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.

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.

Ian is an experienced Chief Executive Officer, Non-Executive Director and Private Equity Advisor with a track record of delivering growth and leading successful transformations in service businesses of global scale. He has held leadership roles in both listed and private equity backed businesses. Ian is currently a Non-Executive Director of Diploma plc and of Serco Group plc and he also serves as an advisor to private equity firms. Ian was most recently CEO of RWS Holdings plc, a global leader in technology-enabled language and content solutions where he led a significant re-positioning of the business to capitalise on the opportunities resulting from developments in artificial intelligence. Previously Ian was CEO of V.Group, the world’s leading ship management and marine support services business, where he oversaw a significant digital transformation programme. He was also CEO of Exova Group plc, the global materials testing and calibration services provider, which he steered through its IPO in 2014 and where he grew revenues and profitability substantially, both organically and through 18 acquisitions. Prior to that he was Managing Director, UK and Ireland, at Compass Group between 2006 and 2010, where he drove the turnaround of a division with revenues of c. £1.8 billion and c. 65,000 people. Ian is passionate about 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 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.

After nearly 30 years in investment banking/M&A Jon joined Phenna Group, a former client, in 2024 to lead the external growth efforts of the group. Jon’s experience spans many sectors, with a particular specialisation in testing, inspection, certification, and compliance (TICC), where he became one of the pre-eminent global advisers in the sector. Based in London, UK, Jon has advised clients across the globe and is particularly well networked on the international TICC scene through his deal activity, involvement in various industry associations and regular participation in industry events.

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.

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.

Until 2024, Paul has been the CEO of Kiwa for over 20 years and has been advising on further development of Kiwa since then. Between 1995-2002, Paul worked with SGS in the Netherlands as its National Chief Executive in broad range TIC disciplines also being involved in SGS’ European OGC activities and some corporate SGS HQ ‘think tank’ roles in Geneva. From 1989-1995, Paul worked as a scientific researcher at Dutch contract research organization TNO till 1995 with a focus on Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Environmental Sciences. Paul holds an MSC in Chemistry/Biochemistry (1983) and a PhD in Biotechnology (1989) from the University of Groningen. Post-doc research at the Gesellschaft für Biotechnologische Forschung (GBF) in Brunswick (1988). Many reports, publications and presentations and a few patents. Professional side activities include chairman of Fenelab, RvA Monitoring Board (Dutch Accreditation Council, CEOC Board Member, and TIC Council Board Member and Sponsor of the Ethics & Legal Committee.