Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS

Working in Procurement, my role mainly revolves around trying to leverage INEOS’ position in the market to get the best possible deal from our suppliers. This could mean providing benchmark data to assist in local negotiations, attempting to align on specifications in order to go to the market for global pricing, or, in my role as contract manager, escalating on-site issues to the supplier’s higher management.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

I’m a huge sports fan, and follow football and cricket religiously! On a personal level, I play football and squash (although neither to a very high level!). I’m also a keen runner , having started running in 2012 to stay fit; following a back injury that ruled me out of other sports for around 6 months. Away from sports I am an avid reader and an overly competitive pub-quizzer!

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?

For me, the most exciting thing about the trip is the chance to push myself to the limit in such a remarkable location. Some of my fondest memories are running through the Brandenburg Gate at the end of the Berlin Marathon, or past the temples during the Angkor Wat Half. From what I’ve seen so far, Namibia will be on another level entirely.

What are you most apprehensive about?

The heat – as a boy from Carlisle I imagine the desert climate will be a shock to the system! Normally I do the majority of my running in Spring and Autumn, so 5 days of intensive exercise in the heat will no doubt be a real challenge.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

As with any challenge I set myself, my main goal is to be able to say at the end of it that I did as well as I possibly could. Beyond that I hope to come away with some great memories and hopefully a few new friends as well!

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS

I am a mechanical engineer on a Chlorine Manufacturing facility in Runcorn. I manage unplanned break downs and general maintenance/improvement tasks across the whole facility. I am also project managing a number of CapEx projects and responsible for the asset integrity of both the hydrogen compression plant and liquid chlorine storage and loading facility.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

I enjoy travelling abroad and exploring new cities, I am a mediocre snowboarder and skier and I love being in the mountains! Closer to home I enjoy eating out and socialising with friends.

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?

The amazing scenery, wildlife and tackling this challenge with my fellow graduates.

What are you most apprehensive about?

Flying out there!

Anything else you'd like to share?

I know this challenge will be difficult as the last time I did any form of cardio exercise was in high school. This challenge has given me the motivation to improve my fitness levels and begin to enjoy pushing myself.

Job description

Working with design contractor to reconfigure existing refinery units to increase operating capacity and improve reliability and energy efficiency

My interests

Running, cycling, hill walking, reading, cooking, travelling

Most apprehensive about

Camping!

Hope to achieve

A high fitness level that I can maintain after Namibia

My role

I am currently the Polyolefins Catalyst and Licensing business analyst for INEOS Technologies. My responsibilities include the management of the Profit and Loss forecast for Polyolefins Licensing, and the assessment of investment decisions.

My interests

Outside work I love spending time outdoors with friends. Exactly what I get up to depends on the time of year: cycling, hiking, running, skiing, or via ferrata (a cross between walking and climbing). I’d describe myself as a ‘plodder’; you’ll most often find me at the back of the group chatting, or feeding people sweets when the going gets tough to give them both motivation and energy. My aims are to always to keep putting one foot in front of the other, to appreciate my surroundings and company, and to keep smiling.

Job Description

As the Operations Accountant for INEOS Shale my daily job consists of controlling, monitoring and reporting on all expenditure and income incurred by the business relating to the exploration of unconventional oil and gas resources throughout the United Kingdom. I am also responsible for other elements of the finances, including managing day-to-day cash balances and related working capital ledgers and producing statutory accounts at the financial year-end.

Interests and Hobbies

My favoured pastime is boxing and I have been a member of various boxing clubs across the UK for almost ten years, training on a casual basis between my work and studies, with my eventual aim to compete on an amateur basis before I turn 30. I am also a keen motorsport and car enthusiast, helping my dad in his restoration of classic cars whenever I return to Cheshire, although I usually delay my visits until he has completed the project so I can just enjoy taking it for a spin!

Aspect Most Looking Forward to on InNam17

Much like many other people I enjoy experiencing the different environments and cultures provided whilst travelling to foreign countries, but in this particular instance I think the beauty of Namibia and the nature of the challenge will make this experience truly unique and I am looking forward to just enjoying being in the moment of it.

Aspect Most Apprehensive About InNam17

I think it would be top of most peoples’ lists but I would say injury. I am hoping to make it through the training and event without any serious injuries as I want to make the most of the experience. Besides that, the weather and temperature in Namibia and the challenge that poses is also quite daunting, especially having spent the majority of my life in the North of England and Scotland, I am not exactly conditioned for so much sunshine.

My role

As an Asset Care Engineer I am responsible for the mechanical integrity of the plant. I am involved in the technical specification and review of projects ranging from simple repairs to requisition, installation and commissioning of complex technical equipment.

My hobbies

I regularly play football, squash and attend the gym. Recently, running and cycling have also become hobbies!

What are you most looking forward to about the Nambia trip?

The feeling of completing such an intense, once in a lifetime challenge will be immense. Meeting and working with the entire team people involved is also a highlight.

What are you most apprehensive about?

Completing the marathon beforehand, this is a huge challenge and will take a lot of personal determination.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

A network of colleagues and friends, brilliant physical fitness and some great photos!

Day-to-day job at INEOS

I am responsible for all process control related matters on the Hull-site of INEOS Oxide. My work is primarily centralized around the DCS ((advanced) control strategies, alarm management, coordination with Honeywell for projects and maintenance...) but also involves functional safety (participation in HAZOPs and maintaining site ESD systems) and MIS-work (the layer between process control and IT: data interfaces, networking, data historization, cyber security...).
Occasionally, I assist in SAP-projects (for example setting up the maintenance and stores modules in Hull).

Hobbies

Travel, hiking (in the mountains)

What are you most apprehensive about?

I fear running when it is too warm (which in my definition is above 20 degrees ;-) ).

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

I hope to successfully finish the trip, resulting in a good story to tell my future kids 

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS

Working with the trading team here in London to facilitate the supply of Ethane and LPG into our European Crackers. Including working with of our new INEOS Dragon ships bringing in Ethane from the US Marcus shale. Recently moved to this role after 3 years in Product Management in INEOS Nitriles, a speciality business, so still getting use to the huge day to day volumes involved in the INEOS Trading and Shipping business.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

I've tried most sports out there over the years, some more successfully than others, and have always enjoyed staying active. A lack of really any hand eye coordination, and a casual acceptance of being hit in the face, meant that I moved to Mixed Martial Arts while at University which certainly kept me fit and ready. Since starting work for INEOS I've taken up running and really begun to enjoy it as a sport in itself rather than just a painful means to an end on the sports field. Which is great news as we have all just committed ourselves to running marathons in the desert!
Special Skills: I've seen just about everything on Netflix.

What are you most looking forward to about the Nambia trip?

In the past I've completed mufti day races in the Highlands, running events, cycling holidays, and the Three Peaks, but not all in one week! This I'm sure will set a very high bar for all future holidays or event.

What are you most apprehensive about?

As a Scot who sweats in 15 Degree heat I'm worried I'll disappear into a sweaty patch of sand in the middle of the Namibian desert.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

By the end of this journey I would expect to be the most physically fit I have ever been in my life. This in itself is a huge achievement but I hope that the training leading up to, and the event itself, will instill a discipline that will carry on with me ensuring I stay fit in the long run. There are a lot of other crazy trips I want to complete in the future and I need to be fit!

Anything else you'd like to share?

A suggestion for year 5 event - Extreme Relaxation Spa weekend....

Sporting Lowlight

Having to get out of the car to be sick when we were sat in a queue of traffic after a race

Qualifications/Experiences

MENG Mechanical Engineering

Key Likes

Generally being outdoors. Running and walking with my dog

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS

As a control systems engineer I do project engineering for instrumentation, valves and mostly analysers. As projects go, I receive a scope from the Process Technology Manager describing what production wants (for example: measure component A in stream Y, control flow X by measuring Z etc). From this I start searching a practical / achievable best fit solution for the request. After this I calculate the entire project cost for the control systems department from basic engineering to construction and commissioning. If afterwards the project gets approved, I start the engineering, buy the "equipment" and describe everything that needs to be done for installation and implementation.
With this job I have a lot of contact with a lot of different suppliers of measurement systems, control systems and valves.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

I'm a fitness enthusiast, training 3 times a week (and now +3 days of running).
I used to follow cyclo cross, soccer and F1, but this becomes less and less.
Another "hobby" is going out with friends and reading books.

What are you most apprehensive about?

The thing I’m the most apprehensive about is the physical recuperation when you cycle, run and hike 5 days in a row.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

A fulfilling and once in a lifetime experience, which I think can and will be life changing.
A feeling of: it can be done / anything is possible! If anyone told me at the beginning of June 2016, you will run a marathon in April next year and in may you will run, ride and hike 235km in Namibia (including a marathon in the desert) I would of told that person that he or she is crazy.

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS

I am a process engineer over one of our polyethylene units, R691. The line is a bimodal unit, very similar to the Gemini unit that is being built. My duties include assisting operations with reliability and quality challenges that occur. We want rates high and product in spec, and if it isn’t, it is my job to find out why. I implement small capital improvement projects, as well as being the process liaison for large capital projects.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

Hunting, fishing, softball, homebrewing beer (I have built a PID controlled electric brewing system in my garage that I am pretty proud of)

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?

I love to travel but I have never been to the African continent. My wife has been to Namibia and the stories she has told me about her trip serve as an inspiration. I think I am most looking forward to the mountain hike, enjoying the flora and fauna on the way up.

What are you most apprehensive about?

When I first heard of the challenge, my jaw hit the floor at the thought of running a marathon. I am no track star. I have been working hard but my biggest fear is not being able to keep up with some of the more experienced runners. I will definitely be the tortoise to their hare.

Anything else you'd like to share?

This trip is the opportunity of a life time. I just want to thank INEOS and the people helping with this trip for all the hard work they are putting into it. It really is a symbol of how unique INEOS is as a company.

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS

Day to day, work pretty intensively looking after all of our exposure to gas, power and emissions across Europe.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

I'm a very social person and love going out with friends, hosting events, speaking four languages...

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?

I'm looking forward to the sense of achievement at the end of each day... And the treats too- I heard there's tequila?

What are you most apprehensive about?

I'm pretty scared of dying... And also the long hot days of pain!

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS

I am one of three in-house attorneys based in Texas primarily supporting the North American Olefins & Polymers business. My role is to keep the business running. I service the transactional needs of the business relating to pipelines, feedstocks, site services and materials, rail, IT, licensing, polymer and olefins sales and many others areas. In addition, I assist with site service and material purchase, product sales, and other miscellaneous transactional needs of the North American Nitriles, Oligomers, Oxide, and Phenol businesses.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills

I am an avid outdoorsman. Nearly all of my free time is devoted to outdoor sporting activities in South Texas, extended river excursions in and around West Texas, and fishing on the US Gulf Coast.

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?

I am most looking forward to seeing a piece of Africa. I have always been fascinated by Africa and the landscapes and wildlife that make up so much of the identity of the continent. In time my wish is to visit all corners of Africa, and I could not think of a better and more challenging location to start than Namibia!

What are you most apprehensive about?

I am most apprehensive about the flight from Windhoek International to Cape Cross – that looks to be an extraordinarily small plane!

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS

My role is to give support to the maintenance division of our plant. This consist of giving technical advice about how we can get the most use out of an equipment and how to increase its lifespan. This can consist of making modifications, improving maintenance strategies, overseeing complex repairs, doing damage analysis, etc. In order to predict when a critical machine is about to fail, it is my job to analyse every possible piece of machine data that can help us to give the production department a look ahead, like a crystal ball and to advice them of the best move to make. This often requires a broad field of vision and a team based approach.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

Up until last year I was a crossfitter for about four years until some small injuries and a minor heart surgery held me back temporarily and took away my interest to do such an intensive sport. Another one of my hobbies grew as I had more free time to spend, namely Argentine tango. During the last few years I had the privilege of learning this beautiful complex dance at a high level with some very talented teachers, national and world champions. Some of this time - sometimes up to eight hours a week - I will now spend in my running shoes instead of in my dancing shoes as I am completely new to the running and cycling sport.

What are you most apprehensive about?

The discipline and dedication the training regime requires and this within strict deadlines. It is something that I have never done before. Not only the physical aspect of the challenge, but also the mental aspect of putting on the gear and running into the cold wintery streets. The thought of being able to participate on this trip is a real morale booster and provides the necessary motivation to keep going.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

Besides the bragging rights to some amazing stories, I hope to walk away with a strong network of friends and a sense of how far I can push myself.

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS

I recently changed from the position of Telecommunications Engineer to Process Control Engineer. Currently I’m following the necessary trainings to fulfill my new position. In my day-to-day job I’m currently responsible for the local and global network and the cyber security part of the business. I’m involved in differ projects such as the site security improvement project and different process and ICT network related projects.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

I do have a big interest in sports (running, walking, cycling) and nature. I try to perform different sports each day after work. I also try to organize events with colleagues to take part of sport activities such as shared marathons etc. Next to the aspect of sports, I like cooking and gardening. It’s fantastic to create different tastes with rare vegetables from your own garden. Next to this I do have a passion for the digital environment we face today and what changes it causes.

What are you most apprehensive about?

Physical injuries caused by the heat and intensive sport activities.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

To know that you are able to make it even if the conditions are extremely hard. That one is able to perform and reach results even though it isn’t obvious one can do. I know this will be a great experience for all of us and that we will have great memories on this trip.

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS

I am a mechanical reliability engineer over our Line 3 Polypropylene unit as well as the future Gemini HDPE unit. Some of my duties include assisting Operations in troubleshooting faulty equipment to ensure it runs reliably, performing root cause failure analyses, and assisting the Inspection group to ensure equipment is safe for continued operation. I also spec out new equipment and work with the Capital Projects group to implement reliability projects throughout the plant.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

My favorite thing to do is to play just about any sport, but I enjoy baseball and football (American) the most. I also enjoy fishing, hiking, and travelling with my wife. I usually always have a hobby that I get obsessed with such as woodworking, Milky Way photography, or collecting knives.

What are you most apprehensive about?

Running long distance. I’ve never been a long distance runner so thinking of a marathon is pretty crazy right now.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

I hope to get in better shape through the training, and to make a few new friends and memories in Africa. I enjoy working for and completing difficult goals for the feeling of accomplishment, and hope to gain that from this challenge.

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS

Overseeing the maintenance carried out on the KG furnaces. This includes: buying spares, carrying out repairs, planning shutdowns, co-ordination of contractors and managing costs.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

Recently I have developed a keen interest in running! I also play 7 aside football. I do youth work in my local church.

What are you most looking forward to about the Nambia trip?

Going to Africa on an adventure!

What are you most apprehensive about?

Getting sore feet then hobbling a marathon!

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

A medal of honour.

My Role

I currently provide technical support to the KG Ethylene Cracker investigating problems, making minor modifications to improve plant performance & maintain process safety. I am also working on the ethane and ethane plus projects to increase KG's ethane cracking capacity and leading a trial to improve operation reliability of environmentally critical equipment.

My Interests

I enjoy socialising and eating out with friends and family and I'm always planning my next holiday to find some warmth and sunshine since we don't get that much in Scotland! I regularly go to fitness classes at the gym varying from weights, yoga, spin and dancing but running is a new venture for me.

What are you most looking forward to about the Nambia trip?

Becoming a fitter & healthier person and of course visiting a part of the world I never thought I'd go to.

What are you most apprehensive about?

Continued running, cycling and hiking on consecutive days is going to be tough and I think that'll be difficult to prepare for. I'm also not an animal lover, I like the idea of seeing the local wildlife but hopefully from a distance!

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

To prove to myself that I can complete something I never even contemplated wanting to be able to do

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS

As production engineer you are responsible for one of the production units on site. In my case this is an alkoxylation unit, which is a batch process unit. A normal day starts with the evaluation (quality, efficiency, safety) of the produced batches of the previous day(s) and with solving possible production issues as soon as possible.
At longer term you are involved in improvement projects, introductions of new products, maintenance shutdowns. A lot of different aspects that make this job very interesting.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

For over 20 years already, you can find me several times a week in a swimming pool because I play water polo. What I love about the sport is the physical effort that you have to make and this combined with a tactical plan as one team. If I’m not in the pool I like to cycle or run and preferably in the nature, ideal to relax!
Next to sports, I enjoy to go out for dinner and drink a good glass of wine.

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?

Doing a lot of different sports in a fantastic environment! The opportunity we get to do physical challenges in such a great country is a once in a lifetime experience. I’m looking forward to be part of this.

What are you most apprehensive about?

Injuries and due to this not attending the event! But this motivates me to prepare myself in a good way: train enough, eat well and don’t forget to rest are crucial in my opinion.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

One year ago I never thought I would run a marathon and certainly not more than one in a year! If I succeed in finishing all the different milestones during the next months I will amaze myself (and my friends) about this performance.

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS

I'm working at the Tankfarm, Loading and Pipelines. Day to day I'm helping to solve any issues with the process control technology in the field and in the control room. I'm also involved in projects to increase the safety, the availability, the efficiency of our plant. The programming works for safety shutdowns systems and process control systems have to be reviewed by me and my colleagues.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

I really like sports, especially football. As I'm living in Cologne I follow the "FC Köln". But I'm also interested in the "VfL Bochum".
For my own I often go running after work or at the weekend. Apart from sports I love to travel with my girlfriend around the world, lying relaxed and read a good book.

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?

The most exciting circumstance about the Namibia trip is the challenge to stretch my own limit and I'm very excited to do this with a lot of kind colleagues. I know them for a few years now and I really like to meet them, to get a different look on things by different perspectives from different countries and different discipline backgrounds. Finding this experience in a fantastic location like Namibia is a great chance.

What are you most apprehensive about?

The day with a marathon followed by a trip on the bike looks apprehensive to my but I'm sure that I will overcome this challenge.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

At the end I hope to be mentally and physically stronger. But this is something I'm already realising today...

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS

I work on the Polymers Asset, providing technical support and assistance with any issues that may arise during plant operation. Additionally, I work on small improvement projects to improve the safety or efficiency of the plants from the initial design stage right through to post-commissioning.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

I am a keen sports fan and part of a group that play five-a-side football during the week in Grangemouth. I also play for my local brass band and have done so for over ten years.

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?

The sense of achievement and accomplishment that will be felt upon completing our time in Namibia will be great! Working as part of a team to complete a challenging task is always rewarding. I am also looking forward to relaxing and reflecting on the amazing experience with old and new friends.

What are you most apprehensive about?

I think the climate/heat will be the most worrying part; training through the winter/spring in Scotland is very different from tackling the challenge in Namibia.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

Since I’ve started training I’ve noticed a substantial increase in my base level of fitness so I hope to build on this over the entire journey and maintain a moderate level of fitness going forward after the event.

Anything else you'd like to share?

Thank you for the opportunity and good luck to all with the training!

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS

Leading the project "Exchange of the ACC in Cracker 4"

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

Football, travelling, adventures, friends, family.

What are you most looking forward to about the Nambia trip?

To have an unforgettable challenge with a great team in an exciting country.

What are you most apprehensive about?

About getting injured in advance or during the trip.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

Exceed personal limits and broaden ones horizon.

Anything else you'd like to share?

I´m really excited and looking forward to this great opportunity.

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS

As a Study/Development engineer my day to day job involves looking at established problems on the plant and determining the root cause. Following this, I develop potential solutions and take these from the conception stage through to a workable project.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

I regularly play football and attend the gym and over the past couple of years have also taken up mountain biking (although it must be said I am a bit of a fair weather mountain biker). Running is something I have done on and off over the years but have certainly had to pick this back up in preparation for this challenge having never ran more than a 10k previously.

What are you most looking forward to about the Nambia trip?

Honestly I am looking forward to the end. The sense of achievement having completed such a huge challenge is going to be incredible. The game drive on the final day sounds amazing.

What are you most apprehensive about?

At the moment I am most apprehensive about running the marathon in Rome prior to the challenge. A marathon is something that a year ago I would have been adamant I would never even attempt… yet now find myself on 16 week training plan for. Other than that, the heat. Generally for me, the hotter the better, but then normally I am on a beach with a cocktail rather than trying to run a marathon/climb a mountain in the middle of the desert.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

The main things I hope to achieve from this challenge are some great memories. This really is a once in a lifetime opportunity and so completing this challenge will be something that will stay with me for a lifetime. It will also drive me to push myself towards a level of fitness that I otherwise would likely never achieve and which I aspire to continue to improve upon.

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS

As Process Performance Manager in the PE-asset of Cologne I’m responsible for the two high-pressure LDPE-plants. Supervision of production, evolving optimization of product quality and plant performance are the main elements of my daily work.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

I love doing different kinds of sports like skiing, cycling, climbing, surfing, football, running, but my sporting roots is gymnastics since I’m seven years old. Over several years I made it to the second German league starting for Leverkusen, Mühlheim a.d.R., Cologne and finally Karlsruhe. With respect to my family and job I reduced my ambitions in gymnastics after over ten years in active team sport. Today I’m starting for Leverkusen in single competitions and in the team for a local league and thanks to INEOS found a new obsession in cycling and running.

What are you most looking forward to about the Nambia trip?

This will be my first visit of the African continent. Running and cycling is for me an absolutely new way to explore a country.
I’m looking forward to challenge my body and test my personal limits in a new environment.
I’m looking forward to do that in a group of friends found in the 1st and 3rd year events.
I’m looking forward to a unique experience.

What are you most apprehensive about?

After training over 28 years my high-speed strength and short-term physical stress it is somehow complete contrary to go running and cycling long distances. For distances up to 21K the changeover worked well, now the training for longer distances is ongoing. My body and muscles started to change but that is a long way to go or, more explicitly, to run.

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS

I help operations troubleshoot issues, perform MOCs, provide engineering support for capital projects and PHA/LOPAs, and monitor the operating envelope for our units.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

I am an avid musician, enjoying both acoustic and electric guitar as well as piano, violin, and drums. I also have a running background, having competed for Texas A&M University in Track and Field and Cross Country.

What are you most looking forward to about the Nambia trip?

I am most looking forward to the opportunity to meet coworkers from around the world as well as experience Namibia.

What are you most apprehensive about?

I am most apprehensive about the long miles we will be putting in - I will be doing my best to prepare!

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

I hope to build lasting relationships as well as to be able to gain the fitness to be able to complete the distances comfortably.

Anything else you'd like to share?

My wife Kayla, daughter Autumn, and son Daniel are my biggest supporters in preparing for Namibia!

Sporting Lowlights

Participating in big events is fun and rewarding. But I enjoy the training as much as the race itself. A while ago, I had a foot injury and was not able to do running or cycling for a few weeks. This felt as a very long time and was definitely a lowlight.

I studied chemical engineering at the university of Ghent. I’m employed as a production engineer which means I am closely involved with the daily operation of a chemical plant. Currently, I’m working on a bigger project which will increase production capacity.
I love spending my time with traveling. I really enjoy exploring the beauties of the world. Furthermore I definitely like to sport and for the little time that remains I play music.

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS

I am the interface between the sales team, the production and the planning for the Lavera Oxide Products.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

I like playing squash, swimming and biking. I also loves hiking in summer with friends until the hidden beaches of the south of France.

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?

To pass some incredible days with all the Namibia graduates from different countries and being proud of all the way we have done together.

What are you most apprehensive about?

I am apprehensive about hurting my knee. 6 months before we heard talking about Namibia I just did a ligament operation and it was very hard for me to train and recover myself to do the Namibia trip.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

I think I am going to feel as there is no limits when we try hard and I think is a very good thing to have always in mind.

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS

As HSE engineer I’m, among others, responsible for the site safety procedures, giving HSE advice, government contact, the site safety reports, fire water network operation and maintenance, facilitate external audits and inspections, etc.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

I’m a father, a real travel enthusiast, I love spending time with my family and friends, photographer, tennis player, skier.

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?

The team spirit and the spectacular scenery of Namibia.

What are you most apprehensive about?

Any injuries incurred during training or during the challenges.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

This challenge motivated me to improve my level of fitness and gave me the chance to start enjoying extreme physical exercises.