Ashton is a driven, tolerant, altruistic, ambitious visionary and an experienced chemical engineering professional with oratory skills and a passion for water, circular economy and sustainable development. His past experience spans working with sector development agencies, government, institutions of higher learning, non-profit organisations and the private sector in South Africa.

He has over 8 years’ of combined experience in chemical/process engineering, water and wastewater treatment, research and development, mineral processing, lecturing, teaching and training, consultancy, market intelligence, business development and leadership. He is an expert in process optimisation, water and wastewater treatment, biomass valorisation, consultancy, water governance, intellectual property and commercialisation, and business development.