SafeLane Global Welcomes New CEO 

Herefordshire-based SafeLane Global (SafeLane) counters explosive and hazardous material threats, holding global expertise in the clearance of landmines and explosive remnants of war, including improvised explosive devices. Its work on land and in marine environments creates safer spaces for clients and communities.

Following strategic acquisitions in the UK between 2019 and 2022, SafeLane’s UK operations grew significantly and evolved into a new brand, Igne.  This realignment ensures both Igne and SafeLane Global are best positioned for success in their respective markets.

New CEO Tim Illingworth will take the reins from the 1st November 2023, and brings with him a wealth of experience following an extremely distinguished and relevant career to date, including over 23 years of operating, building and running businesses and living in some of the world’s most remote, complex and hazardous environments.  Most recently, Tim was the Commercial Director of Iqarus, a company that delivers medical care in the same complex environments in which SafeLane’s international business also operates.  Before joining Iqarus, Tim worked within the high-risk arm of global security company GardaWorld, ran a number of companies within the extractive industry in West Africa, and served as an officer in the British Army, where he was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross in recognition of his services while operating alongside local forces in Afghanistan.

SafeLane’s incumbent CEO Rob Hunter, who has been with the company for over seven years, will ensure a seamless handover before stepping across from the international business to exclusively lead Igne.

Discussing the latest step in the evolution of SafeLane Global, Igne’s CEO Rob Hunter explains: “In recent years, the group businesses have each grown significantly.  We have been working strategically to separate the businesses and allow their individual growth opportunities to be realised, without disrupting any ongoing contracts or business relationships.  We are now ready for SafeLane and Igne to follow their own paths, and that means a full handover to the calibre of leader that Tim embodies.  For me, I am thrilled to be passing the baton with SafeLane in such a robust position and am fully confident in Tim’s skills to continue steering the company on its success trajectory.  Together with the outstanding team we have built, I am invigorated by Igne’s opportunities to become the service provider of choice for Britain’s construction and infrastructure sectors.”

Tim Illingworth, newly appointed CEO of SafeLane Global’s international business, added:  “In spite of significant progress over the past two decades with the removal of explosive remnants of war, landmines and cluster munitions, the world is continuing to see instability and conflict in areas where the communities and governments are least well equipped to cope with the lasting effects of the use of explosive weaponry.  SafeLane Global is among the most respected names in the field of explosive threat mitigation, working alongside governments, NGOs, companies and communities in these environments and I couldn’t be happier to be joining such a capable and experienced team at what is an important point in the company’s history.  With current projects ongoing in countries such as Yemen and Somalia and a real requirement for SafeLane Global’s services in Ukraine and across the Middle East, this is an unrivalled opportunity for me to help shape the future success of the business while working with what is already an exceptional team.”