Speakers
Chris McDonald
Session
Chris McDonald MP was appointed Minister for Industry in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) on 11 September 2025. His responsibilities include advanced manufacturing, chemicals and plastics, infrastructure, green jobs and skills,green growth sectors and industrial decarbonisation. He was elected as the MP for Stockton North in July 2024.
Chris studied Chemical Engineering at Cambridge, graduating with BA and MEng degrees. He also completed an MBA at the University of Warwick. Before becoming an MP, Chris spent 20 years working in the steel industry, with a focus on research. In 2008, he became a laboratory manager within the research division of Tata Steel. In 2014 he led the divestment of the Materials Processing Institute from Tata Steel UK, becoming CEO. Chris is also a Fellow at the Royal Academy of Engineering.
Tina Sejersgård Fanø is responsible for the Planetary Health Biosolutions division in Novonesis. The division enable innovative biosolutions that improve the health of the planet through reduced use of energy, chemicals and water, help get more output from fewer raw materials and reduce waste and emissions. Tina has worked her way through the organization holding a number of positions in applied research, production, marketing, sales and business development. Tina has significant experience in developing and managing global partnerships and has been instrumental in negotiating several major business deals for Novozymes over the years.
Since 2016 she has been part of the executive management team and is currently leading the Planetary Health Biosolutions division as Executive Vice President.