Head of Europe
Teams: Strategic Advocacy, Growth and Engagement
Locations: United Kingdom
Dr Richard Leese is the Institute’s Head of Europe within the Strategic Analysis, Growth and Engagement team. Richard provides oversight and strategy for European activities and manages an expert team based in London.
Richard is a chartered environmental scientist with over 30 years’ experience in the process industries. Following 10 years in the chemical industry managing environmental, safety and regulatory affairs for a group of chemical sites, Richard joined the British Cement Association (now part of the Mineral Products Association). At the Mineral Products Association he simultaneously held two roles: Director – MPA Cement and Director – Industrial Policy Energy and Climate Change where he represented the cement industry nationally and internationally. Whilst there Richard appeared multiple times as an expert witness in UK House of Commons and House of Lords select committees.
Richard is a former board member of the UK Emissions Trading Group and former chair of the Energy Intensive Users Group representing steel, chemicals, paper, glass, ceramics, mineral products and industrial gas sectors on energy costs and energy security.
Richard also has recent corporate experience in one of the world’s largest building materials businesses as Vice President – Decarbonisation.
Richard has a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and Master of Science in conservation biology with a Ph.D. on the implementation of environmental policy and its influence on clean technology adoption.
