Route to professional excellence through ICE membership talk

Jenny Illingsworth

Dr Jenny Illingsworth is the Membership Manager for the Mid England region, South East Asia, South Asia, and Africa at the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). In this role, she oversees membership support, guides individuals through professional qualification processes, and manages membership applications. With a background in programme management and business development, she brings extensive experience to her position. She holds a PhD from Durham University and a Postgraduate Diploma from the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

She is also the Head of Business and Operations for the Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education, where she manages the Centre, communicates its opportunities and successes, oversees effective P&L operations, and supports the development of education programmes, research themes, product development, and innovation for the rail and associated industries.

Additionally, she supports communications and industry engagement with the UK Rail Research & Innovation Network—a 40+ partner strong collaboration between academia and industry.

Dr Umair Farooq

Umair is a prominent leader in the field of civil engineering, currently serving as the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Country Representative for Kuwait. With a solid academic and professional background, Umair brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role, promoting the growth and development of civil engineering practices within Kuwait.

Umair holds a First-Class Honours Degree and a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering both from The University of Manchester, UK, is a chartered civil engineer and a Fellow of the ICE.
In his capacity as the ICE Country Representative, Umair plays an important role in promoting the ICE's mission to support and represent civil engineers globally. He is instrumental in facilitating professional development opportunities, enhancing industry standards, and strengthening the network of civil engineers in Kuwait.

Umair’s professional journey is marked by significant contributions to major infrastructure projects across the Middle East and the UK. His leadership and technical acumen have been critical in delivering complex engineering challenges, driving progress and sustainability in the built environment.
Beyond his professional achievements, Umair is passionate about mentoring the next generation of engineers. He actively engages with academic institutions and professional bodies to inspire and guide young engineers towards successful careers in civil engineering.

With a commitment to excellence and a vision for sustainable development, Umair continues to make a lasting impact on the civil engineering landscape in Kuwait and beyond.