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

Rory Fyfe

Chief Economist

Ailsa Whyatt

Head of Office

Our Experts 

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. 

Dave “Seymour” Haworth

Defence, Aviation & Qatar Business Specialist 

  • 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. 

    • Foreign Military Sales. 

    • Integrated Air & Missile Defense Planning. 

    • Program Management. 

    • Qatar Business Stand-up. 

    • Qatar Immigration & Sponsorship. 

    • Leadership. 

  • 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. 

  • As a trusted subcontractor, 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. 

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. 

  • 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. 

Spike Quant MBE CEng BEng (Hons)

Defence, Aviation & Safety Specialist  

  • 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. 

    • Foreign Military Sales. 

    • Integrated Air & Missile Defense Planning. 

    • Program Management. 

    • Qatar Business Stand-up. 

    • Qatar Immigration & Sponsorship. 

    • Leadership. 

  • 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. 

  • As a trusted subcontractor, 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. 

Tom Selway 

Communications & Stakeholder Management Specialist

  • 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.