David Atkinson Email Address

R and D Director, Industrial

Afton Chemical uses its formulation, engineering and marketing expertise to help their customers develop and market fuels and lubricants.

David Atkinson has worked in Lubricants Technology since joining Castrol in 1991. Since then he has worked in research, passenger car engine oil development, transmission oil development, industrial lubricant development, vehicle manufacturer liaison and technical support. In 2004 he took over the leadership of the Castrol Technology team which is responsible for long term lubricants research, and the Investigational Analysis team which deals with "forensic" analysis of product and field issues. In September 2008 this role was expanded to include BP's Fuels Technology activities. In April 2011 David moved to Industrial Lubricants Technology within Castrol to work on identification and assessment of high potential 3rd party technologies, and in August 2012 became the Manager for Passenger Car and Motorcycle Oil development at Castrol. On 1st January 2013 David moved to Afton Chemical to take up the role of R&D Director for Industrial Lubricant products. In this role he is responsible for developing future strategy and the technology roadmap for Industrial lubricant additives; identifying and developing responses to emerging trends and risks in the Industrial segment; and leading a team of managers and professionals to develop new products for the Industrial SBU including industrial gear, hydraulics, turbine, wind turbine, slideway, and grease. David has a degree in Chemistry and a PhD in Polymer Chemistry from Birmingham University Specialties: Lubricants Technology - product development and strategy, research, testing and technical support. Fuels Technology - research and product development