Toye brings over 26 years of industry expertise, particularly within the ground investigation and geotechnical sectors, making him one of the most respected figures in British drilling and engineering.

His professional experience, direction in raising industry standards, and commitment to innovation position him as a powerful addition to Igne’s leadership team.

A chartered geologist and experienced director, Toye has consistently driven groundbreaking initiatives in standards compliance and safety while overseeing substantial growth in his previous roles.

Toye's passion for advancing the industry has seen him rise to Chair of both the British Drilling Association (BDA) and Ground Forum.  At the BDA, he continues to champion safety, compliance, and standards across the sector, and at Ground Forum his focus is on industry sustainability, inclusivity, and supporting the Ground Forum Undergraduate Mentoring Program.

A Strategic Recruitment for Igne

Toye’s appointment clearly reflects Igne’s growing reputation within the industry.  As a group committed to providing high-quality ground investigation services, Igne is poised for continued success and growth.  His leadership will be pivotal in ensuring the company continues to provide innovative, compliant, and safe solutions for clients across the UK.  

With Toye’s expertise and Igne’s commitment to excellence, the business is on track to achieve its vision of becoming the most trusted tier-one partner for environmentally sustainable ground investigation and drilling services across the entire construction and infrastructure lifecycle in built environments throughout the UK. 

Rob Hunter, CEO of Igne, commented:

"Mark Toye’s strategic leadership and industry experience make him an invaluable addition to our exceptional team at Igne.  As one of the most respected voices in British drilling and geotechnical engineering, his commitment to innovation and safety aligns perfectly with our mission to de-risk projects and provide comprehensive ground investigation services.  We look forward to his contributions in continuing to elevate our capabilities across the UK."

Toye’s extensive experience, which includes leading significant projects such as the HS2 GI Framework and the Lower Thames Crossing, now positions Igne at the forefront of the industry.  And his vision for improving standards and enhancing safety practices perfectly aligns with Igne’s goal to deliver the highest-quality ground investigation services. 

A Commitment to Excellence and Innovation

Toye’s extensive career began with his passion for geology during his teenage years, eventually leading him to pursue a BSc in Geology from Durham University and an MSc in Engineering Geology from the University of Leeds.  

His long-standing dedication to improving standards in the ground investigation industry is further evidenced by his role as the first chair of the BDA’s Technical and Standards Working Group, where he led initiatives to align industry practices with international, European, and British standards.

Throughout his career, Toye has been a driving force behind the British Drilling Association’s audit systems, ensuring that the technical competency of drillers is upheld, while also advocating for cost-effective solutions to make auditing more accessible to contractors.

His leadership has not only contributed to improving the quality of ground investigation services but has also ensured the safety of operatives in what can be a demanding and hazardous field.

In addition to his work with the BDA, Toye is known for his advocacy of mental health support across the drilling and construction industries.  His focus on fostering a culture of safety extends beyond equipment and procedures, recognising the need to support workers’ mental wellbeing in a high-pressure industry.  His leadership in these areas demonstrates his holistic approach to industry improvement, making his move to Igne a significant strategic gain for the business. 

Mark Toye on Joining Igne 

Commenting on his new role at Igne, Toye said:

"Joining Igne at this stage in its ambitious journey is an exciting opportunity.  Igne’s reputation for excellence in ground investigations and its commitment to advancing technical standards is something I am eager to be part of.  I look forward to collaborating with the team and helping to deliver industry-leading services."

With a proven track record of leading some of the UK’s most complex infrastructure projects, Toye is well-positioned to help Igne grow in the UK and beyond, ensuring the company’s services remain innovative, compliant, and market-leading.