MEET THE TEAM
Did you know…?
Jess is a huge Arsenal fan and enjoys arts and crafts in her spare time.
Jessica Rigby
Director of Operations
Background
Originally from Portsmouth, Jess graduated from Kingston University after studying Music Technology and started her career in the customer service department of LOVEFiLM (subsequently Amazon Prime). In this role, she progressed to a significant leadership position supporting over 50 staff members.
After this, she joined MNG Maritime, where she steadily adopted ever-increasing responsibility as Operations Director. She oversaw all aspects of MNG Operations, including HR, logistics, transfer operations, bunkering, ISO compliance and licensing, as well as over 100 deployed staff. She was always the first port of call for their increasing client base and managed her capable team of responsive operational staff.
Jess joined UMBRA in 2020 as Head of Operations and is responsible for the processes and day-to-day running of UMBRA International Group Ltd. The role is multi-faceted and requires her to be forward-thinking and solution-focused.
Ceri Edney
Head of UMBRA Secure
Background
Ceri, originally from North Wales joined the UK Armed Forces, she spent ten years in various roles in telecommunications deployed on several active tours across the world. During her military service her love for travel was ignited by the opportunities it presented.
After leaving the Army, Ceri continued to build on her knowledge and expertise within the security industry working in operational, risk analysis and advisory roles in the UK and overseas.
Ceri has always had a passion for adventure, some of her personal achievements have been qualifying as a ski instructor and cycling from Lands End to John O’ Groats raising money for the charity Help for Heroes. She enjoys running and walking in the hills to keep mind, body and soul healthy.
As Head of UMBRA Secure, Ceri is responsible for managing and implementing the breadth of security solutions UMBRA provides to our clients globally.
Did you know…?
Ceri achieved an extraordinary accomplishment by summiting Mount Kilimanjaro!
Did you know…?
Neill started work as Saturday boy at a local butcher’s, from the age of 11. He is also fascinated by ancient history, more specifically the Sumerian, Ancient Egyptian and South and Central American cultures. Just check out Gobekli Tepe!
Neill Truett
UMBRA Select – Head of Household
Background
After graduating from The London Studio Centre for The Performing Arts, Neill began his career in a brand-new musical in Düsseldorf, Germany, where he lived for a year. He then moved on to perform in numerous successful productions on the West End stage and national tours, including ‘Grease’, ‘Oh what a night’ and ‘Boogie Nights’ to name just a few and a number of TV and Film productions.
Following a succession of injuries, Neill made the difficult decision to leave the arts and pursue a new career and following a move across the country, he entered the world of Private service. Neill re-trained as a Butler and went on to work as Butler/House Manager for a number of years. Having been approached by Jane Urquhart, Neill changed careers to help recruit private staff at Jane Urquhart Limited, where he successfully ran the International and couples’ desks for around 5 years, also being promoted to office manager.
Neill then moved into the world of events, where he utilised all his past skills and experience, working for an event catering company, managing all aspects of events for up to 600 people, in addition, training, mentoring and leading teams of staff on event day. During this time, Neill is very proud to have attained, a level 7, postgraduate in Marketing and Communications, specialising in Events Management.
More recently, Neill is delighted to have been asked to join the UMBRA Select team to once again help find the very best staff, for the most discerning and UHNW clients around the world.
Emma Harries
Executive Assistant
Background
Originally from Hereford, Emma began her career in the Performing Arts before training at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance in Leeds. Following an injury, she redirected her focus and discovered a lasting strength in supporting leaders and decision-makers. What started as a new direction quickly became a vocation: helping executives operate smoothly behind the scenes.
With over 15 years of experience supporting C-suite executives, Emma has worked across diverse sectors from biotechnology & recruitment to armed forces charities such as SSAFA Cyprus, where she provided support to the team island-wide and acting as an administrative lead for a squadron within British Forces Cyprus, working closely with CO’s on high-level coordination. She enjoys the variety and challenge of working closely with executives and their advisers, taking pride in anticipating needs, handling sensitive matters with discretion, and creating the calm structure that allows others to focus on what matters most.
Outside of work, Emma is often found outdoors with her family—always accompanied by her working cocker spaniel, Gunner. She has a keen interest in the hidden world of intelligence and security and particularly enjoys books by Tom Marcus, as well as animal behaviour, and is an all-round sports fan.
Did you know…?
Emma’s love for new experiences led her to do a skydive from 13,000ft for charity, just one of the many adventures on her bucket list!
Did you know…?
Kim spends her free time longboarding, meditating, and attempting to achieve flexibility through yoga.
Kim Garrett
Head of Content
Background
With versatile experience working across the business and creative side of various companies, Kim has a wealth of knowledge to refer to. Having co-run an independent record label, whilst simultaneously managing a studio for a creative agency and a recording studio too, it gave her the chance to develop her personal and creative projects, whilst also being a part of exciting and fast-growing companies.
With a penchant for writing and an eye for fashion, she has been able to put her interests to good use by working with various recording artists and fashion designers, assisting them with their early stages of growth.
Kim has always loved working behind the scenes to shape, develop and assist in the branding and marketing of a company, which she is doing with a keen interest in UMBRA International Group. Kim’s organisational skills are second to none and she keeps the UMBRA Team well-oiled.
Jane Urquhart
Private Client Recruitment Founder, Special Advisor UMBRA Select.
Background
After pivoting a successful career in teaching, Jane launched recruitment business Greycoat Lumleys. She managed and grew the business for nearly twenty years, before deciding to start a more boutique and bespoke recruitment company under her own name.
This agency is now part of UMBRA SELECT, with Jane acting as UMBRA Ambassador.
Did you know…?
Jane lives in idyllic Devon, and works as an estate agent in her spare time.