Benjamin Hook

Benjamin Hook has a diverse work experience in various companies and roles. Benjamin started their career at Mars as a Cocoa & Chocolate Technologist, where they focused on technology development and validation for chocolate processing. Benjamin also worked in the Research & Development Graduate Scheme, where they gained experience in product development and future concept creation. After Mars, they joined Mondelēz International, where they held multiple positions, including Senior Technologist and R&D Programme Manager/Technical Lead. In these roles, they worked on lipid technologies, cocoa agri-research, and ingredient technology. Following their time at Mondelēz International, Benjamin worked at Starbucks as an Innovation Manager, responsible for creating new product ideas. Benjamin then moved on to St Mary's University, where they served as a Research Commercialisation Manager. Currently, they are working as the Head of Tropical Oils Research at GlobalData Plc, leading a research team focusing on palm and laurics markets in Southeast Asia. Overall, Benjamin has extensive experience in research, development, innovation, and management within the food and beverage industry.

Benjamin Hook completed their MSci degree in Chemistry at the University of Bristol from 1999 to 2003. Benjamin went on to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Chemistry at the same institution from 2003 to 2007. In 2012 to 2014, they obtained a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Reading. Currently, Benjamin is enrolled at the University of Surrey, where they are expected to complete their Executive MBA in Business Administration and Management, General from 2022 to 2024.