Brookes Bell expands its global network of experts with new appointments

With demand for Brookes Bell’s unique and renowned expertise in global shipping and energy markets continuously growing, we are delighted to welcome four new team members across our global offices, with new starters joining us in Singapore, the United States and the United Kingdom. All four bring key skills and talent to a range of services and industries catered to by Brookes Bell as we continue to seek out the very best our industry has to offer.

Mike Tynan – Scientist and Fire Investigator – Singapore

Joining Singapore’s expanding team, Mike Tynan holds an MChem and PhD in Chemistry from Durham University, specialising in the synthesis of carbon nanomaterials.  He has a strong background in the water industry, where he investigated the causes of water quality incidents and water treatment process failures.

He then worked at Burgoynes as a Fire and Explosion Investigator, which included personal injuries incidents.  During his time at Burgoynes, Mike investigated more than 100 fires and explosions, providing expert advice to loss adjusters, lawyers and insurers. His work included a focus on defects in electrical appliances, distribution equipment, hot works and lithium-ion batteries.  Mike has also had his work published by the scientific journal Nanoscale.

Javad Rostami – Managing Master Mariner – Houston

With more than 15 years of maritime industry experience, including eight years at sea, Javad Rostami holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation from IRISL Maritime Training Institute.  During his time at sea, Javad served on a wide range of vessel types, serving as Chief Officer before transitioning to shore-based roles as a Marine & Cargo Surveyor, Regional Operations Manager and Tanker Operations Manager.

Javad has extensive experience in bunker-quality assessments, overseeing more than 5,000 bunker inspections in his career to resolve bunker quantity and quality disputes. As part of this, he led several cross-functional teams and training initiatives in marine fuel quality assurance.

As Managing Master Mariner, Javad will oversee a number of critical marine claim and casualty incident investigations.  He will also advise on Charterparty disputes, off-spec cargoes and voyage performance.  

Paul Ayres – Forensic Scientist and Fire & Explosion Investigator – Houston

Joining Brookes Bell from outside the maritime sector, Paul Ayres is a 15-year veteran of fire and explosion incident investigations, serving in the public sector alongside firefighting, paramedic and police sectors.  His experience includes felonious arson and homicide cases, mass-fatality events, attacks on government facilities and critical infrastructure, and IED-related explosions. He has also served as an expert witness in both state and federal courts, providing technical analysis in civil and criminal matters.

His strong academic background includes an associate degree in Fire Science, a bachelor’s in Emergency Management, a graduate certificate in Homeland Security, a master’s in Public Administration, and a PhD in Forensic Science with a concentration in fire and explosion investigations.  Since 2016, Paul has also served as a lecturer and programme director at the University of North Texas, as well as a guest instructor for the Forensic Fire Death Investigation course at Texas State University and Fire Executive Management Training (FEMT) programme at Sam Houston State University, focusing on the administrative oversight of fire investigation units.

During his distinguished career, Paul has worked alongside marine authorities during investigations involving vessel fires and waterfront facilities.  His strong foundation in compartment fire dynamics, systems analysis, and forensic methodology will be critical to ensuring Brookes Bell can continue to offer high-level on-site examinations, top-tier analysis and technical review, and leading expert opinions for insurers, legal teams, and vessel owners across the Americas.

Mackenzie James – Materials Laboratory Technician Apprentice – Liverpool

As part of Brookes Bell’s goal of developing local young talent in the maritime industry, Mackenzie James joins The Lab as an apprentice.

Mackenzie joins Brookes Bell with a keen interest and notable experience in sustainable energy development, having worked at the Urenco Nuclear Facility in Capenhurst.  In his role at The Lab, he will become a key part of our testing and analysis service, providing failure investigation services to clients around the world.