Ian originally qualified as a Chemical Engineer and subsequently obtained a post-grad Diploma of Environmental Engineering and an MBA. His employment career includes a Combustion Engineer at Port Kembla steelworks; teaching secondary mathematics and science; a university Research Assistant; an Engineer and Regional Officer at NSW SPCC/EPA; Environmental Engineer/Auditor and Safety Compliance and Investigation Officer in the NSW rail sector, RAC/RIC, and as a Management Systems Auditor for Quality, Safety and Environment at NCSI/ BSI. Ian retired from BSI in December 2014 and is now a sole trader management systems consultant.

Ian is a Past President of Sydney Division of Engineers Australia; a committee member of the Risk Engineering Society, Sydney Division a Fellow of Engineers Australia. He is now a Fellow of the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ), has memberships with Safety Institute of Australia (SIA) and the National Safety Council of Australia. Ian is a Certified Environmental Practitioner (CEnvP) and a member of the Certification Board for CEnvP, an initiative of EIANZ.