Our People
At the heart of the DisputeIQ organization lies a dedicated team of reliable and skilled professionals who are committed to excellence. Our people bring a wealth of experience and expertise, ensuring that we consistently deliver outstanding results. We pride ourselves on delivering integrated team solutions.
In addition to our core team, we are proud to partner with a network of trusted affiliates. These partnerships enhance our capabilities and broaden our reach, allowing us to provide comprehensive solutions tailored to meet our clients’ diverse needs. Together, we are united by a shared vision of success and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of service.
CORE LEADERSHIP
Ahmed Abdelbakey
Ahmed is a civil engineer, delay, and quantum expert with over 19 years of construction experience in building works, civil engineering, planning, and project controls. His core expertise is in the planning, programming, monitoring, and management of time on construction and engineering projects. Ahmed specializes in delay analysis, having had extensive experience in preparing and deconstructing claims for additional time.
Ahmed has acted as an expert witness in numerous forums, including the UAE Courts (Dubai and Abu Dhabi), International Arbitration Centres (DIAC, ADCCAC, DIFC-LCIA, and ICC), and in ad-hoc matters. He has acted as an assistant arbitrator in proceedings conducted under the ADCCAC rules, acted as an assistant court-appointed expert, and as a party-appointed expert in matters involving court-appointed experts.
Ahmed’s technical expertise, his knowledge, and experience of UAE court proceedings and international arbitration, combined with his dual English / Arabic language fluency, positions him as a leading expert regionally. He has been instructed on over 30 expert appointments and on disputes for more than 240 projects across the Middle East.
His expertise covers multiple sectors: residential, hotels and leisure, commercial and retail, airports and social infrastructure, schools and hospitals, power generation, oil & gas, and telecommunications.
Adrian Comaromi
Adrian Comaromi is a highly experienced Quantum Expert, with over two decades of involvement in the successful resolution of complex disputes on major infrastructure, energy, oil and gas, and building projects across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. He has been appointed as expert in numerous international and domestic arbitrations (ICC, DIAC, DIFC-LCIA, CCIR, Arbitrate AD – formerly ADCCAC, European Court of Arbitration, Sultanate of Oman Arbitration Center), mediations, and litigation proceedings, and has given oral testimony before arbitration tribunals and courts in various jurisdictions.
Adrian’s expertise covers the full spectrum of dispute resolution matters, including extension of time, prolongation, disruption, cost escalation, variations and final account disputes. He has advised on projects of national importance, including motorways and highways, metro systems, airports, desalination and power generation facilities, oil & gas infrastructure, and high-profile commercial and residential developments.
He holds an LLM (Distinction) in Construction Law and Arbitration from the Robert Gordon University, a Postgraduate Diploma in Surveying and Construction from UCEM, and a BSc (Distinction) in Civil Engineering. He is a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS), an RICS membership assessor, and an RICS-accredited Expert Determiner. A seasoned Quantum Expert, Adrian has also received multiple Delay Expert appointments, and has offered testimony under cross examination in ICC, CCIR and national courts proceedings.
Known for his clarity, authority, and results-driven approach, Adrian is recognised internationally for helping clients navigate disputes with confidence and precision. Testament to his ability to manage multi-disciplinary, multi-lingual teams and deliver clear, well-reasoned expert evidence, Adrian works closely with international law firms and in-house legal teams to assist clients in navigating complex disputes and achieving favourable outcomes. His work frequently includes preparing independent expert reports, giving oral evidence, leading claim strategies, and facilitating pre-dispute negotiations to help parties reach a settlement where possible.
David Brodie-Stedman
David is a seasoned Claims and Dispute Management Professional with extensive experience in commercial and contract management, particularly in complex projects across the Oil, Gas, Rail, Power, and Aviation sectors. Over the past 19 years in the Middle East and a decade in the Far East, he has led significant claims and disputes practices, including managing large-scale projects where effective claims handling is crucial for business success.
Before founding DisputeIQ, David was the head of J.S. Held’s advisory business in the Middle East and Asia Pacific, following the acquisition of his successful firm, DBSConsult, which he established in 2016. DBSConsult quickly became a leading practice in the region.
David has also held senior roles at major claims management firms (Driver Group and Hill International), where he focused on client solutions related to time and cost claims, commercial management, and project delivery across multiple locations in the AMEA region. His expertise particularly emphasizes the Airports and Aviation sector, having worked on numerous major international airport projects. With over 30 years of industry experience, David possesses comprehensive knowledge in claims and dispute management, commercial and contract management across substantially all industry sectors and projects, including airports, railways, civil infrastructure including tunnels, retail developments, high rise towers, oil & gas (onshore and offshore), industrial and process plants, power and utilities, IT and systems installations.
Rizzi Esguerra-Cahiwat
Rizzi brings over 15 years of extensive experience in business operations, human resources, and administrative management to her role as Head of Business Services. With a strong background in overseeing people and processes, she has consistently driven operational excellence and deliver results that align with organizational goals. Her career includes roles as a Personal Assistant/Executive Assistant, HR professional, and Operations-In-Charge, where she developed expertise in leadership, strategic planning, and marketing. Rizzi’s ability to streamline workflows and implement efficient systems has been instrumental in fostering growth and enhancing team performance.
As dynamic and results-oriented, Rizzi is committed to creating value, enhancing operational performance, and supporting organizational success. Her dedication to innovation and excellence makes her an integral part of the management team.
ASSOCIATES & ADVISORS
Brian Allan
Brian Allan is the Managing Director of the QSI Consultancy Group and a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with over 30 years of construction industry experience covering Europe, the Far East and the Middle East. In addition to being a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, he is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, an RICS Registered Expert Witness, and an Accredited Mediator with Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre. Brian also holds a Master’s degree in International Construction Law. He has represented both public and private sector clients in the prosecution and defence of construction claims, and in conciliation, mediation, adjudication and arbitration proceedings.
Brian’s experience covers a wide range of construction related projects including nuclear and conventional power plants, airports, highways, bridges, rail, marine works, information technology systems, tunnels, sewage treatment schemes, power transmission, factories, schools, offices, hotels, hospitals, sports stadiums, retail outlets and shipbuilding.
He is also an RICS assessor, an experienced trainer and speaker and acts as an expert witness.
Andrei Bragaru
Andrei is a Civil Engineer with over 13 years of international experience in construction and engineering, specializing in contract management and claims resolution. He has a proven track record of successfully preparing and defending claims for contractors, subcontractors, and employers. His expertise involves analyzing and interpreting contract documents and project records to assess how specific events have impacted project performance.
Andrei has investigated a wide range of issues, including variations, design and procurement delays, late payments, late nominations, and force majeure events. His experience covers claims related to extensions of time, prolongation costs, disruption, acceleration, termination, and disputed variations.
He has worked on projects across diverse sectors such as commercial, residential, hospitality, oil and gas, infrastructure, healthcare, and military facilities. He is also well-versed in various contract forms, particularly FIDIC, HG1/2018 and other bespoke EPC contracts.
Prior to this, Andrei held project and cost management roles with international consultancy firms in Romania, Rwanda, and the United Arab Emirates.
Darius Steenkamp
Darius’ experience includes procurement, cost management and claims preparation related to major international construction projects. He initially worked for Davis Langdon (AECOM) in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for 6 years and thereafter joined the claims team for Hill International in Dubai, Qatar and Oman. He previously worked for the Project Services Unit of the Airport Authority in Hong Kong for over seven years. The Project Services Unit provided the project management and cost consultancy services during the construction phase of Hong Kong’s award winning new international airport. Darius also participated in major retail expansion projects at the airport as part of a core team retained by the Airport Authority.
Ruan Swiegelaar
Ruan is a skilled Quantity Surveyor with a Diploma in Building Science and Architecture, currently pursuing a Post Graduate Diploma in Contract Law and Construction Management at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. Recently attaining professional status as a Contracts Manager through the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions, he is also on track to become a Chartered Surveyor recognized by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. Ruan is an active member of the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors and the Construction Adjudication Association of South Africa.
He has extensive experience in managing contracts for large-scale road construction, power generation, and significant building projects, proficient in various contract forms, including FIDIC, JBCC, and customized contracts. Ruan specializes in preparing and presenting claims for time extensions, prolongation costs, and scope variations, and is skilled in stakeholder engagement, providing quantum support for arbitration and litigation alongside legal counsel.
Throughout his career, Ruan has served as an expert for multiple law firms, developing strong expertise in contract management, claims analysis, and financial entitlements. He has supported Quantum Experts on projects in the Middle East, Australia, South Africa, Madagascar, and Namibia. Prior to becoming a claims consultant, he played a key role in major South African infrastructure projects, including the Khusile Power Station and Mall of Africa, where he oversaw various works as a Quantity Surveyor.
Stuart Porter
Stuart is a client facing individual whose ability to communicate at all levels has enabled him to quickly garnish relationships and therefore gain the confidence and respect of others working alongside him.
He has extensive and diverse experience in working in Asia and the Middle East, having worked in Hong Kong, Macau, the Philippines, Dubai, Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia ,Qatar and Vietnam. The training and practical experience that these varied workplaces have provided, together with having to converse with many different nationalities, has made Stuart an outstanding candidate for providing practical solutions for a number of Employers.
A vastly experienced, enthusiastic and diverse Senior Contractual, fully conversant with all facets of pre- and post-contract administration together with an extensive knowledge of a variety of forms of contract, Stuart was Commercial Executive for a multidisciplinary consultancy in the UK before moving over to the international market some 19 years ago.
He currently resides in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Thomas Paul Graham
Paul has over 35 years’ senior level commercial experience working on a wide variety of major projects with leading international Contractors and Consultants in sectors including aviation, oil & gas, hotels and leisure, transport infrastructure and power and utilities as well as on various projects involving commercial and industrial facilities. These projects have spanned every country in the Middle East, and he has also worked in relation to China and Africa.
Paul worked on various types of standard and bespoke contracts based on the FIDIC suite from a contract management perspective and spent significant time seconded to the in-house commercial teams of Contractors, helping them to streamline the commercial management and administration of their contracts. He has also worked in-house for Government authorities managing Consultants who in turn were responsible for managing the Contractor.
David Grant Vivier
David Grant Vivier is a highly skilled engineer with a strong background in managing and delivering large-scale construction projects, particularly under FIDIC contracts. His experience spans across infrastructure development, technical review, and program management, with a proven ability to navigate complex project dynamics and ensure successful outcomes. David has extensive expertise in construction planning, program analysis, and compliance reviews, focusing on optimizing activity sequencing, resource allocation, and adherence to project timelines. He is adept at evaluating and coordinating technical designs, construction methodologies, and supplier specifications, ensuring they align with contractual requirements and project goals. In addition to his technical strengths, David is proficient in claim evaluation, delay analysis, and dispute resolution. He prepares comprehensive claim documentation, including extensions of time and supporting evidence for dispute adjudication. His approach emphasizes clear communication, accurate documentation, and strategic decision making to facilitate fair and efficient resolution of claims. David’s role often involves leading multidisciplinary teams, resolving on-site challenges, and maintaining high standards of quality and safety. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and concise technical writing, he brings a pragmatic yet innovative approach to engineering problem-solving, ensuring project success and stakeholder satisfaction.
Meby Matthew
Meby is a qualified Civil Engineer and postgraduate in Advanced Construction Management. She has a significant background in project planning and contract management of large roads with major interchanges, pipelines, concrete water retaining structures well as the application of the FIDIC forms of contracts. Meby has a wealth of experience in drafting and presenting programme of works for mega projects, progress measurement throughout the project life cycle, forensic analysis of claims for extensions of time. She is experienced in dealing with all project stakeholders and in providing technical support for various project feasibility analysis and claim submissions. Meby’s significant technical background makes her a formidable strategist who is able to clearly articulate matters and to provide concise advice based on the project specifications and programme of works.
Emilian Dumitru
Emilian is a Senior Consultant with over 16 years of experience, specializing in forensic delay analysis for large-scale, complex infrastructure projects such as high-speed railways, highways, and bridges across the EU and the Middle East. His expertise in planning and delay management is built on exceptional skills in Time Impact Analysis and Window Analysis methodologies. He is adept at preparing look-ahead programmes, progress updates, and conducting thorough comparative analyses.
With deep knowledge of FIDIC and amended contract forms, Emilian excels in the use of Primavera (P6) and MS Project, making him a leader in project planning and scheduling. His extensive experience includes the preparation and submission of extension of time claims, as well as developing high-quality planning standards and delay analysis techniques. Throughout his career, Emilian has collaborated with all departments within his companies to provide critical internal planning advice and identify new business opportunities in the field.
Emilian also provided regular assistance to quantum and delay experts in producing detailed reports for arbitration and litigation, covering inter alia high-rise commercial buildings, residential developments and railways in Romania and the Middle East.
Before taking on planning management roles with several major consultancies, Emilian began his career with leading contractors, offering expert planning and contractual advice. His broad background has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of project delivery and claims management.
Roxana Vornicu
Senior Lecturer in Construction Law at King’s College London, Centre of Construction Law and Dispute Resolution and a Managing Partner at Sirbu&Vornicu law, a law firm specialising in construction and procurement law. Roxana has over 15 years of experience as a litigator and as a procurement and construction lawyer, she holds a Magna cum Laudae PhD in procurement law and her practice spans over national and international construction disputes and infrastructure projects. Roxana has been appointed by the Romanian state as an expert in an ICSID dispute dealing with a high-profile infrastructure project and she has also been appointed as expert in international disputes under the UNCITRAL rules. Roxana frequently acts as counsel before arbitral courts in disputes dealing with FIDIC, bespoke or HG 1/2018 Romanian standard model contract. As a legal scholar at King’s, Roxana also specialises in innovative contractual and procurement techniques, including collaborative contracts or contractual integrators that can deliver compliance with ISO 19650 when working in a BIM environment. Roxana has advised EPC contractors in the creation of collaborative ecosystems via contractual frameworks in Spain, Georgia, and France.
Georgina Sirbu
Over 15 years’ experience as a practicing lawyer in the energy, construction and procurement sector. After practicing law at one of the biggest law firms in Bucharest, Romania, she was at the helm of the legal department of international energy giant AstroEnergy, part of the Chint Group with a presence in over 140 countries with more than 30,000 employees. As Head of Legal in Spain, she was in driving seat for the legal management of more than 15 offices in Spain, Romania, Chile, Mexico and Brazil. Georgiana holds degrees in law and economics and a master’s degree in business law. She has taught at Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona – a world-leading university ranked amongst the best universities in Spain where she has been involved in internationally renowned legal research groups. She has extensive experience with FIDIC, EPC, HG 1/2018 standard contracts and has also been involved in the creation of collaborative ecosystems via contractual frameworks in Spain, Georgia, and France.
Stephen Dudas
Stephen has over ten years of experience in international dispute settlement and has practiced law in several European jurisdictions, including France, Germany, Austria and Romania while working for world-renowned international law firms, such as Shearman & Sterling LLP and Derains & Gharavi International, and other market leading law firms in Romania, such as NNDKP and Musat & Associates. He focuses his practice on investor-State disputes, as well as complex commercial arbitrations in the energy, infrastructure, insurance, and oil and gas sectors. He has acted as counsel in arbitrations before ICSID, ICC and UNCITRAL under a variety of substantive laws. Recent cases in which Stefan acted include an ICC arbitration seated in Paris between a Middle Eastern State and an Asian company in relation to a dispute arising out of a contract for the construction and exploitation of a solid waste management facility valued at over USD 500 million; an ICC arbitration seated in Paris between a Qatari company and the largest car manufacturers in the world over the termination of a distribution agreement, with an amount in dispute over USD 150 million; a dispute under the SCC Arbitration Rules concerning the construction of a power plant in Libya valued at over USD 400 million; two ICC arbitrations seated in Paris between one of the largest Italian power company and a State-owned company in relation to a privatization agreement entailing the modernization of the national power grid in Romania. The total amount in dispute was over EUR 1.5 billion.
STRATEGIC PARTNERS
