Meet the Team

Ted began his career as a Senior Lecturer in Industrial Microbiology at the University of Wales in Cardiff, and served in the position until 1983. It was at this time that he then took the decision to start his own Consultancy business; known at the time as E. C. Hill & Associates. ECHA was born.

As his expertise and status in the industry developed, Ted was presented an Award of Council by the Institute of Petroleum (known today as the Energy Institute) for his time served as Chairman of their Microbiology Committee, and went on to become a Member of IMarEST as part of his contribution to the Marine Industry.

Throughout this time, Ted continued to serve at the helm of his growing business, and published over 250 technical and academic papers in the process. Serving as Managing Director of ECHA until 2012, and as Chair up until May 2018. Ted oversaw significant company growth during his tenure, and is still acknowledged as ECHA’s Founder.

Ted was without a doubt one of the most well-recognized figures in the field of industrial microbiology. He sadly passed away in July 2018.

Upon graduating from Southampton University in 1983, Graham began his career with the Microbiology Department at the University of Wales in Cardiff; before ultimately co-founding ECHA alongside his Father, Ted Hill.

Over the last 40 years, Graham has developed an unrivalled depth of knowledge and industry experience pertaining to microbiological and corrosion problems, and is author or co-author of more than 40 technical and academic papers.

As a result of this expertise, Graham has held several key positions in the industry over the years, including Chairman of the International Association for Stability, Handling & Use of Liquid Fuels (IASH) from 2008-09; Chairman of the Energy Institute’s Microbiology Committee from 2000-12; and is currently a Member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Technical Fuels Group. He also serves as a voting member of ASTM International and is actively involved in several of their committees (D02, E34 and E35).

Graham currently serves as Managing Director of ECHA, and has held the position since 2012.

Gisela is a long-serving member of the ECHA Board of Directors, and joined the company back in 1986. After graduating from Gottingen University in her native Germany with a Dr. rer. Nat. (PhD equivalent) in microbiology, organic chemistry and biochemistry, Gisela began her career with Beiersdorf AG, based in Hamburg.

Appointed as Head of the Microbiology Department at Beiersdorf, Gisela soon became the German National Representative in the Microbiology Sub-Committee at the COLIPA (Comite de Liaison des Synyndicats Europeens de l’Industrie de la Parfumerie et des Cosmetiques) in Brussels, and has had an active interest in the industry ever since.

It was also in this role that she worked with German Universities to organize and lecture at Extra-Mural Courses, and has been active in organizing many scientific symposia since.

Gisela has also authored a definitive work on the preservation of cosmetics and toiletries, and like many of our Senior Managers brings a wealth of industry experience and knowledge to her role.

Derek embarked on his professional journey at ECHA Microbiology after graduating from the University of Swansea with a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology & Zoology. With over three decades of dedicated service, Derek’s time at ECHA has been marked by his commitment to the field of microbiology.

Throughout his career, Derek has undertaken various pivotal roles within the laboratory and production facility, steadily ascending to his current position as Production Director. His profound understanding of microbiology, coupled with his hands-on experience, has been instrumental in driving the company’s success and solidifying its reputation as a global leader in the industry.

As a co-author of numerous technical papers and a key figure in the development of MicrobMonitor2, Derek’s expertise has been widely recognised within the industry.

Derek takes immense pride in the company’s ability to consistently exceed customer expectations and is deeply committed to fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment for all staff members.

Siân holds over 30 years of experience in Accounting and Finance, spanning various industries and sectors, including manufacturing companies like Sony Corporation and Faurecia. She has collaborated with the Welsh Government in roles at Sport Wales and Rhondda Housing Association and has also managed treasury operations within the financial services sector at GM Financial/Vauxhall Finance.

Throughout her career, Siân has held numerous key roles, including Financial Accountant at Sony, Group Financial Controller in the residential healthcare sector with Tracscare Group/Accomplish, and Group Finance and Operations Director for a corporate lettings company.

Siân joined ECHA as Financial Manager in 2019 and was appointed as a member of the Board of Directors in July 2023. In this capacity, she holds direct responsibility for Financial Management, as well as overseeing HR and IT strategies.

Gareth began his career working at Cardiff University, where he had previously earned both his First Class Honours degree and subsequent PhD in Microbiology. Working as a Quality Assurance Microbiologist, Gareth gained invaluable experience within the world of industrial microbiology, and has been developing his deep knowledge and passion for the subject ever since.

Earlier in his career, Gareth was also a part-time lecturer at the School of Health & Life Sciences in Cardiff, and has published more than 15 research papers to date pertaining to microbiology-related issues.

In his current role at ECHA, Gareth is responsible for the full range of Consultancy Services that the company provides, and is proud to serve his ever-growing client base with the extensive industry knowledge and experience he now possesses.

Gareth also supports and hosts many of ECHA’s Training Courses worldwide.

After graduating from Aberystwyth University with a degree in Biochemistry, Leon went on to obtain an MSc and subsequent PhD in Microbial Biochemistry from Cardiff University. Since his academic years, Leon has held several key positions relating to industrial microbiology, and was a Senior Research Scientist (Microbiology) for Avecia (which subsequently became Arch Biocides) for 8 years.

His areas of focus for research included biocide development and recreational water treatment, and as such Leon has since published several research papers and patents on the use of anti-microbials in water.

Given his strong scientific background, Leon heads up ECHA’s Laboratory and oversees all of the services that it provides. He is directly responsible for the team working within the Laboratory, and is also an integral part of the company’s R&D Programme.

Lucy graduated with a First-Class Honours degree in Biomedical Sciences before earning a PhD in microbiology at De Montfort University. Following her PhD, Lucy worked as a postdoctoral researcher at De Montfort University, specialising in infection control and the development of antimicrobials. During this time, she worked closely with industrial partners, with some of the research going on to inform infection control policies for industrial laundries. Lucy is both a Chartered Biologist and Registered Scientist and has published over 20 research papers to date.

Lucy joined ECHA in 2022 as a Research Scientist, where she is responsible for conducting research relating to microbial contamination in industry, and the development of new products and services.