Dr Chris Yates

Chris’s career has been driven by a single, simple passion: solving complex problems. It’s a path that has taken him from a microbiology lab to the trading floors of global investment banks, and finally to co-founding Artemis Analytical.

His journey started with a PhD exploring how bacteria develop resistance to heavy metals, an experience that instilled in him the power of rigorous, evidence-based thinking. Keen to apply this analytical mindset to the world of business, he embarked on a 25-year career in finance at firms like Merrill Lynch, JP Morgan, ABN Amro, and NatWest. There, he rose to the Managing Director level, leading global teams and managing complex projects. His most recent role involved heading a valuation policy group where he assessed the potential of early-stage companies—a skill set he now leverages daily to drive Artemis Analytical forward.

At Artemis Analytical, Chris connects all the dots from his unique background. As CFO and acting COO, his role is both strategic and hands-on. One day he might be coding the technology systems that power the business, the next he's shaping the sales strategy for the trading brands, Artemis Labs and The Water Professor. This dual perspective allows him to fundamentally understand client challenges from a scientific standpoint while building the robust commercial frameworks essential for growth.

For Chris, co-founding Artemis represents more than a business venture; it's a return to his scientific roots, fused with a powerful sense of purpose. This is particularly true with 'The Water Professor', where the team’s work directly improves public health in the UK—from identifying lead pipes in homes to alerting families about water quality issues. He thrives on applying rigorous scientific discipline to solve analytical problems alongside his scientific colleagues, enjoying the daily opportunity to bring a commercial and financial perspective to their groundbreaking work.

Outside of work, Chris is a founding trustee of 'Big C Little Warrior', a small cancer charity established as a legacy for his niece, Laura, which helps people living with cancer. When he is not focused on Artemis, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, cooking, walking, and playing the piano.