How did your career in the lubricants industry begin?

Lubricants was a complete change of industry for me. I started my career in the finance department for Arla, where I qualified as an accountant. I then moved to the pharmaceuticals company, Teva to work in commercial analysis and procurement, before spotting the role at ROCOL advertised. Chemicals and pharma have some overlap, and my background in finance comes in handy when looking at things such as cost impact. I guess you could say I just slid in.

How long have you worked at ROCOL and what attracted you to the company?

I joined in March 2018 so I’ve been here just under 3 years. Having not been in the industry previously I had not heard much about ROCOL before joining, however I could tell throughout the interview process that it was a friendly, down to earth and entrepreneurial place to work.

What are your favourite parts of your role?

I think it’s great to see how the work of the Sourcing team can directly impact and improve the margin of the products we sell. Whether through Savings Projects, supplier negotiations or communicating market information to Commercial teams.

How do you spend your time outside work?

My main passion and hobby is to travel and see new places – in non-Covid times that usually means a lot of time planning trips and then most days of Annual Leave spent abroad.

My favourite trip so far has been when I visited Brazil. The people were so friendly and both the cities and countryside were stunningly beautiful. It has some of the most amazing beaches I’ve ever visited as well as having great a great cultural scene. Trips to Antarctica, Madagascar, the Galapagos Islands, Malawi and Nepal have all been amazing trips too.

When not doing that I’ll take my mountain bike out locally, cheer on Leeds United & Leeds Rhinos or head up to the Dales/Coast/Moors.

Share one fact that your colleagues wouldn’t know about you.

My life ambition is to visit 100 of the world’s countries – so far, I am up to 58 but on temporary pause due to Covid.

As soon as I can, I’m keen to visit the Comoros Islands which lay between Madagascar and Africa in the Indian Ocean. They haven’t been westernised by chain hotels and the like, so it would be fantastic to explore. After there, trips to Tonga, Samoa and the Philippines are also high on the list of places I’m excited to visit.