PeroCycle bolsters board with senior finance and energy leaders

University of Birmingham spin-out PeroCycle, which is based in Cambridge, has announced two senior appointments as it builds its board to support long-term growth and climate impact.

Allan Baker, managing director at Société Générale, has joined as a non-executive director, while Ruth Herbert, a senior leader at Essar Energy Transition, has been appointed as a board advisor.

Allan brings more than 20 years’ experience financing low-carbon and energy transition projects across the UK and Europe, with a particular focus on carbon capture, utilisation and storage. 

He has also contributed to UK government policy development on CCUS and energy transition frameworks.

Allan said: “PeroCycle is addressing one of the most pressing challenges in industrial decarbonisation transition with an innovative and scalable approach. 

“I’m excited to support the team as a non-executive director and to contribute to the company’s next phase of growth.”

Ruth is best known for her leadership as chief executive of the Carbon Capture and Storage Association, where she played a key role in shaping the UK’s CCUS policy and market frameworks. 

Her background spans senior roles in government and industry, giving her strong insight into how emerging technologies scale within complex regulatory environments.

Ruth added: “PeroCycle is developing an exciting solution with real potential to support the UK’s decarbonisation ambitions. 

“I’m delighted to be joining the company as a board advisor and look forward to supporting the team as they progress towards commercial deployment.”

Their appointments significantly strengthen PeroCycle’s strategic capability, bringing deep expertise across sustainable finance, policy and industrial decarbonisation at a pivotal stage for the business.

PeroCycle is developing a closed carbon loop system designed to capture carbon dioxide emitted during industrial processes and convert it into usable products or fuels, enabling reuse within the same or adjacent industrial cycles. 

The technology aims to help decarbonise foundation industries including cement, steel, glass, ceramics and chemicals.

Allan and Ruth’s appointments follow the arrival of chief executive Grant Budge in July 2025 and the appointment of technical director Dr Harriet Kildahl later that year, as PeroCycle continues to build a leadership team to support its next phase of development.

Grant added: “We are incredibly excited to welcome Allan to the board and Ruth as a board advisor.  

“Allan comes with deep expertise in CCUS, sustainable finance, and government engagement aligns perfectly with our mission. 

“Allan’s insight and experience will be invaluable as we accelerate the commercialisation and deployment of our technology.  

“Ruth’s leadership in CCUS, extensive government experience, and proven ability to align policy with industrial delivery will be invaluable as we continue to grow and engage with partners across the UK and beyond.”

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