International Pheromone Systems (IPS) is delighted to announce the appointment of Leona Breen as Business Development Representative.
Leona joins IPS with a strong academic and scientific background in entomology, bringing with her a passion for insects, wildlife conservation, and science communication. As a local Wirral resident, the opportunity to join a family-owned business operating at the forefront of pheromone technology was a natural fit.
Before joining IPS, Leona worked as a Research Assistant at Forest Research, where she specialised in the identification and monitoring of wood-boring beetles using pheromone and plant volatile trapping systems. She completed her MSc in Entomology with Distinction and has recently published her first scientific paper exploring innovative beetle tracking methods for integrated pest management applications.
Her career has also included roles in public engagement and education, most notably at the aquarium in Ellesmere Port, where she developed a passion for communicating science to diverse audiences. Earlier experiences working with wildlife projects in the Ecuadorian Amazon further strengthened her interest in biodiversity, ecology, and conservation.
Outside of work, Leona remains deeply involved in the natural sciences. She has a particular interest in stag beetles and fossil arthropods, volunteers as a youth panellist with ARG UK, contributes to scientific publications, and continues to explore the world in search of insects and reptiles.
At IPS, Leona will support business development activities across the company’s global customer base, helping identify new opportunities, support existing customers, conduct market research, and contribute to the development of new projects and partnerships. She will also work closely with the technical, production, and commercial teams as part of a structured development programme designed to build both technical and commercial expertise.
The appointment reflects IPS’s long-standing commitment to investing in people and creating opportunities for talented individuals to develop rewarding careers within the industry.
Graeme Hartley, Managing Director of IPS, commented:
“At IPS, we strongly believe that people should be given the opportunity to develop their skills, gain experience, and build long-term careers within our industry. Many of the strongest professionals in our sector started by being given an opportunity and the support needed to grow.
Leona impressed us not only with her academic achievements and technical knowledge, but also with her enthusiasm, curiosity, and willingness to learn. Bringing someone with a specialist entomology background into our business development team demonstrates how much we value science and technical expertise throughout our organisation.
Our customers trust IPS because we understand the science behind the products we manufacture and supply. Having scientifically trained people supporting our commercial activities helps ensure that customers receive informed advice and confidence in the solutions we provide. We are delighted to welcome Leona to the IPS family and look forward to supporting her development while continuing to grow the business together.”
Everyone at IPS would like to welcome Leona to the team and wish her every success in her new role.
