Herb Askew is a scientist who has acquired financial and legal expertise, business knowledge and commercial acumen over more than 30 years. Originally a research chemist with Castrol, later Chief Research Chemist, he was responsible for a variety of new products. Work at both Burmah Oil and Alcan Chemicals involved provision of board level strategic advice, especially related to high tech chemical operations, and the acquisition of companies in the USA and elsewhere. Latterly he has been involved with technology transfer at Isis Innovation, especially the formation of some 15 spinout companies, and sat on a number of those Boards representing the University of Oxford. He was IP Director of Oxford Biosensors until his formal retirement early in 2009.
Herb Askew is skilled in identifying opportunities, especially in speciality chemical and biotechnology fields, and managing complex interacting issues in bringing those to commercial fruition. Results are obtained through a methodical focused approach combined with the ability to think laterally. He has experience in research management, technology transfer as well as company acquisition and spinout formation. His recent roles have been primarily in IP Protection, licencing and commercialisation.