- Mark Reilly has been appointed International President of the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) for 2026–27.
- Russ Timpson joins the leadership team as International President Elect, with James Lane continuing as Past International President.
- The new International Presidential Team will focus on advancing global fire safety, professional excellence and international collaboration.
Mark Reilly AFSM CMIFireE has assumed the role of International President, succeeding James Lane CEng FIFireE after serving for the past year as International President Elect.
Reilly brings extensive leadership experience within the IFE, having previously served as a Trustee, supported the Australia Branch and led the International General Assembly (IGA). In his new role, he will oversee the institution’s international activities and help drive its strategic priorities across its global membership.
Joining him is Russ Timpson CEng FIFireE, who has been appointed International President Elect. A Chartered Engineer, Fellow of the IFE and founder of the Tall Building Fire Safety Network, Timpson brings experience spanning the fire and rescue service, aviation and resilience engineering. The IFE said his broad expertise will further strengthen the organisation’s leadership as it continues to address emerging fire safety challenges around the world.
James Lane will remain part of the leadership team as Past International President, providing continuity, guidance and support as the institution builds on the progress made over the past year.
The IFE said the International Presidential Team will continue to champion professional excellence, strengthen its global network and advance the organisation’s vision of creating a safer world through fire engineering.
The appointments come at a time when international collaboration and the sharing of fire engineering expertise are becoming increasingly important as countries respond to evolving building safety regulations, urbanisation and increasingly complex fire risks. For the Middle East, where significant investment continues in high-rise developments, critical infrastructure and mega projects, the IFE’s global leadership is expected to play an important role in supporting knowledge exchange and professional standards across the region.
