Oxford Flow appoints oil and gas veteran

The Oxford University spin-out, which is backed by Oxford Sciences Innovation (OSI) the £500 million investment company committed to commercialising the best ideas from Oxford, has developed a pioneering range of pressure reducing valves and other technologies for managing gas and fluid flow across a range of applications.

Poxon’s appointment follows the recent recruitment of Chairman Douglas Hansen-Luke, an expert in the Middle East, as the company signs its first Gulf region deal with the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA) in the UAE.

Poxon brings with him almost 30 years of experience in the global oil and gas industry, in a career spanning Europe, the Middle East and the US. Having spent the earlier portion of his career in roles at TR Oil Services, Petrolite, and Champion Technologies, in 2000 Poxon became the regional manager of US-based CETCO Oilfield Services, where he launched and developed the business’ UK and wider Eastern Hemisphere market. In 2006, he moved to the Industry Technology Facilitator (ITF) where, as managing director, he led the transformation of the organisation from an industry-owned not-for-profit technology facilitator to the largest and most respected supporter of oil industry technology worldwide. Following this, in 2012 he became CEO of ProSep Inc., a business providing specialist process separation solutions and surface treatment technologies for unwanted production of solids, water and other contaminants in the oilfield.

Finally, in 2015, Poxon joined Peak Well Systems, a leading specialist in the design and development of advanced downhole tools for well intervention, as its Global Business Development Director, responsible for all sales, marketing and business development activities. His move to Oxford Flow comes after the acquisition of Peak Well Systems by oil and gas technology firm Schlumberger.

At Oxford Flow, he will be responsible for growing the innovative engineering business’ client base and overseeing the further development of its product range of pressure reducing valves (PRVs), which were designed by Oxford Professor, Tom Povey – now the business’ technical director – in the course of his research into jet engine designs. Smaller, lighter and more stable than competing designs, the valves have no diaphragm. This gives them a ground-breaking reduction in maintenance costs. The valves have been proven in water distribution applications, and are also available for gas distribution, process industry and oil and gas markets.

Discussing Poxon’s appointment, CEO Simon Hombersley, who launched the business with Professor Povey, said: “We’re fortunate to have secured such a strong industry figure as Neil, with his impressive track record in growing technology businesses in oil and gas markets and his experience of innovation. I’m excited to be handing over the business to Neil as he grows the business through the next stages.”

Poxon added: “This is a genuinely innovative business, which has created a product that can make a tangible difference to the operations and profitability of businesses working in a number of sectors.

“I’m impressed by both the product and what has been achieved so far and look forward to working with the team to build on this success.”

Oxford Flow Chairman, Douglas Hansen-Luke, said: “We’re grateful to Simon for building the business in the launch period, and we’re delighted to bring Neil’s world class skills into Oxford Flow for the next phase. Our vision is to be a world leader in valves and smart infrastructure, with Oxford Flow’s technology in every pipeline on the planet within a generation. Neil’s experience of successfully building – and exiting – businesses in oil and gas markets puts the company in a strong position as we grow to achieve our ambition.”

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/07062017/oxford-flow-appoints-oil-and-gas-veteran/