Rob Peeling: A Pioneer in Process Engineering and Innovation
Rob Peeling is a highly accomplished engineer, innovator, and facilitator known for his extensive experience in process engineering, research and development, and process safety. Over a distinguished career spanning several decades, Peeling has made significant contributions to advancing manufacturing technologies, improving process safety, and fostering innovation across multiple industries. His expertise is backed by strong academic credentials and professional affiliations, making him a respected figure in the engineering community.
Early Education and Foundation
Rob Peeling’s journey began with a solid academic foundation. He earned his Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Chemical Engineering from The University of Manchester, one of the UK’s leading institutions known for producing top-tier engineering talent. This education equipped him with the theoretical knowledge and technical skills necessary to excel in the complex field of chemical and process engineering.
Peeling’s commitment to continuous professional development is reflected in his memberships and fellowships in prestigious organizations such as The Institution of Engineering and Technology (MIET), the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), and the Royal Astronomical Society (FRAS). These affiliations demonstrate his dedication to staying at the forefront of technological advancements and industry best practices.
Career at Britest Limited
Rob Peeling currently serves as the Chief Technical Officer at Britest Limited, a role he assumed in June 2025. His long-standing association with Britest spans over nine years, during which he has held various positions including Technical Services Director and Senior Innovation Specialist. Britest Limited is a renowned consultancy and innovation company specializing in process understanding, particularly within the pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing sectors.
At Britest, Peeling leverages proprietary tools and methodologies to help organizations better define, structure, and translate process knowledge into actionable understanding. He facilitates complex training programs and offers expertise in process safety, risk assessment, and manufacturing innovation. His role also involves contributing to collaborative projects such as the Advanced Digital Design of Pharmaceutical Therapeutics (ADDoPT), aimed at integrating digital design and manufacturing processes for drug products.
Rob Peeling’s leadership and facilitation skills have been critical in driving successful process innovations, enabling companies to improve manufacturing capabilities while maintaining high standards of safety and efficiency.
Significant Contributions at Johnson Matthey
Before his tenure at Britest Limited, Rob Peeling held key roles at Johnson Matthey, a global leader in sustainable technologies, specializing in precious metals and advanced materials. Between 2010 and 2016, he served as the Engineering Research Manager at Johnson Matthey Technology Centre. Here, he managed research and development efforts focused on precious metals refining and played a pivotal role in multi-disciplinary R&D projects involving multinational collaborations.
Peeling’s work at Johnson Matthey was instrumental in establishing technical risk assessments as a core tool for managing complex process development programs. His leadership included driving technology understanding, fostering partnerships with suppliers, universities, and research institutions, and managing a team of highly skilled engineers. These efforts not only enhanced the company’s technical capabilities but also contributed to innovation in refining technologies and process safety standards.
Prior to this, Peeling was the Operations Manager at Johnson Matthey Vertec from 2002 to 2010. In this capacity, he introduced process improvement masterclasses that resulted in significant capacity increases, energy savings, and reductions in production changeover times. He also spearheaded new product manufacturing processes, demonstrating his ability to blend operational management with innovative engineering solutions.
Experience at Tioxide UK Limited and Synetix
Rob Peeling’s career also includes valuable experience at Tioxide UK Limited and Synetix, both key players in chemical manufacturing and catalyst development.
At Tioxide UK Limited, where he worked for nearly 13 years, Peeling focused on process development and engineering. His contributions included improving plant reliability through automation of start-up procedures, safety system optimization, and developing oxygen plasma heating technology. Notably, he was involved in patent applications related to innovative hazardous waste incineration technologies, showcasing his ability to innovate beyond traditional manufacturing processes.
At Synetix, Peeling held the position of Alcohols Technical Manager and Process Engineering Team Leader. He led projects focused on catalyst development and process design, demonstrating expertise in product innovation and training. His leadership on projects with substantial budgets and technical complexity highlighted his capability to manage cross-functional teams and deliver results aligned with business objectives.
Leadership in Professional Organizations
Rob Peeling’s professional achievements extend into his active participation and leadership in various professional bodies. He is a Chartered Engineer (CEng) and a Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers (FIChemE), reflecting his high level of competence and commitment to the engineering profession.
In 2022, Peeling was elected Chair of Congress for the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE). In this influential role, he leads the member advisory body and provides strategic feedback to the organization’s Board of Trustees. His work helps shape the future direction of the institution, ensuring it remains responsive to the evolving needs of its members and the wider industry.
Additionally, Peeling holds fellowship status with the Royal Astronomical Society and is an associate member of IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health), underscoring his broad professional interests and expertise in safety and engineering disciplines.
Expertise in Process Safety and Innovation Facilitation
A key pillar of Rob Peeling’s career has been his expertise in process safety and technical facilitation. He is a recognized leader in conducting Hazard and Operability Studies (HAZOPs) and other safety risk assessments, helping organizations identify and mitigate risks in manufacturing processes. His thorough approach to process safety ensures that innovation and efficiency improvements do not compromise operational safety.
Rob is also known for his skill as a technical facilitator. He excels at guiding cross-disciplinary teams through complex problem-solving processes, using structured methodologies to build consensus and drive innovation. His ability to translate complex technical information into clear, actionable knowledge has made him a sought-after consultant and trainer across industries including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, catalysts, and food processing.
Skills and Achievements
Rob Peeling’s professional skill set is diverse and impressive:
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Technical Facilitation: Proven expertise in leading workshops and training programs that help teams innovate and improve manufacturing processes.
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Process Engineering: Deep knowledge of process design, optimization, and scale-up in various industrial sectors.
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Process Safety: Extensive experience leading safety studies, risk assessments, and developing strategies for safer manufacturing environments.
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Innovation Leadership: Successful track record of introducing new manufacturing capabilities and driving continuous improvement.
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Team Building: Skilled in developing high-performing teams and managing multidisciplinary projects.
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Collaboration: Experience working with international partners, regulatory bodies, and academic institutions to advance technology development.
His achievements include implementing process improvements that have increased manufacturing capacity by significant margins, reducing energy usage, and shortening product changeover times—all while maintaining rigorous safety standards.
Conclusion
Rob Peeling’s career embodies the intersection of technical expertise, leadership, and innovation in process engineering. From his foundational education at The University of Manchester to his influential roles at Britest Limited, Johnson Matthey, and other prominent organizations, Peeling has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive progress in manufacturing technology and safety.
His active participation in professional organizations, combined with his facilitation skills and commitment to knowledge sharing, positions him as a key thought leader in the chemical engineering community. Rob Peeling’s contributions continue to impact industries where safe, efficient, and innovative manufacturing processes are essential for success.
As technology advances and industries face new challenges, professionals like Rob Peeling play a crucial role in shaping the future of engineering, ensuring that innovation goes hand in hand with safety and sustainability.
