Bryan W Milton

Job Title: Global Aviation Managing Director

Studied Chemical Engineering at Heriot Watt University

Responsible for the world's largest supplier of aviation fuel. How did this happen?

I graduated from Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh with a degree in Chemical Engineering. From a number of job offers I chose ExxonMobil for one reason.................the people. I felt an immediate kinship with the style of working, the attitude of people, the visibly supportive team environment and the professional yet relaxed approach.

19 years later and I feel that this is still the number one strength of our company and the key to our success.

I showed up as a green grad at Fawley Chemicals site in Hampshire and jumped straight into a real time responsible job applying my engineering know how as a plant technical support engineer. I found it so gratifying to contribute early and to be able to learn and grow in this practical manner.

After a couple of years in technical/project roles I was lucky enough to be given the chance to supervise a manufacturing team running one of the Chemical units. This was my first experience of the buzz of achievement through your team and I am still very proud of the sustainable results that team continued to deliver, even after I moved on.

After a number of leadership positions in the UK I moved to Chemical HQ in Houston, Texas. My first job there could not have been more different from the operations leadership role I came from. The staff position to one of our senior leaders exposed me to a huge range of experience relating to how global businesses are run.

After that I took on marketing management for one of our global businesses...migrating from the US role, to incorporating the whole of the Americas to finally setting up the global team after the Exxon merger with Mobil.

In 2003 I was lucky enough to be involved in running a major global change program within Chemicals which delivered huge value to our bottom line. Again, an experience which stretched and tested but was ultimately enjoyable and rewarding.

For the last 18 months I have moved again.............back to the UK to look after our global Aviation fuels business. Serving all the major airlines, private and corporate jets and the world's militaries brings a whole new perspective to the term "global". It is a great business, with great people, a great team and a great work ethic. After all these years that sounds familiar!!