The Materials Processing Institute Appoints Jonathon Stormon as Interim CEO
The Materials Processing Institute has appointed Jonathon Stormon from Hexagon Consultants as its interim CEO following Chris McDonald’s decision to stand down after nearly a decade at the helm.
This transition follows Chris’s selection as the Labour Party’s parliamentary candidate for Stockton North. The move allows the Institute’s chair and council to prepare the Teesside-based organisation for new leadership as they begin the process of recruiting a permanent successor.
Jonathon Stormon, a recognised leader in interim management and transformational business projects, brings 25 years’ experience across manufacturing, engineering, and construction sectors. Notably, he served as Head of Transformation for Liberty Steel Europe between 2019 and 2021.
Despite stepping back from daily operations, Chris McDonald will continue in a strategic advisory role, supporting the Institute’s Council, managing strategic partnerships, and ensuring a smooth leadership transition.
Chris McDonald’s Legacy
Chris, a former Manufacturing Technical Manager at Corus and Strategy and Collaborations Manager at Tata Steel, saved the Institute from closure in 2014. He relaunched it as a not-for-profit organisation focused on developing new technologies for the steel and metals sector.
Under his leadership, the Institute grew into a national and international innovation centre for advanced materials, industrial decarbonisation, digital technologies, and the circular economy. Current flagship projects include a £6.5m initiative to scale up the world’s first zero-emission cement and pioneering research into hydrogen extraction from steelmaking byproducts.
“It has been an immense privilege to lead the Materials Processing Institute over the last decade,” said Chris McDonald. “I am proud that we kept the flame of steelmaking alive on Teesside following the 2015 closure of Redcar steelworks.”
Looking Ahead
Jon Bolton, Chair of the Materials Processing Institute, commented:
“Chris has been a driving force behind the Institute’s transformation, and we are pleased he will continue to advise us. I’m excited to welcome Jonathon as interim CEO, who brings new energy and leadership as we prepare for the next chapter.”
Jonathon Stormon added:
“I am excited about the opportunity to lead the Institute. I have been impressed by its expertise and facilities, and I look forward to working with all stakeholders to drive the Institute’s growth and impact for the UK’s foundation industries.”
For more information, visit www.mpiuk.com.
