Mike Parker was appointed as Group Chief Executive of BNFL in August 2003. At the end of June 2009 he completed his role following the successful privatisation of the businesses of BNFL. He is currently the Senior Independent Director of Invensys plc, Non Executive Director of SNC-Lavalin Inc (a Canadian engineering and construction company), Non Executive Director of PV Crystalox Solar plc, a Trustee of RoSPA, Chairman to Liverpool’s Economic Development Company, Liverpool Vision and Chairman of Street League, a national charity that utilises football to engage with inactive 16-25 year olds. 
 
Mike was born in Liverpool and received a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Manchester and an MBA from the Manchester Business School.
 
He began his career with Dow in 1968, serving in  a wide variety of jobs in research, manufacturing and the commercial area working in the USA, UK, Switzerland and Hong Kong. He subsequently became President and Chief Executive Officer of The Dow Chemical Company and a  member of the company's Board of Directors.
 
He has also been a board member of the American Plastics Council, the American Chemistry Council, the Dow Corning Corporation and  the National Legal Centre for Public Interest in America.