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Jose Bravo’s role within Shell Global Solutions (US) Inc. is primarily business development activity in the USA, Canada and Latin America. However, Bravo was recently appointed to one of eight chief scientist positions within the Shell Group in his specialty areas of physics and physical separations.
The role of chief scientist was created to reinforce the Shell commitment to science, technology and innovation. Each chief scientist has internationally recognised expertise in individual fields. They deliver innovative technology that has a strong impact on wider business development. Jeroen van der Veer, chief executive, Royal Dutch Shell plc, notes: “I believe these appointments will help us retain, value and develop that expertise, which will not only be good for the individuals, but also for our business and the energy industry as a whole.”
Chemical engineering has always intrigued Bravo, in particular separation technology, and he worked briefly as a consultant chemical engineer before becoming a lecturer at the University of Texas, USA. At the university, he put together and ran a research programme into separation technology for chemical plants and refineries. The programme’s close links with industry demonstrated Bravo’s focus on application. Securing funding from industry, getting facilities built and watching students and their work benefiting our partner companies were very satisfying, enthuses Bravo. Being able to connect students with industry and then to see them excel was especially gratifying.
In the last five years, Shell Global Solutions has been particularly successful in translating its energetic separation R&D programme into licensable technology. Bravo, who joined Shell Global Solutions in 1996, was instrumental in stimulating this profitable work and he sees it as one of his career highlights.
Bravo is a world-renowned expert in separation technology and his work was recognised in 2003 at the American Institute of Chemical Engineers’ (AIChE) annual meeting. Commenting on his move to business development Bravo says, It would have been relatively easy to remain in the field where I had been successful, but I wanted to embark on a new course and face new challenges. Shell Global Solutions obliged and focused my energy and skills on business development in the USA, Canada, and Latin America.
Bravo will combine his chief scientist role and business development work in what looks to be a new and challenging endeavour. Bravo concludes, I am excited about the challenges, opportunities and responsibilities of being a chief scientist. I see the role as having three dimensions: to assist Shell during its journey towards unsurpassed technology excellence; to be an ambassador for Shell in the world of science and technology; and to serve as a role model for other technical people in and outside Shell while positioning the Group in the eyes of potential young recruits who have technical excellence in their hearts. | 