Dr Bizhan Pourkomailian

Background

Bizhan holds an Hons. Degree in Biochemistry, PhD in Microbial Physiology from Aberdeen University, MBA from Warwick University and is visiting professor at Cranfield University.

His professional career began in 1994 with Unilever conducting research in S. aureus, Bacilli and managing the botulinum laboratory. In 1997 he moved to Leatherhead Food International as Principal Scientist, engaged in developing, training and auditing food safety systems. January 2000 he joined McDonald's Europe as Food Safety Manager overseeing food safety systems across the European Supply Chain from land to hand. In 2015 he was promoted to Global Director for Restaurant and Distribution. In his career, Bizhan has been responsible for establishing, maintaining and driving for continuous improvement of food safety systems and requirements within it. He is on various advisory boards and committees with professional bodies and academia. Including EFSA emerging risk, BRCGS, FSSC and ISO.

Current activities

I support the Food Systems and Management MSc program in the School of Water, Energy and Environment. I assist the program through lectures and projects. I am also involved in partnering with the Director of Environment and Agrifood to connect with industry leaders in a forum of Industry Advisory panel to assist in improving teaching and research in the department.