NEPIC launches search for successor to chief executive Stan Higgins

It follows the news that Dr Stan Higgins, who has headed the Teesside-based body representing the chemical processing industries and supply chain since its creation in 2004, is to retire this summer.

NEPIC companies now manufacture half the petrochemicals and more than one third of the pharmaceuticals in the UK. Under Higgins’ leadership the cluster has been a powerful advocate at government and regional levels for a more co-ordinated approach to industrial development and domestic energy policy.

Stan is a tough act to follow but has left an exciting opportunity for the next chief executive

Ian Swales, chair, NEPIC

Announcing his decision to step down, Higgins remarked: “With the fantastic support of our members, we have managed to keep this business in surplus since its inception; with all profits being directed into activities to promote and grow the process industries in North East England.

“The new CEO will have a great time representing a great industry which is always looking towards rejuvenation and growth.”

NEPIC chair Ian Swales added his tribute to Higgins, citing his contribution to the industry: “Stan is widely respected throughout the process sector and has done a truly outstanding job in bringing NEPIC to where it is today. [He] is a tough act to follow but has left an exciting opportunity for the next chief executive.”

NEPIC’s advertisement for Higgins’ successor calls for: “a dynamic, experienced Chief Executive to fulfil this high-profile role and lead NEPIC into its next period of growth and impact.” Its remuneration offer includes a package of “up to £100k”.

The deadline for applications is 24 March.

NEPIC facts:

• 2004 – formed from merger of Teesside Chemical Initiative (base chemicals) and P&S Cluster (pharmaceutical and life science)
• Industries: petrochemicals, polymers and materials, fine and speciality chemicals, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and renewables
• Contribution – £3bn gross value added to North East and UK overall
• Assisted 90 process sector investments valued at £4bn, securing 5,000 jobs
• First UK cluster to win European Secretariat for Cluster Analysis (ESCA) Gold label for management 2014
• Stan Higgins voted European Commission EU Cluster Manager of the Year 2014
• 2007-2014: NEPIC Annual Dinner Awards hand out £158k including £62k for young achievers and apprentices, £90k to support STEM projects within 45 local schools, plus £6,000 in support of new exporters in the region
• Funds Ashok Kumar Fellowship POST annual parliamentary placement 2010