IRSG Names New Secretary General

The Singapore based International Rubber Study Group (IRSG) has announced that Dr Stephen V. Evans will take on the position of group secretary general on January 1, 2010, following the end of incumbent Dr Hidde Smit’s tenure. Dr Evans, notes an IRSG statement announcing his appointment, has been involved in the elastomer industry for the past decade and operated his own consultancy business since late 2008. The qualities he brings to the position include “extensive experience in biotechnology, business and marketing development as well as strategic management and research skills.”

Much of this strength in biology comes from Evans’ academic days and work experience at Kew Gardens, and according to the IRSG he is able to readily relate to the issues facing the rubber growing industry plus its environmental challenges and opportunities. The group adds that, having operated in the synthetic elastomer arena for more than ten years, first with Shell then Kraton Polymers, Dr Evans brings with him a strong awareness of the industry, analytical skills including scenario planning plus a close involvement with the International Institute of Synthetic Rubber Producers as a past committee member. Throughout his life, the IRSG adds, he has tended to operate as a “gatekeeper”, enjoying strong interpersonal skills within a multicultural environment.

“Dr Evans relishes the challenge of pulling together all elements of the complex, and fragmented, elastomer industry value chain and has the confidence to co-ordinate the players to work together to develop an integrated solution for the common good,” continues the IRSG statement. “He possesses extensive experience in marketing plus the value and economic rent to be gained from the presentation and use of high quality analytical information. During his professional life Dr Evans has also lived in Japan for three years and worked extensively throughout all regions of the world.”