Global Head of Risk and Security – Graff Diamonds Here I enjoy a challenging role within risk, business continuity and security management across the global footprint of Graff through the deployment of strong, positive communication and leadership, heading a diverse team of 8 direct reports with overall responsibility for a global team of 267 associates. This includes the development of robust security, safety and risk strategies for the Graff Diamonds portfolio; ensuring that risks are proactively monitored and opportunities seized in line with the company's overall business strategy together with a comprehensive cybersecurity programme. Within this capacity, I provide key support within the business expansion programme, analysing and evaluating threats and opportunities to shape the risk and security strategy which has proved vital in increasing the footprint of the business. Furthermore, I act as the lead on all business insurance matters across the company, ensuring critical insurance requirements are met and catered for; collaborated directly with the Graff Board and insurance underwriters on a risk management concept and strategy. Additionally, I act as the lead author for the Global Standards and Guidelines for best practice protocols for Enterprise Risk Management; the progress velocity saw the business stride from naïve to knowledgeable within 24 months, with further responsibility for the introduction of a cyber-security programme; identifying vulnerabilities in line with the company’s risk appetite.

As Global Head of Security and Business Continuity, I reported directly to the Partners, chaired senior management meetings, developed and presented detailed and comprehensive reports whilst providing strategic guidance within the enhancement of global security structure, physical security and contingency planning services to all Linklater's management and personnel worldwide. Within this capacity, I motivated, managed and led a Security and Risk team of 7 International Security Managers along with a workforce of approximately 167 local physical security representatives in over 34 locations whilst managing a global budget of £2.7M, this included direct responsibility for risk assessments across all Linklater's global events and ensuring the security and safety of employees and clients whilst also managing all health and safety issues within the firm overseeing the British Safety Council five-star accreditation programme. For this, effectively performed sensitive investigations in key locations such as Brazil, liaised extensively with local authorities such as police and government or regulatory agencies. Historically, I have successfully developed and implemented a global risk strategy by introducing standard and guidelines for all offices with a regional advisory service and additionally introduced a travel risk management service, taking into consideration the corporate social responsibility (CSR) of the firm.

Regional Head of Security - Europe, Middle East and Africa - responsible for physical security issues across all UBS AG divisions (investment banking, asset management and private banking) within the region, including; security input into premises projects; ensuring compliance with the Corporate Security and Safety Manual; investigations (in conjunction with other interested parties); event, travel and personal security; crisis management planning; incident management; day to day security operations in the London offices. Running an in-house management team of four (with over 100 contract security guards and on-site management) and reporting to the Regional and London Heads of Premises.

I served globally, where my role was varied but included Close Protection (CP) and serious investigations. I spent time in Germany, Northern Ireland, the UK and Hong Kong where I worked locally with the Royal Hong Kong Police and the Independent Commission against Corruption (ICAC) for two years. I left the Regular Army in October of 1998 to join UBS as the Regional Security Manager but continued as an Army Reservist until March 2018 retiring in the rank of Major.