This journal (named then Biocatalysis) was launched in May 1987, with David Best (Cranfield, UK) as the Managing Editor. David J. Leak started as Executive Editor in 1992. Later, Dr. Best stepped down and Dr. Leak (Imperial College London) took sole charge of the journal as Managing Editor. In 1995, the name of the journal was changed to Biocatalysis and Biotransformation (“BCBT”), and in 1996, the Publishers appointed Antonio Ballesteros as Executive Editor. This set-up remained until 2011, when Dr. Leak and Prof. Ballesteros both became Editors-in-Chief, to reflect their shared responsibility. Over the years, several publishers have been responsible for the publication: Harwood Academic Publishers, Gordon and Breach, Informa Healthcare, and, currently, Taylor and Francis.
In 2012, David was promoted to Professor of the University of Bath, UK and soon after was appointed Director of the Plants to Products BBSRC Network in Biotechnology and Bioenergy (P2P NIBB). With these additional demands he felt unable to dedicate the time to BCBT which it required, and therefore stood down from his role after nearly 25 years of service.
David has been fundamental to the development and sustainment of Biocatalysis and Biotransformation, having dedicated a lot of time to editing and improvement of the manuscripts accepted in the refereeing process. He well deserves a nice Farewell for the mission accomplished. With thanks from all of us: Executive Editors, Associate Editors, Board members, and, indeed, from myself.