Dr. Walker, received BA and MA degrees in natural sciences (organic chemistry) from King's College, Cambridge, UK, followed by a Ph.D. in biosynthesis from Rice University, Houston, Tx under Dr. R. Parry. After working for Abbott Labs, Pharmacia & Upjohn as a Research Scientist Dr. Walker changed direction to lead the U.S. Fine Chemicals Business for Kaneka Corporation. He was responsible for marketing and business development and established a Center for Open Innovation to search for new technologies and startup companies that could expand Kaneka's service offerings to global pharma and biopharma companies. After 20+ years, Dr. Walker changed direction one more time to fill his current role as Business Development Director, Novel Therapeutics and APIs, where he is responsible for supporting CDMO organizations in their branding, thought leadership, promotion and marketing activities, in addition to M&A consulting and advisory work.