John Nicols Codexis
John Nicols is the CEO of Codexis, a leading protein engineering company that applies its technology to the development of biocatalysts for commercial manufacture of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals, as well as the development of enzymes as biotherapeutics and for molecular diagnostics.In June of 2012, John Nicols was named as the company’s second President and Chief Executive Officer. Prior to Codexis, he served for more than 22 years in various capacities at Albemarle Corporation, a public company focused on the development, manufacture, and marketing of highly engineered specialty chemicals. Since March 2012, Mr. Nicols was Senior Vice President, Strategic Development and Catalysts and before that the Vice President of Catalysts. He had roles in Fine Chemistry, led the Global Flame Retardants business, and headed the Bromine Businesses in Asia from 1995 to 1998. Prior to Albemarle Corporation, Mr. Nicols worked for three years in manufacturing and research and development for Hercules, Inc.
Mr. Nicols received a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the Polytechnic Institute of New York University and an M.B.A. from the Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.