International Fire & Safety Journal (IFSJ) is honoured to welcome Steve Apter, Director for Response for the Red Sea Fire and Rescue Service, as a distinguished member of the advisory panel for the IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference 2024.

Steve Apter’s career in fire and safety is both extensive and impressive. Having served as a former UK Chief Fire Officer and Deputy Commissioner of the London Fire Brigade, Apter has been at the forefront of some of the most challenging and significant incidents in the UK.

His expertise in handling situations such as the Grenfell disaster, the Westminster Bridge attack, and the Salisbury poisoning, not to mention his coordination of the Fire Service response to the Covid-19 pandemic, marks him as a leader in crisis management and emergency response.

Steve Apter: A Veteran in Crisis Management and Strategic Leadership

In his role as Deputy Commissioner for the London Fire Brigade, Apter was responsible for the Fire Service Counter Terrorism capabilities and played a pivotal role in advising COBRa, Ministers, and Gold commanders during critical incidents.

His experience in dealing with CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) incidents is unparalleled, positioning him as an authority in complex emergency response scenarios. Since retiring from the Fire Service in 2021, he has been channelling his wealth of knowledge into his consultancy, focusing on crisis leadership, strategy planning, and executive coaching.

Steve’s contributions extend beyond the fire service; he was contracted by the NHS to Chair the Strategic Co-ordinating Group during the emergence of the Omicron variant of COVID. His ability to adapt to various high-pressure situations and provide strategic direction showcases his versatility and leadership prowess in times of crisis.

The IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference 2024

Scheduled for May 9, 2024, at the prestigious Grosvenor House Hotel Dubai Marina, the conference is set to build on the success of its inaugural year. It serves as a critical forum for discussing the evolving challenges and opportunities in fire safety and emergency response.

As a panel member, Steve Apter will bring a unique perspective to the conference, drawing from his extensive experience in managing high-profile incidents and crises. His insights into strategic planning, crisis management, and leadership in emergency situations will be invaluable to the discussions. His participation will enhance the conference’s mission of addressing current and future challenges in fire safety and emergency response.

Steve Apter’s Role on the Advisory Panel

Steve Apter’s comprehensive background and his experience in leading and advising on major emergency responses will be instrumental in shaping the conference’s agenda and discussions. His knowledge in crisis leadership and strategy planning will provide a rich resource for the development of effective fire safety strategies and policies. His involvement in the advisory panel ensures that the IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference will not only tackle current issues in fire and safety but will also be guided by a seasoned expert dedicated to advancing the field.

Advisory panel shaping the conference

The panel for the 2024 conference is composed of distinguished professionals from various sectors related to fire safety and emergency preparedness, including:

• Terry Johnson, Conference Chair
• Engineer Salma Al Ali, Head of Engineering Section at Dubai Civil Defence;
• Mark Buckingham, Head of Emergency Preparedness at Abu Dhabi Airports;
• David Campbell, General Manager at Dubai Civil Defence’s Emirates Safety Laboratory;
• Sinclair Duffie, Chief Fire Officer at Nawah Energy Company;
• Sawsan Dahham, CEO of SIENA;
• Dana Kamal, NFPA Director of International Development (MENA);
• Ghaith Bakir, Senior Regulatory Engineer at UL Solutions;
• Robert Davies, Operations Director at WSP in the Middle East;
• Peter Stephenson, Director at Hydrock Fire Safety Division;
• Saif Essa Al Maskiri, Senior GHSE Manager at Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC);
• Steve Apter, Director for response at the Red Sea Fire and Rescue Service;
• Tarek Al Assil, Executive Director at IFM Facilities Management LLC;
• Sajid Raza, BEng (Hons), MBA, is the CEO of BUTLER ENGINEERING (ME) – The Fire Consultants.

This esteemed panel plays a crucial role in directing the content and focus of the conference, ensuring it tackles the most pressing issues facing the fire safety industry today.

Register to attend the IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference

The IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference 2024 promises to be an essential event for professionals in the fire safety and emergency services sectors.

Attendees can look forward to insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and the latest developments in fire safety strategies and technologies.