Wintech director James Lane appointed international president at IFE

With more than 30 years’ experience of operating in the fire safety domain, Lane has held various roles in the sector and, as such, is able to bring a wealth of knowledge to his new role at the IFE.

Lane began his career in the fire sector back in 1990 before joining Arup Fire six years later, where he then embarked on projects including the popular Sage entertainment venue in Gateshead. Subsequent to this, he held roles are various organisations including Tenos, SAFE Fire Consultants (now Ramboll Fire), Hilson Moran (where he served as principal fire consultant) and BB7 (in the role of head of fire safety engineering). Lane joined the Wintech Group last year as director and head of its specialist fire engineering division.

In recent times, Lane has made significant contributions to key British Standards, among them BS 9999 (referencing fire safety in relation to the design, management and use of buildings), BS 9991 (focused on fire safety in residential buildings) and BS 7974 (concentrating on the application of fire safety engineering principles in respect of building design). He has also taken part in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government-orchestrated review of Approved Document B of the Building Regulations.

Active IFE member

Lane is an active IFE member, having served on the Board of Trustee directors for the past six years as well as being a member of the IFE’s Registrants Group responsible for reviewing and interviewing prospective CEng registrants.

On his appointment as international president, Lane noted: “It’s a true privilege to serve as the international president of the IFE. On behalf of the Institution, I extend my sincere thanks to my predecessor, Trent Fearnley, for his lasting contributions. Trent’s commitment to global collaboration has not only strengthened our international ties, but also established a powerful legacy through the international president’s technical conference. I’m inspired to build upon the strong foundation Trent has laid as we continue to drive the IFE forward.”

Elected by the IFE’s Board of Trustee directors, the role of International President is held in high esteem and carries responsibilities in acting as the figurehead of the Institution, attending international functions and taking an active role in promoting the IFE’s work among key stakeholders.

Leading with trust

During his inaugural address to members at the IFE’s 2025 AGM, Lane outlined the critical need to place honesty, integrity and Best Practice at the heart of all work transacted by fire professionals. He also touched on his plans to promote the IFE’s achievements and future goals.

Throughout his presidential term, Lane will work alongside Mark Reilly CMIFireE who takes on the role of international president elect. This role has been re-introduced to expand the leadership capacity of the presidential team, allowing for a smoother transition between presidential terms and providing greater support to the international president.

Reilly is a companion member of the IFE. Over the course of his distinguished career, he has held every leadership position within the incorporated Australian Branch and the International General Assembly and has served as a Trustee director for both the Australian and UK IFE Boards.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to firefighter training and leadership development, Reilly was awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal in the 2009 Australia Day Honours. He holds an impressive array of academic qualifications, including degrees in Public Sector Management, Emergency Management, Applied Leadership, Executive Director Governance, Fire Engineering, Building Compliance and Fire Safety.

*Further information is available online at www.ife.org.uk