Editorial Advisory Board

  • Neil Bibby
    Neil Bibby
    AM, AFSM, FAICD and MIFireE

Welcome to the editorial advisory board webpage. Meet the MDM editorial team here who are undoubtedly some of the fire safety sectors’ most pre-eminent experts in their chosen fields. They are led by Neil Bibby, editor of our Asia Pacific Fire Magazine. The board members are in regular contact with us to advise and give guidance on the editorial direction of each issue. They provide their own content and articles but also connect us with the more high-level fire industry experts who also enjoy our shared passion for educating the world about fire safety. No other fire sector publisher in the world can rival our 23 years of fire publishing. Our editorial excellence sets us apart and ensures every issue is full of first-rate content guided by following industry experts.

Neil Bibby
AM, AFSM, FAICD and MIFireE

Neil’s background is in the management of fire services. He was CEO of the Country Fire Authority, Assistant Chief of Melbourne Fire Brigade and is currently chairman of the Emergency Services Foundation. He has 40 years experience in the emergency services and related industries. He has worked with Australian, US, UK and Chinese Fire Services as well as working in Vietnam, Papua New Guinea and Fiji on various aid projects helping to build emergency services for these countries. Neils main focus is the editorial content for Asia Pacific Fire.

E-mail: neil.bibby@mdmpublishing.com
Australia +61 (0)418 358 465

Kees Kappetijn
Founder - Kappetijn Safety Specialists

Kees Kappetijn was educated as a legal advisor at Erasmus University Rotterdam and as a Security Officer in Zwijndrecht (Belgium). His first position, from 1992 to 1997, was with the Rotterdam Fire Service, where he served as a legal and policy advisor to the management and as a liaison to the municipal and regional fire service boards.

His second position, from 1997 to 2007, was at Adviesbureau Van Dijke, a consultancy specializing in fire services, police, ambulance, and disaster management. The bureau  provided advice to all levels of government in the Netherlands as well as to private-sector organizations with responsibilities in fire safety, emergency response and crisis management.

His third position, from 2007 to 2012, was with Falck — the international safety company specializing in fire services in Denmark, industrial firefighting for Seveso/COMAH industries and airports, ambulance services, and live training facilities worldwide.

In 2012, Kees founded the consultancy firm Kappetijn Safety Specialists (KSS), which — together with its partners — focuses on companies, organizations, and governments in port and industrial areas that face particular continuity challenges and risks of casualties, environmental damage, and major asset loss in incidents or business disruptions.

Kees ensures that public authorities and private companies with public and industrial fire services align their operations optimally with the risk profiles of their regions. He develops and implements safety organizations, trains crisis teams, and prepares them to handle both classic types of incidents — such as fires, chemical leaks, explosions, and collapses — and modern crises such as cyberattacks, power outages, climate change, gate demonstrations, criminal infiltration, and terrorism.

A key focus in KSS’s work is the creation of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in port and industrial regions — collaborations that enable better preparedness for complex and often large-scale incident types. KSS has played a founding role in the establishment of several such cooperative organizations, including:

Kees is an independent thinker who contributes content-rich articles to magazines and digital platforms on a wide range of safety and crisis-related topics. He is also a regular guest speaker. Lately, his articles include:

Terry Johnson
UAE/GCC President of the Institution of Fire Engineers - Director of Emergency Services, Jasara NEOM Trojena Projects - Senior Fire, Rescue & Emergency Services Professional

Senior Fire, Rescue & Emergency Services Professional, disciplined for any Operational expectations and command functions.

With an Internationally decorated capability and proven competence for tactical and strategic leadership, emergency preparedness and incident control, coupled with a passion for life safety of people and assets.

Experienced & motivated in developing; policies, and manuals focused on procedures/tactics & skills necessary for Incident resilience, safety and sustainability. While targeting an organisation’s strategic impression for Operational & Emergency measures by focused coaching and alignment of multi-agency interfacing and interoperability. With a vast practical and operational background leading to preparing operational SOPs and the development of fire codes to apply experienced, balanced risk-assessed approach through operational practical solutions regarding code compliance. Advising on Policy and corporate planning, with a strategic overview for Risk profiling and Fire Cover modelling within a dynamic risk setting.

Organize and prepare operational assurance through bespoke training programs, core skilling and mentoring.

UAE Fire & Life Safety Code development review, sharing operational inputs from incident learning, particularly High Rise, external cladding and marine incidents.

Structured implementation with policy & Operational lead for Federal Incident Command &Management.

Operational advising officer attending as a support Fire Officer at developed, or incidents of a special nature. The setting of Operational Personnel KPI’s with the career development of new Officers. Lead advisor to Government entities looking at strategies and Design Risk Assessment programs. Review structure Major Emergency plans and liaise with the Fire Safety Engineering for new or complex developments ‘Key Infrastructure’ or ‘Special Risk’ projects overseeing potential non-compliant issues and engineering requirements by an operational assessment which can assist the consultants or developers for material suitability.

Selected as part of a team for the exciting Dubai 10X initiative which creates disruptive, exponential change in government entities.

Currently engaged by Emirates National Oil Company ENOC, as technical Manager for emergency response through sustainable solutions to match the resilience needed for life safety and asset protection.

Recently elected regional UAE/GCC President of the Institution of Fire Engineers with a passionate aspiration to increase local membership and to support current fire safety levels

Steve McGuirk
Executive Officer for the Fire Sector Federation

Steve had a distinguished forty-year career in the Fire and Rescue Service, leading three different Services over a seventeen-year period as a chief fire officer, before retiring as the Chief Fire Officer of Greater Manchester in 2015. Since then, he has undertaken a portfolio career, but remained very much involved with the fire sector. This has entailed undertaking several, significant consulting assignments in the UK and internationally but, primarily, he has been an expert witness to the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry since 2017. He took over as the Executive Officer for the Fire Sector Federation in May of 2023..

Hayley Burgess
International President of the Institution of Fire Engineers

Hayley Burgess is a distinguished professional in the field of fire safety and health, serving as the Managing Director of HBSC Ltd. With a rich background as a Chartered Health & Safety Practitioner and Chartered Building Engineer, Hayley has been a pivotal figure in the consultancy realm for over a decade.

In her impressive career, spanning 12 years as a Principal Fire Safety & Health and Safety Consultant, Hayley has honed her expertise by working in both the private consultancy sector and local government. Her early career involved conducting Fire Risk Assessments for various government-occupied buildings, providing a strong foundation for her subsequent endeavours.

Currently, Hayley spearheads projects with diverse clients, specializing in the development of Fire Strategy Designs, comprehensive Fire Risk Assessments, and Fire Safety Inspections. Her consultancy services encompass a wide spectrum of fire safety aspects, reflecting her commitment to ensuring robust safety standards.

Hayley’s distinctive focus lies in the Social Care Sector, where she provides invaluable guidance to clients in meeting the stringent Fire Safety Standards, including the NIHTM 84 framework. Her adept understanding of the sector’s unique challenges has positioned her as a trusted advisor in enhancing fire safety protocols.

As a Chartered Safety and Health Professional (CFIOSH), Hayley brings a wealth of knowledge to her role as the Chair of the Northern Ireland IOSH Branch. Her leadership in this capacity underscores her dedication to advancing safety practices and fostering professional collaboration within the community.

Beyond her organizational roles, Hayley actively contributes to the field as a member of the Fire Expert Panel for Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures UK (CROSS UK). This involvement showcases her commitment to promoting safer structures and sharing insights to benefit the broader safety community.

Scott Sutherland
Executive editor of NFPA Journal

Scott Sutherland has been executive editor of NFPA Journal since 2008. Before joining NFPA he worked as an editor, writer, and contributor for a variety of print and online publications, covering science, technology, business, and culture. Under his direction, NFPA Journal has been recognized with numerous national awards for editorial and design excellence, including the President’s Award for Journalism from the American National Standards Institute.

Max Lakkonen
Director - Institute for Applied Fire Safety Research (IFAB) - President - International Water Mist Association (IWMA)

Max Lakkonen received his M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from Tampere Univ. of Technology, Finland, in 2000 and a Licentiate of Technology post-graduate degree in 2004. He specialised in water hydraulics and fluid power during his academic career.

Max has been involved in water mist for 20 years and is the chair of IWMA Scientific Council. His career includes working for academics, manufacturers, consultant offices, various research activities, and many fire test programs related to water mist technology. Max Lakkonen is also a Managing Director of IFAB – Institute for Applied Fire Safety Research. His current tasks involve generic fire safety engineering and modelling in addition to water-based firefighting systems.

Max has been the IWMA representative in NFPA750 technical committee since 2009. Additionally, Max serves in many other international standard committees (e.g. NFPA130, NFPA502), and associations (e.g. steering board of ITA-COSUF) and he is a known lecturer in the fire safety conferences.

M. Rokib Hassan, PhD
Associate Research Officer with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC)

In 2023 Rokib was awarded the PIPSC President’s Achievement Award for outstanding fire safety research contributions.

Dr. M. Rokib Hassan is an Associate Research Officer with National Research Council of Canada (NRC). Currently, he is leading the fire materials research at Fire Safety Research Unit in the Construction Research Center, NRC. His current research interest focuses on the development of new fire protection technologies, small scale fire performance testing of materials and fire toxicity. He is managing and leading several high impact projects to improve the fire safety in buildings and decarbonization in construction. 

Dr. Hassan is a talented material scientist and skilled manager with significant experience in research and development in both academia and industry. His research expertise ranges from applied nanocomposite materials to construction materials including fire protection materials. He received his BSc and MSc in Chemistry from Jahangirnagar University in Bangladesh. He received his second MSc in Nanomaterials from the University of Lethbridge in Canada. He received his PhD in Nanomaterials from the University of Alberta in Canada. He built and led cross-functional research teams, labs, and established collaborations and partnerships with different organizations. He has a significant experience in innovation, technology commercialization and business development. 

Currently, Dr. Hassan is serving as a voting member of the- (i) CSA Group “Fuels and appliances” Steering Committee; (ii) CSA Group “Controls & Protective Devices for Gas and/or Oil” technical committee; and (iii) CGSB “Portable Fuel Containers emissions control national standard” technical committee. He contributed in developing a CGSB national standard on “Control of evaporative emissions from portable fuel containers”. Recently, he was appointed as a Guest Editor at Next Materials, Elsevier to lead the publication of a journal special issue on “Sustainable construction materials: What’s next”. Earlier from 2019 to 2021, he served as a voting member of the “Nelson Buck Robinson Science and Technology Award” committee at Materials Research Society, USA.    

Ian Dunbar OBE
Rescue Specialist @ FIA - OBE Awardee for Technical Rescue & Prehospital Care

Ian Dunbar OBE joined Cheshire Fire Brigade in the UK at the age of seventeen and rose to the rank of Watch Commander. In 2004 became a specialist instructor focusing on vehicle extrication and trauma care. In order to expand his clinical understanding, in 2005 he became a faculty member of Anaesthesia Trauma and Critical Care (ATACC) and for the next 15 years delivered technical rescue and extrication skills to doctors and clinicians from all over the world. 

Ian used his spare time to become a national assessor for the United Kingdom Rescue Organization and become qualified to assess in all disciplines i.e., Incident Command, Technical and Medical. He also qualified as an assessor for the (then) newly developed fire fighter’s Trauma Challenge. 

In 2010 he was chosen to assess at the World Rescue Challenge in Cork, Ireland. It was there he was approached by a hydraulic rescue tool manufacturer with a view to a full-time position as trainer/consultant. 

In 2011 Ian made the difficult decision to leave the fire and rescue service after 20 years and relocate to the Netherlands. During the next six years Ian became an in-demand educator and speaker. He consulted in more than one hundred countries around the world, wrote and published ‘Vehicle Extrication Techniques’ to critical acclaim, and was a regular contributor to global fire and rescue publications. He also contributed to the design of the most innovative rescue products brought to market. 

In 2016 Ian was asked to join The TOCA Safety Team in the UK, his first voluntary role within motorsport. For the next four years he was part of the team providing technical and medical rescue services for The British Touring Car Championship. 

In 2017 Ian and his family returned to the UK full time and he provided training and consultancy services for a wide variety of clients in Europe, Asia and USA including, category one responders, major manufacturers and suppliers of rescue equipment and a major project with Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).

During this time, Ian identified the need to update the team approach to vehicle extrication, a thirty year old doctrine that had largely remained unchanged. The revisions, based on contemporary vehicle technologies and our improved understanding of the medical aspects led to the writing of  ‘Vehicle Extrication – The Next Generation.’ 

Published in 2020, Ian’s second critically acclaimed book, is based on this revised approach and considers processes such as ‘vehicle relocation’ which, with Ian’s cooperation, has now been adopted into (UK) National Operational Guidance and included in United Kingdom Rescue Organisation (UKRO) educational curriculum. 

In 2018 Ian was appointed associate tutor at The Fire Service College, Moreton-in-Marsh and at the start of 2019 commenced a full-time role as Head of Curriculum for Firefighter Core Skills. During his time at FSC he redesigned the vehicle extrication and technical rescue course content and delivery. 

At the end of 2019 Ian was appointed as a Rescue Specialist with FIA in Geneva, Switzerland and currently works within the Medical and Rescue department. In his current role, he is responsible for maintaining and developing emergency response strategies across FIA World Championships including Formula 1, World Endurance Championship, World Rally Championship and Formula E. 

In June 2022 after more than 30 years in emergency response, Ian was awarded an O.B.E. by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for ‘Services to Technical Rescue, Vehicle Extrication and Prehospital Care’. 

Ian lives in Annecy, France, and is married with two young daughters. In his spare time, he is a musician and had previously worked as a guitar technician for touring and recording artists such as UK rock Band ‘FM’, ex ‘Whitesnake’ guitarist Bernie Marsden and Bonnie Tyler.

Simon Routh-Jones CBE QFSM
Associate - Emergency Planning College - Strategic Advisor RAN - Former HM Chief Inspector - Scottish Fire (Ret 2021) - Former Chief Fire Officer & CEO, Wiltshire FRS (Ret 2016)

Simon Routh-Jones was a Fire Officer for over 37 years, reaching the post of Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive with Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service. Whilst with Wiltshire FRS, he was instrumental in merging the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Services into one cohesive Fire Service.

During a significant period of change within the UK Fire and Rescue Service, he developed the R.E.S.P.E.C.T. agenda (responsibility, equality, supportive, professionalism, excellence, communication, transformation), which was at the forefront of a cultural change which drove to reform and modernise the Fire & Rescue Service within Wiltshire.

During this time Simon was also instrumental in the set-up and introduction of Salamander, a tailored development programme designed to promote empowerment in a positive environment whilst also encouraging teamwork and the support of others.

He followed his retirement from the Fire Service with an appointment to HM Fire Service Inspectorate for Scotland in September 2016 as an Assistant Inspector where he developed a new operational assurance inspection regime across the whole of Scotland.

In June 2018, Simon was appointed HM Chief Inspector for the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service and led the Inspectorate in a period of great change and challenge. As Her Majesty’s Chief inspector, Simon was responsible for providing independent, risk-based and proportionate professional inspections of the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service. Simon worked within the wide-ranging powers of The Royal Warrant and ensured that the General Public of Scotland and Scottish Ministers are confident that their Fire & Rescue Service runs efficiently and effectively. Simon retired from this post in March 2021.

Simon continues to advise Government and has worked on Business Continuity and Human Rights.

Simon is a Fellow of the Institution of Fire Engineers, a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute and a Fellow of the Institute of Leadership and Management.

Awards

Stephanie Rampton
Award-winning Women In Fire Safety 2023 - Freelance Fire Risk Assessor @ The Regency Safety Group

Throughout my journey in the fire safety industry, I have witnessed its dynamic growth and evolution. This voyage highlights my unwavering dedication to acquiring knowledge and fueling a fervent ambition to educate myself and others about the paramount significance of fire safety. With 15 years of service in the housing sector, my path has been anything but conventional. Instead, I have harnessed my determination, drawing inspiration from industry luminaries to propel my personal growth in this ever-changing field.

My analytical skills were honed during my tenure as a support worker, where I deepened my passion for aiding others and showcased my capacity to thrive within a team dynamic. In the expansive landscape of the fire safety industry, teamwork is an indispensable quality that fuels substantial industry advancement and personal development.

My journey began as one of the pioneering fire risk assessors for a prominent G15 housing provider. This experience ignited my passion for ensuring individuals’ safety and broadening their understanding of fire safety. To amplify my commitment, I have established a non-profit community organisation dedicated to extending help and advice while setting up resident engagement projects to educate and support the community in fire safety matters. This ensures they know where to turn when things seem awry.

As an Institution of Fire Engineers committee member, I am equipped with the knowledge and tools essential for adeptly navigating the industry’s ever-changing landscape. This efficiency and perpetual growth align with the core values and objectives that shape my professional aspirations and define my perspective.

My mission is clear: to foster a safer world, empowering individuals and organisations to safeguard themselves through the highest fire safety standards.

 

Ed Sullivan
Head of chemical and response training - Ricardo, National Chemical Emergency Centre

With twenty years’ experience in the emergency response sector, Ed has a passion for responder safety. In his current role as Head of Hazardous Materials at Ricardo’s National Chemical Emergency Centre, Ed works with organisations around the globe in both the public and private sectors, enabling them to be best prepared to respond to incidents when they occur.

Over the last twelve months, Ed has worked with organisations in industries such as the emergency services, mining, automotive, aviation and education as they strive towards a more sustainable future by exploring the use of alternative fuels such as hydrogen, lithium-ion batteries, methanol, and ammonia. 

Prior to taking on this role in late 2019, Ed was a Station Officer in the UKFRS, spending his last two-years’ service seconded to the UK Fire Service College as the Head of Hazmat.

Siusan MacKenzie
CEO Emergency Services Foundation (ESF) esf.com.au

Siusan MacKenzie, CEO Emergency Services Foundation (ESF) esf.com.au

Siusan is the ESFs inaugural CEO. She came into the role with a wealth of skills, knowledge and experience developed through a career including roles in secondary teaching, senior public sector management and leadership with a corporate communications focus in OHS and emergency services. As a consultant, she applied her lived experience and organisational development capability to focus on workplace health and wellbeing. 

She was responsible for driving Victoria’s formative Workplace Health and Safety campaigns including a highly regarded Awards scheme that led to a secondment with the UK government. On her return, she began Workplace Health and Safety Week in Australia. The Awards and Week are initiatives that have been sustained for over 30 years. 

It was her drive and creative thinking that drew her to the attention of the CEO/Chair at the Country Fire Authority (CFA), an organisation with 60,000 members and complex communication challenges. As she established CFA’s highly successful communications unit and built the organisation’s profile through a period of major incidents and disruption her reputation as a formidable change agent within the emergency services sector was established.

In her role at CFA, she shaped a groundbreaking relationship with the ABC and instituted training and accreditation for media on the fireground, two initiatives with national significance for the sector. Siusan was central to CFA’s response to the Linton tragedy which saw the death of five volunteers. From this her interest shifted to well-being in an organisational context and that resulted in various awards for her work in the construction sector where she established leading-edge workplace wellbeing programs.

Siusan’s strength is her ability to quickly grasp a situation and apply sound strategic thinking to problem solve. She always looks for innovative solutions and likes nothing better than to lead sustainable best practice initiatives to prevent harm. She has worked with government Ministers and is admired for her authentic advice which is provided without fear or favour.

Since joining ESF in 2018 Siusan has transformed how the emergency services sector in Victoria approaches the issue of mental health. She has brought 15 agencies across the sector together to collaborate to make sector-wide improvements in mental health and wellbeing. The Leading for Better Mental Health, Well Beyond and Residential Wellbeing programs established by ESF are examples of her pioneering evidence-informed approach to help people avoid serious mental health injury. Siusan comes with a deep understanding of the well-being issues that plague the sector and a unique sector-wide lens.

Alan Cox
Managing Director at First for Fire & Safety

Alan has been in the fire and safety profession for nearly 60 years – starting his career in both Warwickshire and the West Midlands Fire and Rescue Services. He then moved to the NHS looking after fire safety and then onto HSBC as their Senior Fire and Safety Officer. In recent years after leaving HSBC, he has worked with ANEC representing the consumer on fire safety matters. 

During his career he has worked in both fire fighting and enforcement, in the NHS he introduced many new initiatives improving patient safety and with HSBC he undertook a global fire and safety role.

Stewart Kidd
Chartered Fire & Security Professional

Chartered Security Professional 

MA, MSc, FIFireE, FIFSM, FSyI, FSA (Scot), CPP

Stewart Kidd has worked in security and fire protection since 1974. He now combines consultancy with expert witness assignments. He undertakes oversight of very large construction projects for insurers and reinsurers and was the insurers’ advisor on Burj Khalifa, The Shard, Heathrow Terminal 2 and KAIA, Jeddah.

His other areas of expertise include the protection of heritage and historic buildings and power generating plant. He is currently active in providing advice to  places of worship, all types of listed buildings, libraries, museums, galleries and large country houses.

He is the author of eight books on fire and security topics including the Historic Scotland’s Guide for Practitioners No 7, the Scottish Building Standards ACOP on heritage fire safety and three Historic Scotland Technical Advice Notes. He edited the original FPA guidance document Heritage Under Fire and the FPA guidance on fires on construction sites, combustion turbines, the security of empty buildings and fire risk assessment. 

He was the Director of the Fire Protection Association from 1989 – 1997 and is a former Governor of the Institute of Risk Management. He is a former President of the Institute of Fire Safety Managers. He is a founder member and a Vice President of the Security Institute and was elected a Chartered Security Professional in 2012. He was Secretary General of the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association from 2000 – 2015. He has been a Member (by examination) of the Institution of Fire Engineers since 1979 and a Fellow since 1995.

Raman Chagger
Applied Research Scientist and Chartered Engineer at BRE Global

Raman is an Applied Research Scientist and Chartered Engineer at BRE Global who is passionate about collaborating with industry to perform innovative research work and engineer solutions to help build a better world. His activities are in the general field of fire safety and he is a specialist in fire detection and fire warning. Raman has managed research projects and performed consultancy work to create new knowledge and has then implemented the findings to generate real impacts. His outputs include producing publications, developing test methodologies and training material, writing codes and standards as well as engaging in awareness-raising activities. When required Raman can also develop associated product testing and certification service capabilities at BRE Global.

 

With a Master’s degree in physics (by research) from the University of Bristol Raman has worked in the field of fire safety for over 20 years.

John Clampett
Fire Safety Engineering, Building Surveying

MAppSc, Grd Dip Bld Svy, GIFireE, NAM

John has over 40 years of senior executive experience and technical leadership in the fire and building industry. He has a unique background as a professional firefighter with the Melbourne Fire Brigade, building surveying and senior roles with the Australian Building Codes Board, Building Research Association of New Zealand, Commonwealth Science and Industrial Research Organisation, Norman Disney and Young Engineering, Private Consulting Practice and the Fire Protection Association of Australia. These roles have taken him through building code reform, fire research, emergency management planning, product testing, product certification/accreditation, international building code development, investigation and assessment, fire safety engineering consulting, risk engineering and business development in Australia and internationally.

Kevin Westwood
Founder of Kevin D Westwood Associates Limited - FEHM consultancy - FEATHER Fire Explosion and Toxic Hazard Emergency Response

Chartered Engineer with 43yrs experience working in a range of high hazard industries in 42 countries such as Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, Agrochemical. Graduated with an  Honors Degree in ‘Fire Engineering’ in July 1996. The last 35 years have been spent  working in fire hazard management roles. Having experience in all aspects of ‘fire  hazard management’ can provide expertise in fire prevention, fire detection, fire  protection as well as holding senior operational roles in fire & rescue emergency  response. Experienced in project management and demonstrates a proven track record  in developing and implementing fire protection solutions. Understands and manages  compliance with statutory and legislative requirements about fire safety on a national  and international basis. Frequently interfaces with regulatory authorities and blue light  services on regulation and certification issues. Has a broad knowledge of other  engineering competencies mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical and risk? Kept abreast  of latest technology and has a very wide network of peers in the fire and emergency  fields. Effectively communicates at all levels of management from operations through  to board level. Trained Process Plant Technician and has operational experience of  running high hazard plant together with the knowledge of inherent ‘safe systems’ of  work. A unique ‘fully rounded’ fire professional with both academic and operational  experience. 

Last Business: BP International Limited is one of the world’s largest energy companies,  providing its customers with fuel for transportation, energy for heat and light, retail  services and petrochemicals products for everyday items. The Company employs an  experienced workforce of over 100,000 professionals operating in over 100 countries. 

Job Function: Mr. Westwood served as Global Head of Fire Hazard Management in the  role of Group Fire Advisor for BP International Ltd. He was responsible for providing  direction with respect to fire hazard management for the Company. Playing a pivotal  role in the strategic guidance of the company, his overall fire hazard management  responsibilities encompass many areas relating to fire. Examples include though not 

limited to fire engineering, fire prevention and protection, fire risk assessment, fire  consequence modeling, emergency response, crisis management. Possessing extensive  operational and theoretical experience with demonstrable competence and expertise,  Mr. Westwood’s distinguished career portfolio includes past positions of Engineering  Technical Manager with SembCorp Industries Pty, Fire Engineer for Enron and Deputy  Fire Chief of Imperial Chemical Industries. Mr. Westwood has attended and managed  many Major Industrial Emergencies such as ‘Buncefield’ Multiple Tank Explosion and  Fire in the UK in 2005. Achieving Chartered Engineering status, completion of Fire  Engineering Degree as well as Operational Fire-fighting Command roles are cited as his  accomplishments. Passion for his work, dedication, perseverance, commitment, and  selflessness has greatly contributed to his success. For the future, Mr. Westwood’s goals  include making a difference and taking advantage of improvement opportunities to lead  the World in Fire Hazard Management.  

Employment History: Group Fire Advisor, BP International, Ltd. Engineering Technical  Manager, SembCorp Industries Pty. (2001-05); Fire Engineer, Enron (1998-2001); Deputy  Fire Chief, Imperial Chemical Industries (1990-98).  

Currently founder of Kevin D Westwood Associates Limited FEHM consultancy, FEATHER Fire Explosion and Toxic Hazard Emergency Response, Owner Rectrix Drone Services  Limited. 

Professional Associations: The following are of note; 

Education: University of Central Lancashire, Bachelor’s degree in Fire Engineering with  Honors. C. Eng. B. Eng. (Hon’s), MI Fire E, F-JOIFF, F-FEATHER, MEI 

Personal Information: Two grown children: Elizabeth and Alexander. Mr. Westwood  enjoys reading and self-development/education in many areas.

Abhishek Chhabra
Founder & Chief Catalyst The Assurance Experts

Abhishek is an Engineer and has a Diploma in Finance. He has advocated for compliance to raise standards for improved safety and quality across industries for most of the last two decades. He has vast experience in promoting conformity assessment in several industries including Consumer Electronics, Industrial products (HVAC, ATEX-HAZLOC, Machinery, lighting, etc.), Renewable and Building Products across geographies and jurisdictions. He has worked on several Standards and Codes development initiatives in India and Middle East countries working closely with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), ASTM, UAE Fire & Life Safety Code of Practice and Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO).

He joined Thomas Bell-Wright International Consultants in 2013 and has been the driving force behind the expansion of their fire compliance business.

Along with helping certification bodies expand their business horizons, he also owns and drives a website and a LinkedIn group aiming to increase awareness about Testing, Inspection and Certification (https://tic.guru) and increase the understanding of conformity worldwide. He is also on the technical advisory council of accreditation bodies as well as code development bodies. He frequently writes articles for magazines, publications & Journals and is an invited speaker at conferences across many geographies.

David Campbell
General Manager for Dubai Civil Defence’s Emirates Safety Laboratory

David Campbell is General Manager for Dubai Civil Defence’s Emirates Safety Laboratory, educated in Applied Sciences – Fire Technology, Fire Engineering and Environmental Sciences – Natural Resource Management and Digital Transformations with 33 years working in the sector of which the past 13 years supporting the Middle East region, specialising in Electrical Safety and Fire Compliance (active and passive systems), Testing, Inspection, Certification (TIC) and Advisory.

Bruce Wong
Consultant to the INSARAG Secretariat - Ambassador to the Asia Pacific Institute of Civil Protection & Emergency Management (ICPEM)

MSc, BSc (Hons), FIIRMS, FICPEM, CMIOSH, RSO

Having served voluntary emergency service in Hong Kong for more than 20 years, I have served in a wide spectrum of posts encompassing training and frontline operational commands. 

Over the years, I built my credentials in international urban search and rescue (USAR) and emergency management, and actively participated the United Nations International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) activities, such as earthquake response exercises and meetings. I also in involve the capacity building projects for emergency NGOs in the region.

I am actively involved in public services, such as the Country Representative of the International Association of Emergency Managers, Deputy Convener of USAR Working Group of the International Technical Rescue Association, Asia-Pacific Ambassador to Institute of Civil Protection and Emergency Management, and Principal Members of Technical Search and Rescue Committee and Fire Service Occupational Safety Committee of National Fire Protection Association.

Jon Hall
founder of the Resilience Advisors Network (RAN)

Jon is an experienced fire chief, public sector executive director and emergency & disaster professional, specialising in National and International civil protection arrangements. 

He is the founder of the Resilience Advisors Network (RAN) working worldwide to improve emergency and disaster preparedness, particularly supporting European research and innovation projects. 

He now manages an immediate network of some 160 crisis and disaster experts and facilitates a broader network for more than 1600 European crisis and innovation practitioners supporting organisations such as the UN, the EC and many humanitarian NGO’s.