Mark Chadderton
CEO, Aspiring Materials
Mark joins Breakthrough Energy’s Innovator Fellows program from Aspiring Materials in Christchurch, New Zealand. He has broad engineering, operational and management experience from across a range of industries. As Chief Executive Officer of Aspiring Materials, Mark focuses on plant design, business fundamentals and operational readiness.
Aspiring Materials has developed a mineral refining process to transform magnesium-rich rocks into a wide variety of products capable of offsetting up to three tons of CO2 for every ton of rock. These products are needed for the green energy transition that is occurring worldwide. Through the Fellows program, Aspiring Materials plans to scale its technology for a pilot plant that will provide the foundation for global industrial operations.
Mark possesses a deep passion for process design, optimization, and business transformation, which is reflected in a career marked by extensive expertise in overseeing plant builds, commissioning, and start-up initiatives. His experience ranges from orchestrating the intricacies of small-scale production lines, to spearheading mega-projects on a global scale. Mark earned a Bachelor of Chemical and Process Engineering (with 1st Class Honours) at the University of Canterbury, did post-graduate studies in Dairy Science at Massey University, and received an MBA from Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh.
Q&A
What is the most impactful book that you have read?
The Gruffalo, by Julia Donaldson: This book, among countless others, served as a nightly ritual for bedtime stories with my daughters. It serves as a constant reminder, grounding me in the purpose and significance of my work on this development for them and future generations.
What beliefs drive you?
Honesty, integrity and safety are non-negotiables, very few have been given the opportunities I have – so it’s incumbent on me to help others and give back to society, I’m far from perfect & it’s ok to be wrong, and if I continue to observe, listen & learn I can get better (continual learning is the journey I’m on).
Share a fun fact about yourself:
I am a triplet with two identical twin sisters, who are both doctors (practicing anesthetists) with a passion for sewing!
What is your favorite word and why?
Inconceivable – from the “The Princess Bride”, need I say any more?
More Team Members
