Neil is the Unilever Biotechnology Leader, as well as Homecare R&D Biotechnology and Biosourcing Director. He obtained first class degree in Biology at Portsmouth University in 1993, and a PhD in Industrial Biotechnology in 1996.

In early roles at Unilever, he worked on enzymes and protein technology for both the chemical businesses and the antibody company Unipath. During this time, he jointly established a spin out company with Unilever Ventures for applications of biomolecules in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industry.

In 2005-06, he led on Biotechnology at the Unilever Port Sunlight R&D lab, to support the categories in advancing new technologies. In 2012, he took on the R&D programme Director role leading Disruptive Sustainability Technologies, taking on the discovery of new biotechnologies and green chemistries for opportunities in Unilever’s portfolio. From 2018, this evolved into the role today – Biotechnology and Biosourcing Programme Director – leading to the commercialization of high value and specialty chemicals across the Homecare business.

In 26 years at Unilever, Neil has successfully commercialised a range of new ingredients with suppliers in our product portfolio, and was awarded Unilever scientist of the year in 2016/17.

In recent years, he has developed new business models and relationships to match and drive the technology readiness of new innovation through to commercial realization. Recent examples include joint development and commercialisation of Rhamnolipid biosurfactants with Evonik, and more recently a new R&D alliance with Arzeda in Protein Engineering and discovery of new Enzyme catalysts.