Achim Ried obtained his diploma in Chemistry at the University of Marburg (Germany) in 1988 and his Ph.D. in 1992. His actual appointment is with Xylem as Chief Engineer Disinfection and Oxidation. He is active member in different water related organisations e.g. IWA (Member of the German National Committee), International Ozone Association (past International President), Association of German Chemists (GDCh), Figawa and member of working groups of German Water Associations (DWA, DVGW).

His business activities and research interests are in the fields of water and wastewater treatment and water reuse. He was involved as partner in several national and international research projects over the past 25 years. One area of focus is the optimization of multi barrier solutions by generating synergies between process technologies including advanced monitoring and control concepts.