Lord Kenneth Baker - non-executive chairman

Lord Kenneth Baker brings his own extensive experience in politics and the business world to Graphite Resources. He is keen to progress the EcoParc concept so that Gateshead will lead Britain in waste treatment.

After being Minister for Information Technology from 1981, he entered the Cabinet as Secretary of State for the Environment in 1985, before serving as Secretary of State for Education from 1986 to 1989. Kenneth Baker's most noted action in his time at the Department of Education was the introduction of the National Curriculum through the 1988 Education Act. He now sits in the House of Lords and is the author of a number of books, including various anthologies of poetry.

Michael V Thompson - chief executive

Michael launched Graphite Resources with his brother William in 2002. Previously, he was director of a very successful family business, based in the North East of England for eight years. The company was involved in quarrying, waste management, recycling, skip hire, demolition, earthmoving and road haulage, and employed over 300 people.

With practical experience of running a waste management company, Michael is well placed to drive Graphite Resources forward.

m.thompson@graphiteresources.com

Richard Mair - executive director

Richard Mair joined Graphite Resources in 2004 as development director with 15 years' experience within the energy, utility, chemical and service markets in the UK and internationally.

Formerly managing director of leading Nordic based energy company TXU Nordic Energy Oy, Richard has extensive experience in leading and developing companies. An engineering graduate from St Catharine's College, Cambridge University, he achieved his mechanical engineering chartered status in 1983.

r.mair@graphiteresources.com

William Thompson - executive director

William Thompson, co-founder and full board director of Graphite Resources, qualified as a solicitor in 1996. He later left the legal profession to join his brother at the family run business as director and company secretary before establishing Graphite Resources.

With the discipline of his legal background, William is responsible for all legal and administrative matters within Graphite Resources, and is the company secretary.

w.thompson@graphiteresources.com

Philip Towers - commercial director

As commercial director, Philip has responsibility for managing and developing all waste contracts and dealing with new business enquiries. With 15 years senior management experience in the waste sector and an interest in modern waste treatment systems, recycling and environmental issues, Philip is set to address the key needs of waste management.

Philip combines his operational experience of landfill sites and materials recycling facilities with an in depth understanding of the waste sector in the UK. Previous roles include operations director of Capitol Waste Management, director of Teesside Waste Management and operations director of Premier Waste Management's recycling and disposal division.

p.towers@graphiteresources.com

David Young - chief financial officer

At Graphite Resources David oversees all financial and administrative affairs. Key past achievements include business startups, corporate restructuring, systems implementation, and cost reduction.

d.young@graphiteresources.com

Keith Farmery - special adviser

Keith Farmery has 30 years experience of management in the oil and chemical industries providing high-tech products and services to these sectors.

As an adviser at Graphite Resources, Keith offers strategic advice at board level and spends most of his time assisting in developing plans and site development for Graphite Resources' EcoParcs. Prior to joining Graphite Resources, he was head of Katalco in the USA for four years and head of Philips-Imperial Petroleum Ltd in the UK for nine years, with responsibility for strategic direction, business growth and all aspects of company performance. For three years Keith was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Tees Valley Industry and Nature Conservation Association.

k.farmery@graphiteresources.com