Steering Phenna Group's ascent as a market leader in the TICC landscape, my tenure as Founder and CEO has been marked by strategic M&A execution and fostering over 6,500 skilled professionals across multiple continents. Our team's efforts have cemented our presence in the Infrastructure, Built Environment, Industrials, Food & Life Sciences and Compliance/Certification sectors. Transitioning to Executive Chairman, I now guide our high-performance teams toward sustained international growth. Our focus remains on operational excellence and strategic acquisitions, leveraging my extensive B2B experience to enhance our global footprint in the TICC industry.

28 years in leading positions at DEKRA, amongst other leading diversification and growth beyond automotive into industry verticals. Earlier career steps in Consulting and Finance at ALCATEL.

With over 25 years of experience across Asia, Europe, and the U.S., Ian has built, led, and grown businesses in business assurance, consulting, and sustainability. Prior to becoming CEO, Ian was instrumental in shaping LRQA’s growth as Chief Growth Officer and Assessments Business Director, and he played a key role in setting the strategy behind the company’s Full Potential Plan. This ambitious plan is driving LRQA’s growth, allowing the company to remain a proactive leader in managing risk, not merely responding to it. Earlier in his career, Ian held senior leadership roles at Sears Holdings, KPMG, and BSR, and later founded ELEVATE, a world-class risk and sustainability solutions organization acquired by LRQA in 2022. Today, Ian leads LRQA’s execution of its Full Potential Plan, positioning the company to deliver innovative, comprehensive risk management solutions across 150 countries to more than 61,000 clients. By focusing on proactive risk management and driving innovation across certification, inspection, advisory, cyber security, and data, LRQA is enabling clients to thrive in an increasingly complex world.

Paul Hesselink has been the CEO of Kiwa between 2003 and 2023. In that period, Kiwa expanded from a local not-for-profit certification institute into an advanced global TIC organization. After a cultural change, the expansion implied broadening the service portfolio, strong organic growth combined with c. 75 acquisitions, some transformative incl. 5 refinancings. By this, the 200 FTE staff size and €19 m revenue ‘Dutch’ Kiwa of 2005 developed into today’s 12,000+ FTE international organization generating over € 1.5 bn of revenues with its footprint in 40 countries on 5 continents. Early 2024, after 20 years of being CEO, Paul passed the baton to his colleague Luc Leroy and to continue as Kiwa strategy advisor himself. On top, Paul fulfills several Board roles in professional services companies at present. Between 1995-2002, Paul was the National Chief Executive of SGS in the Netherlands as well as executing some corporate SGS and ‘think tank’ roles in Geneva. Before, Paul worked as a scientific researcher at Dutch contract research organization TNO with a focus on Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Environmental Sciences from 1988-1995. Numerous international projects, reports, several publications and a few patents were produced in this period. Professional side activities include(d) Board roles in Industry and Science Associations incl Fenelab and TIC Council, Supervisory roles of RvA and Dutch and EU Research Programs (selection). Paul Hesselink holds a PhD in Biotechnology (1989), an MSC in Biochemistry (1983) and BSc in Chemistry from the University of Groningen. Post-doc research at GBF in Brunswick, Germany (1988).

A former CHIEF EXECUTIVE/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR with a proven track record in building enterprise value in public, private and third sector companies. Expertise in business development, effective operational performance, turnaround, change management and team leadership in the B2B Business Services sector, with a strong international background in Europe, Asia, Middle East and N. America. Now acting as an Advisor to Private Equity firms on pre-deal evaluations, due diligence and investment cases across Business Services, specifically in the assurance & compliance, education & training, energy and logistic sectors. Seeking to build a broader portfolio of Non-Executive positions in related areas.

Experienced at leading and shaping global organizations: Ian El-Mokadem has over thirty years’ experience of working in and leading large, multinational service businesses. His past roles span a range of functions from strategy and marketing to holding full profit and loss accountability in a series of Chief Executive and Managing Director positions. Focused on delivering growth: Ian brings a keen focus on meeting and exceeding the needs of customers. He has extensive experience of delivering organic growth and completing a large number of successful acquisitions through his past leadership roles at RWS Group, V.Group, Exova Group, Compass Group and Centrica. His positions have often involved the delivery of large, complex, technology-enabled business transformations. Passionate about building high-performing teams and companies: Ian is committed to diversity and the wellbeing of colleagues and is focused on setting and maintaining high standards of safety, quality and business conduct across an organization. With broad experience of interacting with a wide range of shareholders, Ian has held Board and Executive level positions in both listed and private equity backed businesses. Today Ian is a Non-Executive Director of Diploma plc, United Utilities plc and Serco Group plc. He also acts as an adviser to private equity funds.

CEO and founder of Amtivo Group, an international provider of accredited certification, supporting businesses to achieve globally recognised standards that drive performance, credibility, and long-term, sustainable success. For the last 20 years, Mike has held senior leadership roles in PE backed businesses, leading disruptive change in the business services and software space, deploying technology and data to transform the client proposition while scaling the business model to fundamentally accelerate value creation. This has involved leading diverse groups of professionals across multiple industry sectors and geographies including Engineering, HR services, Occupational Psychology, Veterinary, and, most recently, Compliance. Prior to that, Mike was a Major in the Royal Engineers, where he picked up his passion for travelling and working internationally!

Anand Raghavan is Managing Director and Senior Partner with Boston Consulting Group, London. He focuses on strategy and due diligence engagements in Business Services, with a particularly strong coverage of the TICC sector.

Following an international career in senior financial roles with global contract manufacturers (including CFO in a Nasdaq listed US division), Steph joined Exova Group in 2013 as Corporate Development Director to support their IPO process and to create and lead the Group's M&A function which delivered 15 transactions (buy and sell) in Europe, US and Asia, across all of Exova's material testing and assurance disciplines which included NDT testing, fire compliance testing and certification. Following Exova’s 2017 sale to Element Materials, Steph joined Eurofins Scientific S.E. as Corporate Development Director to work alongside sector leaders across Eurofins’ broad life-sciences portfolio (food, environ, pharma, clinical, CPT) and has delivered over 35 (buy and sell) transactions, as part of Eurofins’ active inorganic strategy.

Dr. Emmanuel Kahembwe is the CEO of VDE UK and the AI Architect of the VDE group, one of Europe's oldest and largest technical-scientific organisation. He is the co-editor for AI Trustworthiness at CEN-CENELEC and an advisor to The AI Quality & Testing Hub. He chairs the UK's Robotics Standardization Committee at BSI and is a member of its AI Committee. He sits on technical Working Groups at the EU Commission, NATO and the OECD focused on AI Safety & TIC, Standards, and Digital Trust. He is an alumni of The University of Edinburgh (MSc & PhD), Heriot-Watt University (PhD), Napier University (BSc) and The Heidelberg Laurette Forum. His expertise spans the fields of AI, Data, Robotics, Autonomous Systems and Standards.

Davide Riguccio is Co-Founder and CEO of Whitelab, an M&A-driven initiative with the goal of creating the largest independent testing company in Italy. Before founding Whitelab, he served as Chief Operating Officer at Lifeanalytics, where he managed operations across more than 30 locations and contributed to the company’s successful exit under the ownership of Investindustrial. Earlier in his career, Eng. Riguccio spent 12 years at SGS, the global leader in inspection, testing, and certification services, holding several director-level positions across the Industries, Environmental, and Oil & Gas divisions. He began his professional path at General Electric and Baker Hughes, developing solid expertise in the Oil & Gasand Power Generation sectors.

Susan is an experienced Business Development professional with a proven track record in the computer software industry. Susan has spearheaded customer success initiatives for over a decade with a focus on enhancing operational efficiency and client satisfaction. Her expertise is in process optimization, fostering strategic partnerships, and leveraging technology to revolutionize compliance management. Working with global clients across various industries including TIC, Food & Beverage, Manufacturing and Automotive. With an Executive MBA and a rich background in business development, her mission is to revolutionize compliance processes through cutting-edge technology, ensuring unwavering conformity to industry benchmarks.

Pierantonio Portaluri is Co-Founder and General Manager of Whitelab, where he provides cross-functional support across the organization with a specific focus on the integration of acquired laboratories, especially in the areas of finance, management control, and business-supporting information systems. He entered the TIC (Testing, Inspection & Certification) sector in 2020 as Business Process Manager within a buy-and-build initiative, leading the operational integration of acquired laboratories and serving as PMO for the group’s key consolidation and transformation projects. Before founding Whitelab, he gained significant experience in top-tier consulting firms, working at Accenture as a Finance & Risk Consultant and at Cerved as a Business Consultant. He holds a degree in Statistics and Business Management from the University of Padua, a Master’s degree with honors in Finance for Development from Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, and completed the Executive MBA at SDA Bocconi School of Management in Milan in 2025.

Swedish by nationality and born in Switzerland, currently based in Spain. With a background in Business and a Master’s degree in Marketing, founded EQA Spain in 1996. The company has grown to a team of 300 professionals, with most activity and revenue concentrated in the Spanish market. EQA specializes in certification schemes aligned with European priorities in R&D, environmental sustainability, and ESG, as well as inspection services related to urban planning and licensing. Over the past decade, there has been a strong focus on digital transformation as a key element for continuous improvement and innovation.

Kirsten Raapke is an international executive and transformation leader with over 20 years of experience in the Testing, Inspection & Certification (TIC) sector. Her career began in top management consulting, followed by senior leadership roles at TÜV Rheinland, including Chief Strategy Officer for the global Mobility business and Country Manager Spain. She most recently served as EVP Europe, overseeing 60 legal entities across 20 countries and driving strategic M&A and restructuring—with a core focus on growth. She also has held several board positions across European countries. A German national living in Madrid for over 11 years, Kirsten combines strategic clarity with deep operational and cultural insight across international markets. She is fluent in German, Spanish, and English and passionate about sustainable growth, cultural transformation, and empowering high-performing teams.

Pranay Wadyalkar is the MD of OMS Software Australia, a digital automation company providing advanced LIMS & ERP for Laboratories (Metallurgy, mechanical & Chemical testing) & Inspection bodies. OMS eliminates mundane repetitive manual work by an AI (Augmented Intelligence) boosted, process-controlled business management platform. OMS’ digitalisation replaces several fragmented generic Apps and computer hardware software currently used in the TICS industry. Prior to OMS, Pranay founded LMATS in 2008, currently the largest privately owned Australian business offering comprehensive range of laboratory and inspection services. Pranay Wadyalkar is a Chartered Engineer, CMatP, Metallurgist, AICIP ISI, AINDT L3 in ET, UT, RT, MT, PT. Pranay’s professional side includes appointments on NATA’s NDT Accreditation Advisory Committee, Steel Association Board and AINDT FC. Internationally, Australian delegate on the International Council for NDT, Asia-Pacific Federation for NDT & NDE4.0 SIG. Pranay was the President of Australian Institute for NDT President from 2014-2016, and a director from 2009-2017

Rianne Schipper-Kogel is based in London and joined Warburg Pincus in 2014. Rianne focuses on business services and drives the firm’s information services investment strategy in Europe. She has been involved with the firm’s investments in Once for All, Unity Advisory, Norstella, Accelya, PTSG, Reiss and Apteka Gemini. Rianne was recognised by PE News as one of the 2020 Rising Stars of European Private Equity and is an active driver of the firm’s diversity efforts as the Global Co-Head of Women@Warburg. Prior to joining Warburg Pincus, she was in the Mergers and Acquisitions group at Credit Suisse. Rianne received a BSc (first-class honours) in Accounting and Finance from the University of Warwick.

Dr. Fernando [Last Name] holds a PhD and Master’s in Engineering of Construction and Urban Infrastructure Works. He is an IPMA Level B Certified Senior Project Manager with over 35 years of experience in academia and consulting. From 1993 to 2022, he served as a Full Professor at Madrid Polytechnic University, leading research in project and risk management. As CEO of CPV Group since 1993, he has specialized in risk prevention, forensic engineering, and anti-terrorism assessments. He has led major projects for the Spanish Government, EU security programs, and international agencies. His work includes infrastructure protection, fire/blast analysis, and the development of safety standards for WCCE and IAEA. Fernando has collaborated with stakeholders in the TICC sector on the development of safety evaluation frameworks, compliance assessments, and risk mitigation strategies for critical infrastructure. His insights have contributed to improving inspection protocols and resilience planning in high-risk environments, particularly in transportation, energy, and public safety projects. His career bridges technical excellence, academic leadership, and international collaboration in construction and security.

Founder and CEO of Envoy, a UK headquartered family office investing in growth platforms across the energy, utility and industrial sectors. Its £475 Million revenues and 3,500 staff are represented in multiple international markets, and are divided amongst five current platforms. Amongst these is GQS, a quality assurance and technical compliance business. This £30 Million revenue TICC business is undergoing a transformation which is expected to underpin significant growth in the next five years. Envoy was a 2018 buy-out from Global Energy Group, where Iain spent 16 years investing into multiple oilfield and energy TICC businesses.

TIC industry veteran with over 25 years of experience across global finance and corporate leadership. Ten years as Head of Investor Relations at Applus Services SA in Barcelona from its IPO on the Spanish Stock Exchange in 2014 until delisting in 2024 following the competitive Private Equity takeover. Prior to that, 18 years at Intertek Group plc in London in a variety of finance related roles from Divisional Finance Director at the Government Trade Services Division to Head of Tax, Treasury and Corporate and Investor Communications.

Founder and CEO of Bionrec GmbH, based in Hamburg, Germany. Bionrec is European biotechnology company dedicated to implementing bacteria based remediation applications on the industrial scale. Bionrec is active in the TIC industry with focus on bacteria development and soil analysis. Beside Bionrec, Michal is also founder and CEO of OLIMS.IO, online platform for commercializing environmental tests of several international laboratories including ALS. OLIMS has the goal to disrupt the way how laboratories could serve smaller clients in more efficient way. OLIMS team developed unique EDI connectors with several LIMS systems enabling new level of integration with external customer service. OLIMS is aiming to disrupt the way how test portfolios of different labs can be better offered online. Before founding Bionrec and OLIMS Michal acted as Senior Director at Eurofins responsible for Environmental Testing Laboratories in Europe. He accomplished more than 15 acquisitions of environmental and food testing laboratories in Europe including expansion into new markets in Poland, Italy and Switzerland.

Thomas Lorber is the CEO and co-founder of Intact GmbH, a global leader in audit, certification, and standards management software. Since co-founding Intact in 2001, Lorber has been instrumental in transforming the company from a startup into an international market leader in the Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) industry. Under his leadership, Intact has expanded its presence globally, with seven international offices and a client base that includes major players across various industries . Beyond his corporate achievements, Lorber is also a dedicated farmer and award-winning beekeeper. At his family estate, Lorber Hof in southern Styria, he produces a range of products, including honey that has won six gold medals and the overall victory at the Styrian Honey Awards 2024 . Lorber's unique blend of technological expertise and agricultural passion offers valuable insights into sustainable practices and leadership. His experience underscores the importance of adaptability and innovation, both in business and in nature.

Development Director at Envoy, a UK headquartered family office investing in growth platforms across the energy, utility and industrial sectors. John leads the Sourcing division of GQS, with over 20 years of international experience in the oil and gas, renewables and water industries. His career has spanned strategic procurement and supply chain leadership roles at major global companies including Halliburton, Baker Hughes, RSE and Weatherford. John has worked extensively across the U.S., Middle East, and Europe, driving high-impact procurement strategies and operational efficiencies in complex markets.

Innovative and results-driven executive with extensive experience in building and scaling SaaS platforms across Quality, Risk, and Compliance industries. As the President and COO of CMX1, I have spearheaded product innovation, operational excellence, and go-to-market strategies that have consistently delivered. Fostering partnerships with industry leaders such as BV, SGS, LRQA, Solenis/Diversey, Restaurant Brands International, Inspire Brands, Chick-fil-A, and many more, I thrive at the intersection of strategic leadership and technical expertise. My journey is marked by significant entrepreneurial success, including navigating three startups to prosperous outcomes, one culminating in a landmark Initial Public Offering (IPO). This foundation is complemented by extensive C-suite experience, holding roles such as Chief Information Officer (CIO), Chief Technology Officer (CTO), President, Chief Operating Officer (COO), and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in dynamic, technology-centric organizations.

Jonathan Low is the CEO and co-founder of Scope AI, a London-based technology company building AI-native reporting solutions for the global Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) sector. Scope works directly with industry leaders including TUV Rheinland, Apave, and Rosen, helping them digitise field reporting, standardise workflows, and extract structured data from inspections at scale. Previously, Jonathan led product teams at Google and studied Mathematics at Cambridge University. He brings deep technical and product experience to Scope’s mission: making industrial inspections faster, smarter, and more reliable through intelligent automation. Backed by leading venture capital firms from Silicon Valley, Scope has scaled across North America, Europe, and the Middle East, powering thousands of inspectors and supporting some of the most complex reporting environments in the world. The platform reduces administrative overhead by more than 80% and enables real-time reporting that improves operational insight and client service.

Veteran leader in IT, outsourcing, and digital innovation, with over 30 years of experience growing businesses. Successfully sold own company to Cognizant and led its Banking & Insurance business in the Benelux for 16 years. MSc in Electrical Engineering from TU Eindhoven (Netherlands). Advisory board member at Rabobank Peelland Zuid and Travis Road Services.

After a career in Audit, Risk, and Compliance, Bart co-founded Zertic. As Director of Business Development, Bart is responsible for managing key accounts, transferring market demands into Zertic solutions, and creating a strong vision for the TIC market. Bart is passionate about new technologies, realizing business improvements, and personal relationships.

Benjamin Lambert is the founder and CEO of Checkfirst AI, an AI-native platform transforming the Testing, Inspection, Certification, and Compliance (TICC) industry. With over 20 years of experience in enterprise technology that started in the Telco world, Lambert has a background that includes roles at companies like Nexmo and Agora, both succeeding as transformational API first SaaS platforms, helping enterprises globally serve their billions of customers better. He has been closely linked to the start up world acting as an angel investor and early advisor for over 20 companies. His journey into the TICC sector began after relocating to Portugal, where he identified inefficiencies in his wife's inspection business, particularly in scheduling and data verification. This realization, coupled with his exposure to the international trade world, led to the creation of Checkfirst, aiming to streamline these processes using AI. Under Lambert, Checkfirst has developed tools like ScheduleAI, InspectAI, and VerifyAI, which optimize inspector scheduling, digitize field inspections, and automate compliance workflows. In May 2024, the company has secured funding from investors including Olisipo Way, Hiero VC, and Notion Capital as well as industry professionals. The platform is designed to align to the goals of TIC companies, in particular to reduce unnecessary travel, enhance operational efficiency, and minimize environmental impact.

Paloma is an Industrial Engineer specialized in Technological Management and Operations, with a Master’s in Engineering from Universidad Panamericana. With over 17 years of private sector experience—12 in the Mexican conformity assessment field—she has served as General Director and Administrative & Projects Director at Tecnología y Servicio S.A. de C.V. (TYSSA), leading its testing and product certification divisions. A key figure in national and international standardization efforts, she also acts as a liaison with government bodies, chambers of commerce, and customs to support the development and application of standards, helping to strengthen Mexico’s quality infrastructure.