Simon leads the CDI Global European Chemicals Team and has over thirty years’ experience in the chemicals industry, including seven years as global commercial director of Ineos Silicas. He holds a degree in chemical engineering and a postgraduate diploma in European Competition Law.

Simon worked as an engineering trainee for Unilever, before rising through the ranks in the commercial function at ICI, Ineos and PQ. His experience includes sales, marketing, procurement, business development, general management and M&A. He has wide geographical knowledge, having lived and worked in the UK, the Netherlands and Brazil. In 2007-2008, he was a key part of the Ineos team that assembled the PQ joint venture with Carlyle. Since 2010, he has advised chemicals industry clients on topics ranging from product and market development through to strategy, corporate development and M&A. In 2016, he project managed the integration of a $300m acquisition for Synthomer plc.