Growing up in the remote outback of Australia, Ian is acutely aware of the challenges involved in managing complex situations in isolated environments. In 2003, after an eclectic career in agriculture, software support, and business management, Ian was recruited to the Australian Department of Defence in a civilian role. He spent 10 years employed by the Australia Defence Material Organization (DMO) as a Systems Administrator and Project Manager.

Initially responsible for specialist information systems in support of the RAAF’s Strike Reconnaissance Systems Program Office, he later moved to aerospace project management. Holding a Project Manager’s Charter from CEO DMO, Ian led a major Defence Joint Project valued at over $400M to acquire multiple drone types in the role of aerial targets, serving the Air Defence training requirements of all Australian Defence Force services.

In 2014, Ian became the Managing Director of Akashinga in Australia, overseeing the introduction and execution of new conservation programs across the organisation's portfolio in Southern and East Africa. As the interface between on-ground conservation operations and Akashinga's financial and other management systems, policies and regulatory requirements, Ian's position has been critical in the governance and management of the organisation. Today, Ian serves on Akashinga's Board of Directors.