Process Industries have signed a memorandum of understanding that recognises their common interest in promoting mechanical engineering careers in the science-based industries, and in establishing and maintaining standards of training, education and qualifications. The three parties are also to promote skills development and workforce development in the chemicals, pharma and polymers industries.