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.
Venetia Henderson
Head of UMBRA Select – Private Office
Background
Venetia is a Cambridge graduate who has worked in boutique recruitment for over 14 years specialising in candidates of exceptional calibre of all levels.
Her expertise is in creating long-term relationships with candidates and clients alike, she is passionate about developing peoples careers, and has an innate and intuitive understanding of her candidates and clients. Her long-term relationships with many clients and candidates are such that she is the only person that they will come to for advice.
She is heading up all of the “Right Hand Roles” here at UMBRA International – from top PAs and EAs to the entire suite of skills needed for Private and Family Offices, across private sector, asset management and beyond.
Did you know…?
Venetia has taught fly-fishing on a ranch in Wyoming, camped in the Himalayas in minus 40 degrees, and seen a snow leopard in the wild.
Did you know…?
Kim currently lives in Portugal, spending 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.
Ava Dunhill
Operations Coordinator
Background
Originally born in France, Ava graduated from Brighton University with a degree in Fine Art Painting before exploring her passion for horses and animal conservation, which led her to work in exclusive destinations globally. Upon returning to the UK, she transitioned into law enforcement and later diplomacy, driven by a steadfast commitment to global security and aiding others. Now a valued member of the Operations team, Ava’s meticulous approach to data and organisation coupled with her diverse background enables her to assist UMBRA in all areas of the business. Ava is also the primary contact for all close protection candidates and roles on the Select side.
Outside of her professional endeavours, Ava enjoys pursuits such as climbing, gardening, and crafting. Pursuing her second degree in Psychology with Counselling, Ava has a true dedication to personal and professional growth.
Did you know…?
Ava starred in a music video for an indie folk singer songwriter that was popular in 2010.
Did you know…?
Emma’s adventurous spirit led her to jump out of a plane for charity – an experience she won’t soon forget!
Emma Harries
Executive Assistant
Background
Emma embarked on her career in the Performing Arts before pursuing studies at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance in Leeds. Unfortunately, an injury led her to pivot her career path. Despite the setback, Emma discovered a passion for being a Personal Assistant, finding fulfilment in helping others achieve their goals.
For the past 14 years, Emma has accumulated extensive executive support experience across various sectors, from Biotech to providing assistance to squadrons within British Forces Cyprus. She holds a professional qualification in HR Management and continues to be an Associate member of the CIPD, underscoring her commitment to personal development outside of her ‘day job’, particularly her interest in Employment Law and Employee Wellbeing.
Outside of work, Emma enjoys the great outdoors and embarking on adventures with her family, often accompanied by their Working Cocker Spaniel. Emma’s keen interest in animal behaviour fuels her aspiration to train her dog for Scent Ops competitions. She is also a sports enthusiast and a Leeds United fan!
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.