Engaged Relationships & Adding Real Value: Q&A with Daniel Hadden, Business Development Manager
With a high-level chemistry education and a depth of commercial experience, Daniel joined FIS just over a year ago. We caught up with him to find out more on his role, his background and his first 12 months.
Daniel Hadden, FIS Chemicals Business Development Manager
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FIS: You play an important role with FIS as Business Development Manager — can you give us an overview of your key responsibilities, focusses and goals in this position?
Daniel Hadden: Week to week my role with FIS is very varied, and often depends on whether I'm working locally from our HQ in Aberdeen or traveling internationally.
My time is mostly spent prospecting new customers and determining how FIS can best add value to their business, but I also spend time working closely with our existing customers to ensure that we are sufficiently supporting them and staying ahead of any potential obstacles. In addition to this, I work on projects with our supply chain and technical colleagues on an ongoing basis.
FIS: Recently you marked 1 year with FIS Chemicals. What 3 words would you use to describe your first year on the team?
DH: Engaging. Challenging. Satisfying.
"With our focus on sustainable chemistry, I have been active in exploring how FIS Chemicals can support the renewable energy industries. Given our wide-ranging portfolio there are many opportunities to keep me busy!"
FIS: What was your career path prior to joining FIS?
DH: I studied chemistry at the University of Aberdeen and obtained a PhD. After a time as a R&D scientist in a London-based medical device company I moved back to Scotland and joined the energy industry.
I worked for several years at a multinational energy service company in both on- and offshore roles. Latterly I worked for a chemical company as a sales manager for their drilling fluids additive product line where I was responsible for the business across the UK, Europe and Africa.
FIS: We're now into Q2 of 2025, how has the year been going so far? What have been the major focuses?
DH: Continued growth! We continue to develop our international business and are actively establishing ourselves in new geographies to strategically supply products to support our existing and prospective customers.
With our focus on sustainable chemistry, I have been active in exploring how FIS Chemicals can support the renewable energy industries. Given our wide-ranging portfolio there are many opportunities to keep me busy!
"One of the first things I noticed when joining FIS was the close relationships between the team and our customers."
FIS: What have you noticed about FIS clients and what they most need from their chemical supplier?
DH: One of the first things I noticed when joining FIS was the close relationships between the team and our customers. The sales team are highly engaged with our customer base and I feel that our ability to address inquiries in a timely and efficient manner sets us apart from many peers/competitors.
FIS customers require a reliable partner who can support them throughout the supply chain process. Sourcing, product development and technical support are all areas where FIS have the expertise to exceed customer expectations.
FIS: If you were giving advice to someone leaving education and looking to work in business development for company like FIS, what would be your #1 piece of advice?
DH: Simply put — always listen and maintain an open mind.
FIS: What do you like to do outside of work?
DH: Having recently moved to Speyside, I really enjoy going out into the countryside with our dog or on my bike.
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