The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) has announced that Chartered Chemical Engineer Yvonne Baker OBE CEng MIChemE has been appointed as its new Chief Executive Officer. Yvonne will take up the post from April 2023, following Jon Prichard’s decision to step down from the role in September 2022. 

IChemE is one of the professional engineering institutions licensed by the Engineering Council to assess candidates for professional registration, as well as monitor the conduct and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) of registrants.

A former Engineering Council Trustee, Yvonne is currently Chief Executive of STEM Learning, the largest provider of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and careers support to schools, colleges and community groups across the UK, a role she has held for twelve years. Yvonne was awarded an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the late Queen’s 2022 New Year Honours List for services to STEM education.

Yvonne said: "Having started my journey in STEM as a chemical engineer and having been a member of IChemE since 1986, joining the Institution as its Chief Executive Officer is a great honour and hugely exciting.

I look forward to working with the Board of Trustees, Congress, volunteers and the expert staff team to help deliver IChemE’s ambitious plans to ensure that members are appropriately represented, and their contributions widely recognised.”

David Bogle, IChemE President, said: "I am delighted to announce Yvonne as IChemE’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). She brings a wealth of senior leadership experience managing membership organisations as well as working with a wide range of different stakeholders.

As a chemical engineer and IChemE member herself, Yvonne fully understands the requirements of our members and I am confident that she will drive the Institution forward to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead."

For more information, please visit the IChemE website.