Career & Achievements

37 Years of Earned
Technical Authority

Every recommendation Dr. Tannous makes is backed by decades of hands-on experience — not theory. His career is a record of integrity, innovation, and measurable results.

On Integrity as a Consultant

In 37 years at one of the world's most respected chemical engineering firms, Dr. Tannous built his reputation on a single principle: tell the truth, even when it's uncomfortable. At Honeywell UOP, where billions of dollars in technology licensing decisions depended on accurate technical assessments, there was no room for flattery or convenient answers.

That same standard governs his consulting practice. When you engage Dr. Tannous, you receive an honest assessment of your situation — the strengths, the gaps, and the path forward — delivered with the directness of someone who has spent a career being accountable for results, not just recommendations.

Career Timeline

A Record of Consistent Excellence

2014 – 2022

Senior Director, Regional R&D

Honeywell UOP

Arlington Heights, IL & Middle East

Led R&D collaborations across the Middle East, managing strategic partnerships with petrochemical companies, research institutions, and government entities. Drove open innovation initiatives that bridged Honeywell UOP's global technology portfolio with regional market needs.

  • Directed multi-year R&D collaboration programs across Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Egypt
  • Managed cross-functional teams spanning technical, commercial, and government relations
  • Represented Honeywell UOP at GPCA Research & Innovation Summit alongside global industry leaders

2008 – 2014

Senior Manager, Strategy & Business Development

Honeywell UOP

Des Plaines, IL

Developed and executed strategic growth initiatives for UOP's technology licensing and catalyst businesses. Built business development frameworks that aligned R&D investment with commercial opportunity.

  • Identified and developed new market opportunities in emerging economies
  • Aligned R&D pipeline with long-term commercial strategy
  • Led cross-business unit collaboration on technology roadmapping

2006 – 2008

Senior Manager, Open Innovation & Alliances

Honeywell UOP

Des Plaines, IL

Pioneered UOP's open innovation program, establishing external partnerships with universities, national laboratories, and industry consortia. Created frameworks for technology scouting, IP licensing, and collaborative R&D.

  • Established UOP's first formal open innovation program
  • Negotiated and managed university and national lab research partnerships
  • Developed IP strategy for externally-sourced technologies

1985 – 2006

R&D Scientist → Research Manager

UOP LLC

Des Plaines, IL

Spent over two decades as a hands-on researcher and technical leader at UOP, progressing from bench scientist to research manager. During this period, Dr. Tannous earned three US patents in molecular sieve technology — a testament to his scientific contributions to the field.

  • Granted 3 US Patents in molecular sieve synthesis and treatment
  • Led Six Sigma initiatives that improved manufacturing process efficiency
  • Mentored and developed junior researchers and engineers
  • Contributed to UOP's world-leading position in adsorbent and catalyst technology

Intellectual Property

USPTO Patents

Three granted US patents in molecular sieve technology — representing genuine scientific contributions to the global petrochemical and chemical engineering industries.

US 6,656,447

Process for Synthesizing and Controlling the Particle Size and Particle Size Distribution of a Molecular Sieve

A continuous process for synthesizing molecular sieves with precise control over particle size and distribution. Enables manufacturing of high-performance adsorbents for industrial separation and purification processes.

FiledJune 28, 2001
GrantedDecember 2, 2003
AssigneeUOP LLC
US 5,045,295

Silicate Treatment of Molecular Sieve Agglomerates

Method for improving the physical and chemical properties of molecular sieve agglomerates through alkali metal silicate treatment. Applications include refrigerant desiccants and industrial gas drying.

FiledJuly 25, 1990
GrantedSeptember 3, 1991
AssigneeUOP
US 5,026,531

Silicate Treatment of Molecular Sieve Agglomerates

Foundational patent for silicate treatment processes that enhance molecular sieve agglomerate performance. Basis for improved industrial adsorbent manufacturing.

FiledFebruary 10, 1989
GrantedJune 25, 1991
AssigneeUOP

Areas of Expertise

Skills & Capabilities

Chemical Engineering
R&D Management
Open Innovation
Business Development
Six Sigma
Strategic Planning
Catalysis & Adsorbents
Process Improvement
Middle East Markets
Technology Licensing
IP Strategy
Team Leadership