Our
Team

ABOUT US

Meet the Experts Behind MENA Consultants

At MENA Consultants, our people define our strength. Combining decades of expertise across economics, finance, defence, and geopolitical analysis, our team operates at the highest level of precision, integrity, and discretion. 

We don’t see ourselves as controllers of your strategy, we’re your impartial partners in data-driven decision-making. Each member of our leadership and expert network brings specialist insight shaped by real-world experience across Qatar, the wider MENA region, and international markets. 

Leadership You Can Trust

Guiding the firm’s strategic direction and ensuring every engagement delivers measurable value, our management team combines commercial expertise with deep regional understanding 

Rupert Bastick

Managing Director

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Rory Fyfe

Chief Economist

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Ailsa Whyatt

Head of Office

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With a network of consultants spanning economics, defence, finance, geopolitics, engineering, aviation, energy, data, and communications, our experts bring critical knowledge to every client challenge. Whether advising on market entry, financial due diligence, or geopolitical intelligence, we ensure our clients make informed, confident decisions at every stage. 

Our Experts 

MBA, PRINCE2 FOUNDATION & DMI PRO
Marketing, Brand & Digital Specialist

Alex Glyde

  • Alex Glyde is a multidisciplinary strategic consultant with over a decade of experience advising organisations across the UK and, in the last 3 years, the MENA region. Bringing a modern blend of strategic clarity, operational structure as well as digital & creative problem-solving to businesses undergoing growth, transformation, or market expansion.

  • Having advised multiple organisations operating in Qatar, Alex understands first-hand the strategic and cultural nuances of doing business in the region. His work supporting companies through brand creation, website design & build, creative project management, business development, and stakeholder positioning has enabled clients to establish credibility, build momentum, and secure long-term commercial partnerships.

    • Brand strategy, narrative development & project management for leadership, investment materials, and market visibility

    • UX & website strategy, project management, build and design

    • Multi-stakeholder engagement, including clients, supply chain, the private sector, and public-facing audiences

    • Reputation management through strategic messaging and communication frameworks

    • Process design, workflow optimisation, and operational clarity

    • Implementing tools and systems that enable efficiency and scale

    • Development of partnership models, sponsorship frameworks, and commercial initiatives

    • Support across revenue planning and pipeline structuring

    • Leading cross-functional projects & campaigns spanning corporate, creative, and cultural sectors

    • Designing programmes, live experiences, and large-scale initiatives

    • Bridging strategic planning with high-quality execution

  • Alex’s career spans advisory roles with organisations across creative agencies, consulting, construction, finance, cultural programming, public affairs, brand development, and community-impact sectors.

    He has delivered strategic support to clients ranging from SMEs and start-ups to major organisations operating across the UK and Middle East, including high-growth businesses, investment-aligned initiatives, and mission-driven organisations.

    His cross-sector experience gives him the ability to quickly diagnose needs, simplify complexity, align stakeholders, and create strategic direction.

  • Alex helps MENA Consultants & our clients to:

    • Brand and digital ecosystems creation & optimisation

    • Develop clear, actionable brand, communication & marketing strategies that move businesses forward

    • Build credibility through strategic communications and stakeholder alignment

    • Strengthen internal operations and organisational frameworks

    • Identify opportunities, accelerate growth, and unlock new commercial pathways

    • Deliver campaigns, programmes, projects, and initiatives with impact and structure

Defence, Aviation & Qatar
Business Specialist 

Dave “Seymour” Haworth

  • Dave “Seymour” Haworth directs a wide range of consultants & associates responsible for U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programs and direct commercial sales efforts.  He creates purpose-built delivery teams with expertise on every aspect of the multi-billon dollar tasks.  The hand-picked teams ensure successful delivery for key US partners and allies. 

  • Since July 2014, Seymour has been based in Qatar.  His experience as an active-duty military officer at the U.S. Embassy and as the CEO of two successful companies provides unique insights into the business culture in Qatar and the Middle East.  He has served as an advisor directly to the Minister of Defense and is considered a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on the Qatar Armed Forces. 

    • Business & Market Strategy

      • Market positioning and expansion planning

      • Opportunity identification and commercial roadmap development

      • Strategic advisory across growth, investment, and operations

      Brand, Communications & Stakeholder Positioning

      • Narrative development for leadership, investment materials, and market visibility

      • Multi-stakeholder engagement, including private sector, government, and public-facing audiences

      • Reputation management through strategic messaging and communication frameworks

      Operational & Organisational Development

      • Process design, workflow optimisation, and operational clarity

      • Structuring internal teams, roles, and responsibilities

      • Implementing tools and systems that enable efficiency and scale

      Partnerships, Networks & Commercial Development

      • Relationship building across industries, sectors, and investor ecosystems

      • Development of partnership models, sponsorship frameworks, and commercial initiatives

      • Support across revenue planning and pipeline structuring

      Creative & Programme Leadership

      • Leading cross-functional projects spanning corporate, creative, and cultural sectors

      • Designing programmes, live experiences, and large-scale initiatives

      • Bridging strategic planning with high-quality execution

  • Seymour served as an officer and fighter pilot (A-10 & F-16) for the U.S. Air Force for 23-years.  He has had world-wide assignments and deployments and command positions, including at the Pentagon.  Seymour is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, earned two master’s degrees, and is a graduate of the NATO Senior Defense College in Rome, Italy. 

  • Seymour is our senior defense consultant and advisor on Qatar immigration issues.  His decade long relationships in the country provide invaluable support to clients in the defense sector and those looking to establish a presence in Qatar. 

MBA
Strategic Commercial Advisor

Donovan Waite

  • With over 30 years' experience in the international energy industry and an Executive MBA from HEC Paris, Donovan Waite is a strategic commercial advisor renowned for his expertise across oil, gas, and power sectors. Donovan's career is distinguished by hands-on leadership in M&A support, business development, trading, and commercial optimisation for multinational energy companies.

  • After spending more than six years in Qatar - including senior commercial roles at QatarEnergy - Donovan has cultivated a robust network throughout the MENA region and beyond, strengthening ties with industry leaders such as Shell, ExxonMobil, and TotalEnergies. His insights are grounded in a nuanced understanding of the business culture, regulatory landscape, and strategic opportunities unique to Qatar and the wider Middle East. Donovan understands the regulatory frameworks, stakeholder dynamics, and commercial structures that define successful market entry and expansion in Qatar and across the GCC.

    • Donovan delivers pragmatic solutions for:

    • Market Entry & M&A across gas and power value chains

    • Strategic Positioning & Operational Optimisation of energy assets and infrastructure

    • Contract Structuring & Negotiations (including LNG SPAs and complex commercial agreements)

    • Regulatory Advisory on infrastructure access regimes and stakeholder management

    • Trading Optimisation & Hedging strategies

    • Energy Transition & Decarbonisation Planning

    • AI-Driven Commercial Strategy for enhanced decision-making

    With decades of experience representing companies at the negotiating table, before regulators and governments, and at major industry conferences, Donovan brings global best practices to local challenges.

  • Donovan's international career spans the UK and Qatar with operational reach across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America—including major LNG projects in Brazil with Shell and terminal operations at South Hook and Dragon LNG. He is known for steering complex negotiations, delivering measurable growth, and supporting innovative business models in rapidly evolving energy markets.

  • Combining market intelligence with practical commercial expertise, Donovan enables clients to:

    • Enter new markets and forge strategic partnerships

    • Optimise asset and terminal performance

    • Navigate regulatory complexities

    • Structure and negotiate high-value contracts

    • Embrace energy transition opportunities

    • Deliver resilient business development and operational strategies

    Donovan's approach is client-centric, blending real-world commercial acumen with integrated economic, regulatory, and strategic frameworks.

James Hall

MBE MA FCMI FIoL
Defence, Security & Special Operations Specialist

  • A senior executive with 40 years of experience in the UK military, defence and security industries. James offers experience as soldier, diplomat and coach, with deep knowledge of strategic and operational planning. He specialises in the development of high-performing leadership teams. He has wide experience in the digitisation of defence command and control systems and has particular experience in the development of small and medium-sized companies in the EMEA Region.

  • James has commercial security and defence digitisation experience that has taken him to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen. Linked with his work with defence industries in Germany and West Africa, he offers strong experience of defence and security operations in multi-cultural environments.

    Most recently, James has been involved with the project management of the development of special operations capabilities. He has a wide understanding of emerging government and commercial responses to Regional threats.

    • Team Coaching in defence and security environments

    • Defence digitisation of command and control

    • Strategic planning in the defence and security sectors

    • Programme/Project management in defence and security sectors

    • Small and Medium Scale consultancy for the defence and security sectors

    • Special operations capability development

  • James’ experience, military and commercial, is drawn from Europe, the Middle East and Africa. As a soldier he has been a senior Defence Diplomat and worked closely with development agencies in the Region. In Yemen 2015, he was responsible for the largest commercial security force facing the Houthi invasion of Sana’a. In Qatar he was responsible for a multi-national defence team developing C4I systems.

    In Germany he led an international team that conceived and designed an entirely new network of CBRN sensor systems. He has been responsible for the team coaching of Board level leaders in major multinational corporations.

  • James is a sector-specialist for MENA’s clients in the defence and security spaces, with particular emphasis on the role of special operations as a contribution to national security and commercial stability. His deep understanding of emerging government and commercial threats across EMEA, and experience with developing high performance teams make him a safe pair of hands in often extremely politically charged situations.

Jayne Moran

MBA
Oil & Gas Business Development & Regional Strategy Specialist 

  • With 30 years of professional experience, including more than 20 years in the international oil and gas industry, Jayne has built her career around business development, operations, and regional strategy. Since 2014, she has been based in Qatar, where she has advised international organisations, set up new companies, negotiated complex contracts, and delivered measurable growth across multiple markets. Known for driving sales of innovative and disruptive technologies, she combines commercial acumen with strong operational oversight to help organisations expand and strengthen their market presence. 

  • She has advised international oil and gas companies on offshore logistics strategies, managed large-scale tender processes, and supported the establishment of new business operations across the GCC. Her career highlights include achieving double- and triple-digit revenue growth and helping organisations strengthen their regional presence through effective client engagement, contract leadership, and market entry strategies. 

    • Market entry & company formation (Europe & Middle East) 

    • Tendering, bids & contract negotiations 

    • Business development & strategic growth delivery

    • General management & operations leadership 

    • Marketing & communications strategies 

    • Key account management & stakeholder engagement 

    • Cross-cultural team leadership 

  • Jayne’s career spans Europe and the Middle East, allowing her to apply international best practices within regional contexts. She has represented organisations at global industry conferences in Doha, Aberdeen, Houston, and Abu Dhabi, presenting on marine access and offshore safety. Her ability to connect regional opportunities to service companies ensures insights that are both commercially relevant and locally grounded. 

  • At MENA Consultants, Jayne provides expertise in market entry, business development and strategic positioning. She supports clients in navigating regional complexities, establishing operations, and expanding their footprint across the Middle East. With a focus on the energy sector, her track record of delivering measurable growth and building strong industry relationships ensures clients achieve sustainable outcomes and long-term success. 

Economist

Justin Alexander

  • Widely known for his deep knowledge of the region’s macro economy and political dynamics, Justin is the Director of Khalij Economics and GCC Analyst for GlobalSource Partners. He is a nonresident fellow at the Edward P. Djerejian Center for the Middle East at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy in Texas. 

  • Justin has been engaged in the Middle East for a quarter century, including a decade living in the region, mainly in Qatar. He has worked across government, banking, asset management and business intelligence. 

    • Hydrocarbons and the energy transition. 

    • AI and technology. 

    • FDI and the business environment. 

    • Political risk 

    • Trade and bilateral relations. Sovereign wealth funds. 

  • Former Economic Advisor in Qatar’s Ministry of Finance. Justin has worked on the Middle East for over 15 years, living in Jordan, Iraq and Qatar, and working for QNB, the Economist Intelligence Unit and the UN, amongst others. He brings together analysis of macroeconomics, political risk and the business environment."

  • Justin provides insights into local economic dynamics within each Gulf state as well as a perspective on their regional and international relations. This supports MENA Consultant’s advice to companies considering market entry, expanding operations in the region or bidding for new projects. 

MBE CEng BEng (Hons)
Defence, Aviation & Safety Specialist  

Spike Quant

  • A dynamic and highly versatile senior executive with over 39 years of service in UK Defence, Spike brings deep expertise in aeronautical engineering, aviation safety, logistics, and leadership.  He is known for his strategic vision, operational precision, and ability to deliver results in complex, and highly regulated environments. 

  • Since November 2019, Spike has been employed as a Safety Advisor to the Director of Safety and Aviation Accident Investigator with the Qatar Emiri Air Force, leading the modernization of safety management and auditing systems.  His work ensures compliance with national and international aviation regulations, supporting Qatar’s defence transformation agenda. 

    • Aviation Safety & Accident Investigation.

    • Defence Logistics & Operational Readiness.

    • Safety Management Systems (SMS) Modernization.

    • Regulatory Compliance (ICAO and Military Standards).

    • Strategic Leadership & Change Management.

    • Cross-Cultural Team Integration

  • Spike has led multi-disciplinary teams across global appointments, delivering complex change programs with measurable outcomes.  His experience spans many global regions including Europe and the Middle East, making him a culturally sensitive advisor in high-stakes environments. 

  • Spike contributes sector-specific insight to MENA’s clients operating in defence, aviation, and logistics across the Middle East.  His work aligns with MENA’s mission to deliver high-level economic intelligence and strategic support in a rapidly evolving regional landscape. 

BA Hons
Communications & Stakeholder Management Specialist

Tom Selway 

  • With over a decade leading a UK communications agency and 15 years in the Army Reserves, Tom brings extensive experience in stakeholder and relationship management, and business leadership, particularly within the development and renewables sectors. He combines strategic insight with practical delivery, helping organisations navigate complex regulatory, community, and commercial landscapes. 

  • Having been brought up in the Gulf, Tom has a deep understanding of the region. He has supported UK fund managers expand into Gulf markets, advised the Kuwaiti owners of Bristol Rovers on their stadium expansion and an Omani company on renewables in Oman. Tom has also hosted delegations to the UK and worked with the British Chamber of Commerce Qatar on their future strategic vision.  

    • Business development 

    • Stakeholder engagement and relationship management 

    • Public relations and reputation management 

    • Market and policy analysis

    • Strategic communications and leadership 

    • Defence and military experience

  • In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to build cross-cultural relationships and trust is vital. Tom has a proven record in relationship and brand management across diverse markets, from China and India to the Middle East and Europe. He brings a strong understanding of international trade, investment, and UK–Gulf partnerships, grounded in diplomacy and practical business insight.  

  • Tom supports MENA’s clients by providing communication and relationship advice. He is committed to delivering high-value, strategic advice that strengthens client performance, enhances stakeholder trust, and drives sustainable growth. 

Contact the Team ❖

Contact the Team ❖