In 1995 Iain Illingworth moved to Kenya, qualifying as a Member of the Institution of Surveyors of Kenya and as a Registered Valuer, and joining and eventually acquiring the firm of Ryden International, based in Nairobi. With a degree in Land Economics, Iain had worked as a Chartered Surveyor for over 31 years, first with Strutt & Parker in Scotland, and thereafter with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), as their Scottish Land Agent.

As Managing Director, between the years 2000 - July 2015, Iain oversaw tremendous growth in the company undertaking property valuations in East Africa, including farms, commercial and residential property. He also guided the expansion of the real estate agency function of the firm, and Ryden International has now become one of Kenya's most respected Estate Agency firm in Kenya.

He passed on in 2015 and his values of integrity, efficient service, and a personalized approach to the business reign supreme at Ryden.