IFE to recruit full-time chief executive and add new technical role

IFE leadership team investment

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) is expanding its leadership team through two new appointments, including a full-time Chief Executive Officer and a full-time technical post based at its headquarters in Stratford-upon-Avon.

The IFE announced the recruitment on 28 January 2026.

Recruitment plan and leadership transition

Steve Hamm, the IFE’s current Chief Executive, said: “As well as expanding our leadership capacity, these two new appointments will ensure organisational resilience and enable us to provide services to our members that reflect the evolving role of the IFE as the leading international professional body for fire safety, and to support emerging regulatory frameworks for registered fire engineers and technicians.

“Having been CEO on a part-time basis for the past five years, I will transition to a strategic fire safety advisory role following the appointment of a new full-time CEO later this year.

“The new Chief Executive will provide a dedicated full-time resource for the IFE, supported by qualified professionals who form the Corporate Management Team.”

The recruitment process is planned as a comprehensive process to ensure the Corporate Management Team is resourced for the future.

Paul Stollard, IFE Chair, said: “These appointments come at a critical time providing essential support for the IFE’s growth which will enable us to effectively navigate the increasing demands placed on the institution, particularly since the publication of the Grenfell Tower report.

“The board recognises that the current CEO has led the organisation for over 5 years on a part-time basis, having initially been engaged to provide oversight of a change management programme.

“As a qualified Chartered Engineer with extensive strategic leadership experience, Steve has led the IFE through an era of significant organisational development, leading to the situation where greater capacity is needed in both strategic leadership and technical expertise.

“The recruitment of both roles demonstrates IFE’s commitment to reinforcing its leadership framework and positioning the organisation for sustained growth and resilience.”

The IFE said it is working with a specialist executive recruitment agency to lead the appointment of the new Chief Executive Officer.

Further updates on the appointment and on strengthening technical staff resources will be shared in due course.

Call for nominations to IFE roles

The IFE said nominations opened on 1 February 2026.

Three vacancies are available, comprising two Trustee roles and the position of International President Elect.

One Trustee will be elected by the voting membership and one by the IFE International General Assembly representatives.

Trustees are responsible for setting strategic direction, overseeing governance, managing risk and ensuring legal and charitable compliance.

The International President Elect will serve for one year from the AGM in July 2026 before automatically becoming International President for a further year.

Eligibility and nomination deadline

The IFE stated that nominees for International President Elect must be Corporate Graded Members, including paid-up Life Fellows, Fellows, Members and Associates.

Applications must be supported by current serving trustees of the Board.

All nominations and supporting information must be submitted to [email protected] by 12:00 noon GMT on 28 February 2026.