TERRA TEK - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Geo Environmental Director
Afam leads the Geoenvironmental Services Team at Igne. A seasoned professional with a robust background in engineering and geoscience, Afam brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role. He is a chartered engineer with over 25 years' experience in civil, geotechnical and environmental engineering. His practical experience has, to a large extent, involved brownfield development particularly in relation to contaminated land, its investigation, risk assessment, remediation and provision of related advisory services. He is a registered Suitably Qualified and experienced Person (SQP) for the implementation of the UK National Quality Mark Scheme for Land Contamination Management (NQMS). He is also a portfolio manager for a number of clients and has been directly involved in the pre-acquisition, development, closure and divestiture surveys of several retail, industrial, commercial and residential sites in the UK and overseas.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Managing Director - Site Investigation
Anne Baxter is a seasoned professional with 36 years of experience in site investigation. She began her journey as the sole Geologist at Whatlings Foundations Ltd., eventually co-founding Terra Tek in 1990, where she led a successful site investigation and laboratory company for over a decade. Anne's pursuit of knowledge led her to complete a Master of Philosophy in Engineering Geology and a Masters in Business Administration during this period. After Terra Tek's acquisition by Raeburn Drilling & Geotechnical Ltd in 2001, Anne assumed leadership of the Geotechnical Department. Over a decade ago, she ascended to the role of CEO, playing a pivotal role in expanding the company's presence across major frameworks in Scotland, including Scottish Water, Transport Scotland, Scottish Power, and SSE. Anne's leadership extends beyond her company as she served as the Chair of the British Drilling Association and currently holds a directorial position, contributing significantly to industry development.
Ben Cornish Director of Water Wells. Providing a solution for all specialist drilling and borehole related works. Read more
Job Titles:
- CFO
- Member of the Leadership Team
A Finance Director and Chartered Accountant, Bernard originally trained in practice in Dublin. Since then he has held senior finance roles in industry in both bluechips and SMEs, encompassing business transformation, large scale change and significant IT and ERP implementations. As well as directly contributing to strategy, Bernard holds responsibility for IT, HR, ESH and QHSE. Pragmatic, principled and progressive - Bernard's philosophy is that good people, aligned to a shared goal, deliver high performance. Transforming departments, companies and organisations with positive lasting change. Developing high standards, strong professional teams, and performance cultures that endure.
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Member of the Leadership Team
Calum Forsyth, with a distinguished career spanning 25 years in the construction sector across the UK and Europe, has been appointed Chair of Igne, marking a significant milestone in his professional journey. Previously serving as Chief Executive Officer at IAC Acoustics and Group Managing Director for Wavin Group's South West Europe operations, Calum brings a wealth of leadership experience and strategic vision to his new role. His tenure as Managing Director of H+H UK, starting in May 2016, saw him succeeding Mark Oliver, overseeing the company's operations with a focus on continuous improvement and performance enhancement. Calum's strong background, coupled with an MBA qualification, positions him well to drive Igne forward in its mission and goals. His enthusiasm for joining Igne is palpable, as he aims to leverage his expertise to further enhance the company's market position and build upon its legacy of success under previous leadership. Calum's strategic leadership will undoubtedly contribute significantly to Igne's future growth and development in the dynamic homebuilding sector.
Operational since the 1950s, providing geological, geotechnical, and environmental engineering services, DTS became Igne's expert advisory arm when it joined Igne on the 2nd October 2023.
DTS Raeburn helps clients understand the geological, geotechnical and environmental conditions of a prospective development site, minimising client risk in relation to purchasing or developing land.
Job Titles:
- Commercial Director - Site Investigation
- Commercial Director at Igne
Gordon Ross is Commercial Director at Igne (formerly Raeburn Drilling & Geotechnical Limited). He mentors a diverse team of empowered individuals, encouraging self-motivation, team development and innovative thinking to achieve ambitious goals. He has spent most of his career, spanning three decades, in the ground investigation industry, where he has demonstrated excellence within engineering and commercial roles, gaining a wealth of experience across infrastructure, renewables, and construction sectors. His focus is leaning on his wealth of experience and expertise and driving value engineering to new and returning clients across all business service offerings. His significant contributions to joint British Drilling Association and Association of Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental Specialists publications and the UK Specification for Ground Investigation 3rd Ed published in 2022 illustrates his highly regarded proficiency. Presently, he sits on the BDA's Technical Standards and Management Committees. He holds a B.Sc. (Hons) in Geology & Applied Geology and M.Sc. in Petroleum Geochemistry. While running the commercial arm of the company is his primary job function by day, Gordon finds balance away from work through hill walking and visiting places of archaeological and geological interest.
Job Titles:
- Igne 's Operations Director
Job Titles:
- Operations Director - Site Investigation
James (Jim) Raeburn, Igne's Operations Director, brings over four decades of passion and expertise to the drilling business. With a career that began in 1975, Jim's dedication and enthusiasm remains as strong as ever as he approaches his 65th birthday. Jim is optimistic about Igne achieving significant success and enjoys contributing to the business's growth. As a leading contractor in the UK, he sees tremendous opportunities for organic expansion on the horizon for Igne. Despite wishing for a younger age to fully experience the journey ahead, Jim is confident in the exciting times ahead for those willing to work hard and seize opportunities. Amidst stiff competition, he believes in establishing a strong presence and is eager to play a pivotal role in Igne's journey, supported by an enthusiastic team. The future is bright, and Jim's leadership promises great achievements in his role as Operations Director.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Non - Executive Director
- Investment Director at Solix
Joel Wittgren is an Investment Director at Solix, a Scandinavian investment company focused on industrials and B2B services. Besides Igne, Joel sits on the boards of Geveko Markings and Terratech. Prior to joining Solix, Joel worked as a management consultant at L.E.K. Consulting in London. He holds a BSc in Business and Economics from the Stockholm School of Economics.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Non - Executive Director
- Chairman of DSVM Invest a / S
Kent Arentoft serves as the Chair of DSVM Invest A/S and its subsidiaries based in Denmark. He embarked on his journey with the company by joining the Board of Directors in 2013 and assumed the role of Chair the same year. Additionally, Kent actively contributes to the Nomination Committee, where he holds a leadership position. With a diverse background in international companies within the building materials and contracting sector, Kent brings invaluable expertise to his role. His strategic acumen and experience in managing mergers and acquisitions have been instrumental in shaping the company's growth trajectory. Kent Arentoft is an independent professional, aligning with the Danish Recommendations on Corporate Governance. Beyond his responsibilities at DSVM Invest A/S, Kent also holds significant positions such as a member of the Investment Committee at Solix Group AB (Sweden) and Chair of one of its subsidiaries.
Originally from the South of France, Lucie relocated to the UK in 2003 after graduating from one of the leading business schools affiliated with the French Chamber of Commerce & Industry. She dedicated her initial 7 years to the telecommunications sector, as a recruiter for the Middle-Eastern markets, prior to commencing her tenure in 2012 with Igne (formerly BACTEC). Lucie has demonstrated her professional acumen within our organisation, assuming diverse roles encompassing Business Development, Operations, Project Management, and Commercial Management. Presently, she holds the position of Director of UXO, managing high-performing teams for the successful delivery of Igne's UXO operations across the UK.
Job Titles:
- Director - Site Investigation
Nick offers 36 years of relevant geotechnical and engineering experience in both the private and public sectors. As a Fellow and Chartered professional of the Geological Society of London, he holds first and post-graduate degree qualifications in earth science and engineering related disciplines. His daily responsibilities revolve around integrating and managing the business unit's commercial activities, aligning with client objectives and deliverables. Ensuring cohesive operations across all commercial components of the business and meeting contractual deadlines. Challenges often cascade, so having adequate resources, expertise and the technical skills is essential to fully assist and provide value to Igne's client base. Additionally, Nick is active with Durham, Northumbria, and Newcastle Universities for student outreach, participates on the BDA training and education and Northern Geotechnical Group committees, and is the lead AGS representative for the business. Clients will benefit from his professional ethic, passion, and systematic approach to achieving fit-for-purpose programmes of ground investigation.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- ESG & Regulatory Risk Director
Paul is a highly motivated and proactive chartered safety professional with over 26 years' experience in the construction and geotechnical industry from both military and civilian application. Paul is the ESG and Regulatory Risk Director for Igne Group and is responsible for overall business risk and compliance. Paul leads on QSHE, ESG and transport for Igne and with his extensive knowledge in quality & environmental management, reduces the risk to Igne's people, customers and the environment whilst ensuring sustainability is strategically delivered. Paul is instrumental in cultivating a positive safety culture across all organisational levels by delivering effective leadership and communication. With expertise in risk management, safety direction and quality assurance, Paul provides expert insight and advice across Igne. Paul is the current Chair of the British Drilling Association Safety Committee advising them on best industry practice and safety guidance.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director of Materials Testing
Peter Godfrey is an accomplished director with over 18 years of experience in the testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) sector. Commencing as a trainee field technician for Bureau Veritas, he cultivated a robust technical acumen from the ground up. Progressing through various ranks within laboratory environments, Peter honed his expertise and garnered pivotal commercial insights. His trajectory encompasses pivotal roles within the UK's foremost TIC enterprises, culminating in a track record of steering high-performing sales teams, orchestrating intricate projects, and spearheading strategic business expansion endeavours. Fuelled by an unwavering commitment to operational excellence and surpassing client expectations, Peter is renowned for his adeptness in implementing innovative solutions and delivering unparalleled service and value. His leadership ethos underscores a relentless pursuit of improvement and client satisfaction, positioning him as a forerunner in the TIC landscape and showing Igne's dedication to establishing itself as a main player in the UK TIC market by bringing him in as their Director of Materials Testing.
Job Titles:
- Director of Business Development
Peter Widdowson is a civil engineering and construction professional with over 20 years' experience in infrastructure and building construction as a main contractor and more recently Business Development Director for Igne Group. His career highlight remains as Section Engineer responsible for the main aqueduct and wheel supports for the Falkirk Wheel but experience in rehabilitating ecological features around the Manchester Airport Second Runway seems to have shone a light on his passion for promoting and ensuring sustainable development at a very early stage of his career. Peter is a professional civil engineer, a chartered member of the Institution of Civil Engineers and also has a Masters degree in Construction Law, gained whilst waiting for mediation to complete on the Edinburgh Tram scheme! Outside work, Peter proudly follows his two daughters around the country as they compete in athletics and hockey.
Job Titles:
- CEO
- Member of the Leadership Team
Rob is our Chief Executive Officer. He brings a wealth of experience and a track record of delivering growth and change to a diverse range of businesses. Rob has been in a leadership role with the group for 8 years. He was formerly Chief Financial Officer and then Chief Executive of our sister company, SafeLane Global, before taking the helm here, when Igne was formed. Prior to that, he has worked in senior roles in the manufacturing, service and the FMCG sectors. He has a strong focus on developing high-value teams, building relationships and creating a culture of excellence. These are integral to Igne's values of partnership, quality and reliability. Rob is passionate about social mobility and seeks to ensure equitable opportunity regardless of background. Outside of work, he is a school governor, enjoys the countryside and visiting new places on holiday.