AFBE-UK co-founder Dr Ollie Folayan MBE has become the 85th President of the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), one of the world’s leading professional engineering bodies.
Dr Folayan, who is head of process engineering at a major UK infrastructure engineering company, has assumed the role succeeding Professor Raffaella Ocone.
With more than 25 years of experience spanning traditional energy industries and emerging low-carbon technologies, including hydrogen and carbon capture, he takes office at a pivotal time for the profession as chemical engineers play an increasingly important role in addressing challenges around decarbonisation, industrial innovation and technological advancement. Alongside his engineering career, Dr Folayan also set up AFBE-UK (Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers) with his sister Dr Nike Folayan.
Dr Folayan said his presidency would focus on helping the profession adapt to rapid industrial and technological change while reinforcing the central role chemical engineers play in the energy transition. He will hold the office of IChemE President for the next 12 months.
Dr Folayan said: “Chemical engineers possess an extraordinary ability to affect the lives of others, and with that comes a responsibility to ensure innovation is guided by societal and ethical awareness.
“Our success as a profession depends on our ability to adapt to emerging technologies while communicating our impact more meaningfully with wider society.”
Yvonne Baker, 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.”
After serving as President for 2025-26, Professor Octone will continue to support the Institution as Immediate Past President. Throughout her presidency she focused on strengthening the role of chemical engineering in addressing societal challenges while promoting ethics, inclusion and public trust across the profession.
His appointment marks another significant milestone for a career that has combined technical leadership with a commitment to widening participation and creating opportunities for under-represented groups across the engineering profession. He was awarded an MBE in 2023 for services to diversity and inclusion in engineering.
Dr Folayan co-founded AFBE-UK in 2007 to support greater ethnic diversity across engineering and create pathways for future generations of talent. Today, the organisation works with industry, academia and government to encourage more people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds to pursue careers in STEM. The social enterprise has hosted programmes across the UK, including regular events in Aberdeen and Edinburgh.
In 2025, Dr Folayan was elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (FREng), one of the highest professional honours in UK engineering. Fellowship is awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to engineering and technology, recognising their leadership, innovation and impact across the profession. Dr Folayan lives in Aberdeen with his wife and daughter.
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