Michael Clayton has lead rubber manufacturing businesses for over 20 years, with his latest position as Chief Executive of Derby Rubber. As a degree qualified Chemical Engineer, dedicated to sustainable design, he designs rubber compounds and products that deliver long term value. Michael is dedicated to modernising what has typically been a “traditional industry” through partnering with technology companies to implement Industry 4.0 projects, collaborating with local Universities to drive innovation and R&D and sponsoring University internships and postdoctoral research. Michael is committed to the long-term success of rubber industry. He champions collaboration and partnerships between businesses and with Universities to promote innovation and international competitiveness.Michael has held the position of Chairman of the Australasian Plastics and Rubber Institute for the past 11 years and is a Fellow of the Australasian Plastics and Rubber Institute (FAPRI). He has attended 13 International Rubber Conferences (IRC) and participated in 12 IRCO (IRC Organisation) committee meetings as the representative from Australia, contributing to the successful planning and delivery of international conferences. He was a Technical Committee Member for IRC 2019 London and also sponsored the student award at IRC 2019 in London, introducing a Sustainable Innovation Award. Michael is a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (FIMMM).