The Team
DAVID SUMNER - CHAIRMAN
David Sumner brings over 30 years of global leadership experience across the defence, healthcare, mining, and cleantech sectors, with a strong focus on corporate finance and strategic development. He has served in both executive and non-executive roles on the boards of numerous private and publicly listed companies.
Throughout his career, Mr Sumner has consistently demonstrated his expertise in capital markets, successfully raising both debt and equity funding internationally. He has led six companies through IPO, establishing a proven track record in building and scaling businesses for public markets.
Having spent the majority of his professional life in the Middle East and Asia, Mr Sumner has developed extensive networks within government agencies and the corporate sector worldwide. He is particularly known for his ability to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes and drive outcomes that deliver broad-based value.
In addition to his business achievements, Mr Sumner is the founding trustee of The Sumner Foundation, established in 2019, which reflects his long-standing commitment to philanthropy and social impact.
DR MELINDA FOUTS - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dr Melinda Fouts is a worldwide recognized and highly decorated psychotherapy coach focusing on individuals, corporate executives and government agencies. Her sector agnostic approach has seen Dr Fouts guide and advise some of the world’s most influential people and entities to ensure that their goals are reached in an effective and ethical manner by allowing leaders to focus on critical and strategic thinking, performance optimization, and leadership skills development.
Dr Fouts holds an MA in Psychology from the Pacifica Graduate Institute; she achieved her PhD in Psychology from Saybrook University in 2013. She is a member of The International Coach Federation, the Leadership Investment, International Association of Top Professionals (IATOP) and sits on the Forbes Coaches Council. She received recognition from the IAOTP as the Top International Coach of the Year in 2020, and received the award for Most Empowered Woman of the Year in 2021. Dr Fouts has been extensively interviewed for her expertise in executive coaching and also her book, Cognitive Enlightenment.
MR MICHAEL R CLARKE (CCEP, NACD.DC) - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Michael R. Clarke is Founder and Principal of Jaeger-Plymouth Advisors, LLC, a risk management advisory firm focused on assisting companies with ethics & compliance program assessments, expert witness and litigation support services, risk assessments and support for investigations and corrective actions. Previously, he served for over six years as Deputy General Counsel & Global Chief Compliance Officer of Convatec, Inc., a FTSE 100 global medical technology company. For nearly 23 years, Michael implemented third-party business risk management programs and mitigated internal human capital and commercial risks through his creation and management of global ethics and compliance programs for life sciences and healthcare entities.
Before his in-house career, Michael practised law for 14 years; is director-certified by the National Association of Corporate Directors; and is a Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional. He received his Juris Doctorate from Cornell Law School and his Bachelor of Arts degree from Brown University.
MR ANGUS MCCAFFERY - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Angus McCaffery began his career in the telecommunications sector, co-founding Maintel in 1991. Under his leadership, Maintel successfully listed on the London Stock Exchange, where it remains publicly traded today. Angus continues to be a shareholder and Non-Executive Director of the company, which consistently delivers annual revenues in excess of £100 million.
In 2019, Angus became the cornerstone investor in 4GD, a high-technology defence business at the forefront of data-enabled training solutions, with operational facilities in both the UK and the US.
With a strong pedigree across the telecommunications and defence sectors, Angus brings deep strategic insight and an intrinsic understanding of capital markets.
BRIAN MAIR - GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT & PROJECT MANAGEMENT
During a 30 year extensive and varied career in the Royal Navy, specialising in Diving and Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Brian saw operational service in numerous conflicts across the globe. In addition to ship command he also taught Joint Operational Campaign Planning at home and abroad, served in the Permanent Joint Headquarters and was a Project Manager in the Ministry of Defence. After a year as a student of the Defence School of Language, his final appointment was a Diplomatic role in the Middle East.
On leaving the service as a Commander, having completed a Masters Degree in Security & Risk Management, he transitioned smoothly into the civilian world by working in the Port Special Systems department during the construction of a mega port in Abu Dhabi. This was followed by a senior Corporate Security position with SHELL acting as their Regional Security Manager for Africa. This role, based in Lagos, was responsible for creating a secure business operating environment, minimizing loss and, crucially, safeguarding reputation of SHELL in one of the most complex and high threat security regions in the Group. Brian held a similar role in Mozambique with Anadarko, a large US independent company.
JUDY ROBERT - INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Mrs Robert has over 30 years of experience in international business development management and government relations. Judy has an impressive proven track record across all sectors with a particular emphasis on Defence systems and technologies. She has sourced, negotiated and closed numerous multi-million-dollar government-funded deals in the Latin American, Caribbean and European markets.
Based in Israel, Judy is fluent in Spanish, English and Portuguese.
MANDIP TIWANA - INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT
Mandip has over 20 years of International recruitment experience across the healthcare, social care, construction, and labour sectors. Having held various senior industry positions, Mandip has a deep understanding of, and expertise relating to, the supply of human resources for critical industries for both the private and public sectors.
Mandip has been successful in winning multiple large UK government contracts for the supply of manpower under government awarded national framework agreements. She has developed numerous International recruitment campaigns in Southern and Eastern Asia and has a deep understanding of the complex regulatory and immigration systems involved in large scale deployments
Mandip holds a BA (Hons) in Humanities from the University of Greenwich.
DAVID MCGUINESS - INTERNATIONAL FINANCE
David’s background is in real estate investment and development, where he gained experience in transaction structuring, capital formation, and cross-border investment activity. His work has since broadened to include structured transactions and trade finance, with a focus on facilitating access to institutional and private capital and aligning financing solutions with underlying asset and operating strategies across the UK and Europe.
David is responsible for capital partnerships at Sumner Global Hub. His work focuses on structuring and securing appropriate sources of capital to support the firm’s operating platforms, as well as developing and maintaining relationships with lenders, investors, and financing partners.
The Team
DAVID SUMNER - CHAIRMAN
David Sumner brings over 30 years of global leadership experience across the defence, healthcare, mining, and cleantech sectors, with a strong focus on corporate finance and strategic development. He has served in both executive and non-executive roles on the boards of numerous private and publicly listed companies.
Throughout his career, Mr Sumner has consistently demonstrated his expertise in capital markets, successfully raising both debt and equity funding internationally. He has led six companies through IPO, establishing a proven track record in building and scaling businesses for public markets.
Having spent the majority of his professional life in the Middle East and Asia, Mr Sumner has developed extensive networks within government agencies and the corporate sector worldwide. He is particularly known for his ability to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes and drive outcomes that deliver broad-based value.
In addition to his business achievements, Mr Sumner is the founding trustee of The Sumner Foundation, established in 2019, which reflects his long-standing commitment to philanthropy and social impact.
DR MELINDA FOUTS - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dr Melinda Fouts is a worldwide recognized and highly decorated psychotherapy coach focusing on individuals, corporate executives and government agencies. Her sector agnostic approach has seen Dr Fouts guide and advise some of the world’s most influential people and entities to ensure that their goals are reached in an effective and ethical manner by allowing leaders to focus on critical and strategic thinking, performance optimization, and leadership skills development.
Dr Fouts holds an MA in Psychology from the Pacifica Graduate Institute; she achieved her PhD in Psychology from Saybrook University in 2013. She is a member of The International Coach Federation, the Leadership Investment, International Association of Top Professionals (IATOP) and sits on the Forbes Coaches Council. She received recognition from the IAOTP as the Top International Coach of the Year in 2020, and received the award for Most Empowered Woman of the Year in 2021. Dr Fouts has been extensively interviewed for her expertise in executive coaching and also her book, Cognitive Enlightenment.
MR MICHAEL R CLARKE (CCEP, NACD.DC) - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Michael R. Clarke is Founder and Principal of Jaeger-Plymouth Advisors, LLC, a risk management advisory firm focused on assisting companies with ethics & compliance program assessments, expert witness and litigation support services, risk assessments and support for investigations and corrective actions. Previously, he served for over six years as Deputy General Counsel & Global Chief Compliance Officer of Convatec, Inc., a FTSE 100 global medical technology company. For nearly 23 years, Michael implemented third-party business risk management programs and mitigated internal human capital and commercial risks through his creation and management of global ethics and compliance programs for life sciences and healthcare entities.
Before his in-house career, Michael practised law for 14 years; is director-certified by the National Association of Corporate Directors; and is a Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional. He received his Juris Doctorate from Cornell Law School and his Bachelor of Arts degree from Brown University.
MR ANGUS MCCAFFERY - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Angus McCaffery began his career in the telecommunications sector, co-founding Maintel in 1991. Under his leadership, Maintel successfully listed on the London Stock Exchange, where it remains publicly traded today. Angus continues to be a shareholder and Non-Executive Director of the company, which consistently delivers annual revenues in excess of £100 million.
In 2019, Angus became the cornerstone investor in 4GD, a high-technology defence business at the forefront of data-enabled training solutions, with operational facilities in both the UK and the US.
With a strong pedigree across the telecommunications and defence sectors, Angus brings deep strategic insight and an intrinsic understanding of capital markets.
BRIAN MAIR - GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT & PROJECT MANAGEMENT
During a 30 year extensive and varied career in the Royal Navy, specialising in Diving and Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Brian saw operational service in numerous conflicts across the globe. In addition to ship command he also taught Joint Operational Campaign Planning at home and abroad, served in the Permanent Joint Headquarters and was a Project Manager in the Ministry of Defence. After a year as a student of the Defence School of Language, his final appointment was a Diplomatic role in the Middle East.
On leaving the service as a Commander, having completed a Masters Degree in Security & Risk Management, he transitioned smoothly into the civilian world by working in the Port Special Systems department during the construction of a mega port in Abu Dhabi. This was followed by a senior Corporate Security position with SHELL acting as their Regional Security Manager for Africa. This role, based in Lagos, was responsible for creating a secure business operating environment, minimizing loss and, crucially, safeguarding reputation of SHELL in one of the most complex and high threat security regions in the Group. Brian held a similar role in Mozambique with Anadarko, a large US independent company.
JUDY ROBERT - INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Mrs Robert has over 30 years of experience in international business development management and government relations. Judy has an impressive proven track record across all sectors with a particular emphasis on Defence systems and technologies. She has sourced, negotiated and closed numerous multi-million-dollar government-funded deals in the Latin American, Caribbean and European markets.
Based in Israel, Judy is fluent in Spanish, English and Portuguese.
MANDIP TIWANA - INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT
Mandip has over 20 years of International recruitment experience across the healthcare, social care, construction, and labour sectors. Having held various senior industry positions, Mandip has a deep understanding of, and expertise relating to, the supply of human resources for critical industries for both the private and public sectors.
Mandip has been successful in winning multiple large UK government contracts for the supply of manpower under government awarded national framework agreements. She has developed numerous International recruitment campaigns in Southern and Eastern Asia and has a deep understanding of the complex regulatory and immigration systems involved in large scale deployments
Mandip holds a BA (Hons) in Humanities from the University of Greenwich.
DAVID MCGUINESS - INTERNATIONAL FINANCE
David’s background is in real estate investment and development, where he gained experience in transaction structuring, capital formation, and cross-border investment activity. His work has since broadened to include structured transactions and trade finance, with a focus on facilitating access to institutional and private capital and aligning financing solutions with underlying asset and operating strategies across the UK and Europe.
David is responsible for capital partnerships at Sumner Global Hub. His work focuses on structuring and securing appropriate sources of capital to support the firm’s operating platforms, as well as developing and maintaining relationships with lenders, investors, and financing partners.
DAVID SUMNER - CHAIRMAN
David Sumner brings over 30 years of global leadership experience across the defence, healthcare, mining, and cleantech sectors, with a strong focus on corporate finance and strategic development. He has served in both executive and non-executive roles on the boards of numerous private and publicly listed companies.
Throughout his career, Mr Sumner has consistently demonstrated his expertise in capital markets, successfully raising both debt and equity funding internationally. He has led six companies through IPO, establishing a proven track record in building and scaling businesses for public markets.
Having spent the majority of his professional life in the Middle East and Asia, Mr Sumner has developed extensive networks within government agencies and the corporate sector worldwide. He is particularly known for his ability to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes and drive outcomes that deliver broad-based value.
In addition to his business achievements, Mr Sumner is the founding trustee of The Sumner Foundation, established in 2019, which reflects his long-standing commitment to philanthropy and social impact.
DR MELINDA FOUTS - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dr Melinda Fouts is a worldwide recognized and highly decorated psychotherapy coach focusing on individuals, corporate executives and government agencies. Her sector agnostic approach has seen Dr Fouts guide and advise some of the world’s most influential people and entities to ensure that their goals are reached in an effective and ethical manner by allowing leaders to focus on critical and strategic thinking, performance optimization, and leadership skills development.
Dr Fouts holds an MA in Psychology from the Pacifica Graduate Institute; she achieved her PhD in Psychology from Saybrook University in 2013. She is a member of The International Coach Federation, the Leadership Investment, International Association of Top Professionals (IATOP) and sits on the Forbes Coaches Council. She received recognition from the IAOTP as the Top International Coach of the Year in 2020 and received the award for Most Empowered Woman of the Year in 2021. Dr Fouts has been extensively interviewed for her expertise in executive coaching and also her book, Cognitive Enlightenment.
MR MICHAEL R CLARKE (CCEP, NACD.DC) - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Michael R. Clarke is Founder and Principal of Jaeger-Plymouth Advisors, LLC, a risk management advisory firm focused on assisting companies with ethics & compliance program assessments, expert witness and litigation support services, risk assessments and support for investigations and corrective actions. Previously, he served for over six years as Deputy General Counsel & Global Chief Compliance Officer of Convatec, Inc., a FTSE 100 global medical technology company. For nearly 23 years, Michael implemented third-party business risk management programs and mitigated internal human capital and commercial risks through his creation and management of global ethics and compliance programs for life sciences and healthcare entities.
Before his in-house career, Michael practised law for 14 years; is director-certified by the National Association of Corporate Directors; and is a Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional. He received his Juris Doctorate from Cornell Law School and his Bachelor of Arts degree from Brown University.
MR ANGUS MCCAFFERY - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Angus McCaffery began his career in the telecommunications sector, co-founding Maintel in 1991. Under his leadership, Maintel successfully listed on the London Stock Exchange, where it remains publicly traded today. Angus continues to be a shareholder and Non-Executive Director of the company, which consistently delivers annual revenues in excess of £100 million.
In 2019, Angus became the cornerstone investor in 4GD, a high-technology defence business at the forefront of data-enabled training solutions, with operational facilities in both the UK and the US.
With a strong pedigree across the telecommunications and defence sectors, Angus brings deep strategic insight and an intrinsic understanding of capital markets.
BRIAN MAIR - GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT & PROJECT MANAGEMENT
During a 30 year extensive and varied career in the Royal Navy, specialising in Diving and Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Brian saw operational service in numerous conflicts across the globe. In addition to ship command he also taught Joint Operational Campaign Planning at home and abroad, served in the Permanent Joint Headquarters and was a Project Manager in the Ministry of Defence. After a year as a student of the Defence School of Language, his final appointment was a Diplomatic role in the Middle East.
On leaving the service as a Commander, having completed a Masters Degree in Security & Risk Management, he transitioned smoothly into the civilian world by working in the Port Special Systems department during the construction of a mega port in Abu Dhabi. This was followed by a senior Corporate Security position with SHELL acting as their Regional Security Manager for Africa. This role, based in Lagos, was responsible for creating a secure business operating environment, minimizing loss and, crucially, safeguarding reputation of SHELL in one of the most complex and high threat security regions in the Group. Brian held a similar role in Mozambique with Anadarko, a large US independent company.
JUDY ROBERT - INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Mrs Robert has over 30 years of experience in international business development management and government relations. Judy has an impressive proven track record across all sectors with a particular emphasis on Defence systems and technologies. She has sourced, negotiated and closed numerous multi-million-dollar government-funded deals in the Latin American, Caribbean and European markets.
Based in Israel, Judy is fluent in Hebrew, Spanish, English and Portuguese.
MANDIP TIWANA - INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT
Mandip has over 20 years of International recruitment experience across the healthcare, social care, construction, and labour sectors. Having held various senior industry positions, Mandip has a deep understanding of, and expertise relating to, the supply of human resources for critical industries for both the private and public sectors.
Mandip has been successful in winning multiple large UK government contracts for the supply of manpower under government awarded national framework agreements. She has developed numerous International recruitment campaigns in Southern and Eastern Asia and has a deep understanding of the complex regulatory and immigration systems involved in large scale deployments.
Mandip holds a BA (Hons) in Humanities from the University of Greenwich.
DAVID MCGUINESS - INTERNATIONAL FINANCE
David’s background is in real estate investment and development, where he gained experience in transaction structuring, capital formation, and cross-border investment activity. His work has since broadened to include structured transactions and trade finance, with a focus on facilitating access to institutional and private capital and aligning financing solutions with underlying asset and operating strategies across the UK and Europe.
David is responsible for capital partnerships at Sumner Global Hub. His work focuses on structuring and securing appropriate sources of capital to support the firm’s operating platforms, as well as developing and maintaining relationships with lenders, investors, and financing partners.