Meet Our Team

As an aerospace and defence company we have earned trust through our ethical track-record and reputation as a company that consistently delivers high-quality products and services, meets contractual obligations and operates ethically. We also believe in a collaborative approach through partnerships with reputable defence companies, government agencies and academic institutes where we share expertise and foster progressive thinking.

We are also trusted because we are loyal. Loyal to our client-base and loyal to our employees, many of whom have been with us for several years. For us, social responsibility for us means retaining local skills for prosperity and supporting the restoration of the South African aerospace and defence industry to world-class standards. We are actively involved in attracting and mentoring prime candidates through the help of a dynamic career progression plan, to ensure the local industry prospers in the decades to come.

We are a dedicated team of professionals who share a strong sense of purpose in committing ourselves to meaningful and precise work, which often involves highly technical and complex projects.

We consistently demonstrate distinct qualities that set us apart from other aerospace and defence companies. We strive to embrace and stay ahead of technological advancements with a forward-thinking and inventive approach to all our projects, often forging unprecedented paths in our commitment to finding solutions for our clients.

Lance Wellington

Chief Executive Officer
Andrew Gray

Chief Operating Officer
Tersia Jacobs

Head of Corporate Services
Johann Bruwer

Head of Flight Operations
Emil Subben

Head of Corporate Governance
Denys du Toit

Head of Projects
Petrus Mentz

Head of Business Development
Chantal Rutter

Head of Corporate Communications

Lance Wellington

Chief Executive Officer

With an illustrious career in fighter operations, flight testing, and multiple senior-level positions, Lance’s remarkable leadership and strategic vision has placed him at the helm of Incomar.

With a solid educational background in flight test and instruction, he has a deep understanding of the complex dynamics of the defence sector from a tactical, operational, and strategic perspective.

Lance has played a pivotal role, honing his skills from the launch of his career as Weapons Officer at 8 Squadron, working his way through the SAAF fighter squadrons where he advanced to be a pilot attack instructor and fixed-wing experimental test pilot a decade later.

As Head of Flight Operations for the Gripen Flight Test Centre, he later graduated as an instructional test pilot. Lance took up the position as Incomar CEO after he served as a Incomar Project Manager and then later Head of Flight Test. He has accumulated more than 4000 flying hours in 60 aircraft ranging from Air Superiority Fighters to Gliders.

His expertise spans a wide range of defence technologies, including aerospace systems, advanced weaponry, security intelligence and cyber defence.
Throughout his career he has forged valuable partnerships with prominent industry players.

Lance has an ability to effectively navigate through geopolitical complexities, anticipate industry trends, and leverage emerging technologies; all capabilities that position Incomar as a global player in defence innovation. His commitment to deliver exceptional quality affirms Incomar’s reputation for precision, efficiency and integrity.

Lance holds a B.Sc (Aeronautics, Test Pilot certification and an M.Sc (Flight Test and Evaluation).

Andrew Gray

Chief Operating Officer

Operational excellence and team leadership have made Andrew integral to the growth and success of Incomar. As COO, Andrew is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the corporation, ensuring that all business functions meet organisational goals and objectives. He plays a critical role in managing the company’s resources including personnel, technology, and engineering and business systems to optimise operational efficiency and profitability.

One of Andrew’s key strengths is his strategic mindset and forward-thinking approach. He continuously analyses industry trends, technologies, and developments, allowing Incomar to develop appropriate solutions for its customers.

With a decade of experience as a Digital Design Engineer and Hardware Systems Engineer at SAAB Grintek Defence he was involved in Military Electronic Warfare (EW) and Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) systems. His roles included design, testing and qualification of electronic hardware, as well as the integration of the hardware onto airborne platforms.

As a Principal Engineer and later a Development Manager at Denel Dynamics, overseeing Air-Air missile and launcher development, qualification, integration, and testing, Andrew sharpened his engineering skills and ability to lead complex development projects.

Andrew is admired for his exceptional leadership ability. He fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, empowering employees to achieve their full potential. Under his guidance, teams have successfully executed intricate projects to precision, delivering solutions and services to clients on time and within budget, continuing to drive the success of Incomar and shape the future of the defence industry.

Andrew holds a B.Eng (Electronics).

Tersia Jacobs

Head of Corporate Services

With an exemplary military career, in her current role as Head of Corporate Services Tersia oversees the various administrative and support tasks required for the smooth functioning of Incomar. She joined Incomar in 2023 after a 43-year career in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), where she was deployed in supply chain management and logistics, at tactical, operational, and strategic levels.

Tersia is experienced in areas such as human resources, finance and accounting, legal compliance, information technology and overall administrative support she is well positioned to ensure Incomar’s high standard of excellence are executed with military precision. Notably, she served as a Brigadier General and as a Major General for more than half of her service years in the SA National Defence Force. She also served as an Air Force Board member in the rank of a Colonel, Brigadier General and a Major General for several years.

As a trailblazer for women in the military, she was appointed as the first Chief Air Staff Logistics in January 2018. She was also the first woman promoted into the position as the Director of Engineering Support Services in the Logistic Division of the SA National Defence Force. Durin her wide-spanning career, Tersia also served as the Director of Base Support Services, the Director of Logistics as well as the Director of Corporate Communications. She was also the longest serving member on the Department of Defence’s Commercial Procurement Board.

Tersia has 18 years’ managerial experience in 5 different posts at Directors’ level as a Brigadier General in operational and strategic level positions and 3 years managerial experience at Chief Director’s level as a Major General in the Chief Air Staff Logistics position. She has 3 years of supply chain functional inspections and report writing experience ,as a Staff Officer at the Inspectorate of the Air Force. Tersia also has 3 years of experience as a Brigadier General in the Air Force Base Support Systems post, where she was responsible for the management of all infrastructure, Fire & Rescue Services; Bulk aviation fuel and fuel bowsers; Transport; Supply Chain management; Aircraft Technical Documentation; Architect Services; Town Counselling Services; Technical Draftsmen; Environmental Services (including Nature Reserve) and Hospitality Services.

Additionally Tersia has 3 years’ experience in Joint Operations Support at the Joint Operations Division (as a Brigadier General); 2 years of experience in Joint Operations Support Services at the Joint Operations Tactical Head Quarters (as a Brigadier General); 3 years of experience managing the Directorate Engineering Support Services at the Logistic Division of the SANDF; 9 years of experience as a member of the Department of Defence’s Commercial Procurement Board; and 3 years of experience managing the Air Force’s Directorate Corp.

Experienced in areas such as human resources, finance and accounting, legal compliance, information technology and overall administrative support, Tersia is well positioned to ensure Incomar’s high standard of excellence are executed with military precision. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and teamwork Tersia’s role extends beyond efficient, effective, and compliant administration to staff support services, significantly boosting Incomar’s culture of professionalism and precision.

Tersia holds a Senior Management Programme Certificate from the University of Pretoria; an Executive National Security Program Certificate from the SANDF College; and Life Coaching and Time Line Therapy Certificates from the School of Life, Centurion.

Johann Bruwer

Head of Flight Operations

Under his leadership, Johann has been instrumental in modernising flight operations at Incomar, embracing new technologies and implementing innovative solutions.

He heads up a team of Flight Test Pilots, Flight Test Engineers, Flight Test Instrumentation Engineers, Aircraft Maintenance Technicians, as well as an Aviation Training Organisation.

Throughout his career, Johann has held various management positions, gaining valuable insight into the intricacies of running a successful flight operations department. He has a deep understanding of regulatory compliance and has successfully implemented effective strategies to ensure operational excellence.

An accomplished aviation professional, he launched his career in the South African Air Force (SAAF) in 1979, flying various types of aircraft and accumulating thousands of flight hours, which would provide him with an extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in the cockpit.

Before joining Incomar in 2020, Johann rose through the ranks at Comair to become Chief Training Captain and Chief Technical Captain. During his tenure at Comair, he was the Project owner for the implementation of new B737-800s and B737-MAX with Boeing.

With a steadfast commitment to safety programs, Johann has developed and implemented comprehensive safety programs that have enhanced Incomar’s safety culture. He is actively involved in mitigating risk.

He is passionate about mentorship and developing the next generation of aviation professionals, actively working to inspire and train young pilots to excel in their careers, through Incomar’s training facilities. He Maintains a Flight Instructors Grade I and Designated Flight Examiners status.

Under his leadership an Aviation Training and Maintenance Organization were established in Incomar to facilitate integration onto flight test support aircraft.

Johann is an active and current pilot and Project Manager on the B737-500, C208B, RV7A, and various light aircraft.

He has a Flight Instructors Grade 1 and is a Designated Flight Examiner.

Emil Subben

Head of Corporate Governance

With a career spanning over 20 years, Emil has successfully navigated the complex landscape of regulatory compliance and risk management.

As a dedicated and disciplined professional, Emil consistently demonstrates his expertise in project management, system engineering, logistic engineering, system safety and quality management, adhering to ethical standards, legal requirements, and best practices across the Incomar Group.

After completing a degree in Electronic Engineering, Emil became a South African Airforce/Armscor System Engineer on Project UKHOZI (Gripen Acquisition) based at Saab in Sweden. This laid the foundation for his mastering of regulatory frameworks through the management of the Gripen Acquisition Program and its logistical and management support.

Throughout his career, Emil has held several key leadership positions in major defence companies. As well as heading up the Gripen support office, Emil then moved to Denel Integrated Systems Solutions, where he performed the function as a Logistical Engineer.

He joined Incomar in 2015 as a Senior Airworthiness Engineer, bringing with him an acute understanding of implementing a Quality Management System. In 2020, he was appointed as Head of Corporate Governance where he is actively involved in driving a streamlined operation and improved accountability across the organisation, propelling Incomar forward with the implementation of AS9100D accreditation in 2019.

Emil’s dedication to transparency and integrity has been instrumental in building strong relationships with government agencies and regulatory bodies. His leadership has consistently fostered an environment that promotes ethical decision-making, risk management, and long-term sustainability. His commitment has enhanced the reputation of Incomar. He continues to be a trusted advisor to the executive team, and he remains dedicated to advancing the highest standards of corporate governance ensuring that the organisation is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of this vital sector in a responsible ad ethical manner.

Emil holds a B.Eng (Electronics).

Denys du Toit

Head of Projects

As the Head of Projects, Denys performs the integral function as Incomar’s mediator with defence contractors, military personnel and government agencies to define goals and objectives, long term strategic planning, establishment of budgets and timelines and manages the implementation process, with precision.

Denys’s greatest strength is an agile approach to an ever-changing and increasingly complex global environment.

Prior to joining Incomar, he served 20 years with the South African Air Force (SAAF), starting out as a mechanical engineer and reaching the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. He was appointed as Head of the Mechanical Engineering and Drawing Department with the SAAF in 2004, where he executed several engineering design projects intended for military application.

Later appointed in the Directorate Air Force Acquisition (DAFA) as a system and certification engineer on the A-Darter missile development program, he was also involved in the aircraft integration program on the Gripen aircraft. Following this, he was assigned as the Project Manager for the ADarter production and Hawk integration contract, a position he held until he joined Incomar.

During his time at DAFA, Denys assumed the role as technical specialist and consultant on various programs, including the Beyond Visual Range missile technology demonstrator, missile warhead and rocket motor technology programs, infra-red sensor programs, and acted as the project manager for the high-speed target drone technology demonstrator program.

Denys holds a B.Eng (Mechanical Engineering).

Petrus Mentz

Head of Business Development

As Head of Business Development, Petrus has an administrative oversight role on all client proposals generated until purchase orders are received and the projects are handed over for execution. His skill set lies in leveraging emerging technologies and identifying new market segments.

He remains at the forefront of the defence industry, adapting to evolving market trends and harnessing emerging technologies to maintain a competitive edge. Petrus is much respected for his strategic approach, which continues to drive success.

With Incomar since 2020, he has developed the Engineering Hub; established facilities, appointed personnel, and continued management to ensure every step of the process is flawlessly streamlined and executed.

With more than 40 years spent honing management skills on complex programs, projects, and system engineering, he has made significant contributions to the Incomar Group with his vast knowledge on the development and production of military systems.

Petrus started out his early career as a project manager in the Armour Business Unit for Denel Land Systems (previously known as LIW) delving into the detail, design, integration and commissioning of armour turrets.

Given his experience, he was seconded to ISCOR steel as project manager to plan and design a new steel manufacturing process.

By this point he had demonstrated astute expertise, and joined Cumulus, a business unit of Kentron (Denel Dynamics) as program manager on the electro-optical guidance sighting system for the Ingwe armour missile system on Mi-24 Helicopter.

With his unique capabilities, Petrus rose through the ranks consistently exceeding revenue targets, playing a key role in securing major defence contracts. Petrus’s strategic vision and exceptional leadership skills have been instrumental in successfully negotiating partnerships with local and international defence organisations. His ability to build strong relationships with key stakeholders has significantly contributed to Incomar’s market penetration and growth.

Petrus holds a B.Eng (Electronics).

Chantal Rutter

Head of Corporate Communications

Working closely with senior executives at Incomar, Chantal plays a pivotal role in embedding market presence and effectively communicating Incomar’s mission, vision and values. Armed with a deep understanding of identifying trends, she has proven adept at navigating the complex geopolitical landscape while ensuring successful alignment of communication initiatives with business objectives.

Chantal is a results-driven professional with a distinguished career as an investigative journalist in the mainstream broadcast media, and several years’ experience in the Middle East as the Director of Corporate Communications for the Cleopatra Group.

With a strategic mindset, Chantal also worked as a co-ordinator between Egypt and the European Union of the Mediterranean and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (EMPA) and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM), developing expertise in shaping and implementing effective communication strategies tailored to enhance the reputation and brand image of sovereign entities. This experience has aided her to develop a holistic understanding of the intricacies involved in effectively communicating in high-stakes environments.

Chantal’s professional achievements are rooted in a solid foundation of experience and expertise. Before assuming her current role, she held a range of key media positions. As a multi-award-winning journalist, throughout her career, Chantal has consistently excelled on all media platforms (radio, broadcasting, and print). She has investigated, reported and anchored prime-time news, later hosting her own two-hour evening show. She also founded a multi-faceted communications company where she consulted on corporate crisis management, media relations, and internal/external stakeholder engagement.

Chantal holds a BA (Comm); BA Hons (Lit) and MPhil (Journalism).