Until 2020, Ian was the Chief Executive Officer for ADG Pty Ltd which owns Darwin International, Alice Springs and Tennant Creek Airports.

After graduation, Ian joined Exxon and then worked for Shell Australia for twenty years.

Ian has been on the Boards of the Automobile Association of the Northern Territory, Australian Airports Association, Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory and CSG. He was Chair of the Darwin Symphony Orchestra, Darwin Festival and the Charles Darwin University Foundation, and was National Councillor for Creative Partnerships Australia.

Ian was the founder and inaugural Chair of the Darwin Major Business Group.