Our leadership team

Pete joined GardaWorld from service with a select US government agency, where he provided highly specialized risk management services supporting the Global War on Terror. Earlier, Pete was the Director of Corporate Security at SPX Corporation, a multi-industrial Fortune 500 company, where he oversaw the security and risk management of 24,000 employees operating in 23 countries. In a dual role he was also the President of SPX Security & Investigations, a commercial business unit that provided a range of security and investigative services to global corporate customers, the U.S. government, and other friendly foreign nations. In 1995, Pete founded The Potomac Group & Associates (PG&A), a boutique international security firm he grew into a multi-million dollar business and sold five years later to SPX Corporation.

He entered the private security industry in 1989 with Vance International, the premier executive protection and high-end security consultancy of its time. His professional career began in 1981 with his enlistment in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served eight years in special operations and training.

Pete has a master’s degree in Business from the McColl Graduate School of Business, and a degree in Security Administration. He is also a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government International Security Program. Pete sits on the boards of the Kaba Mas, LLC, the US-Libya Business Association (USLBA) and the Business Executives for National Security (BENS).

Matthew Daake is the Chief Financial Officer at GardaWorld Federal. He is the senior executive responsible for all finance activities.

Matthew has over 20 years of Financial Analysis and Planning experience within the government contracting industry. Prior to joining GardaWorld, Matthew worked at AECOM acting as Director of Finance for their Federal Services division, responsible for financial planning, management, and analysis over a worldwide project portfolio.

Matthew is a graduate of University of Nebraska at Omaha with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Finance, Commercial Banking, Business Investment and Portfolio Management.

Mark DeWitt is the Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel & Secretary for GardaWorld Federal Services. He is the senior executive responsible for legal, compliance, contracts, and risk management.

Mark’s career spans 20 years working both in private practice and as in-house legal counsel. Prior to joining GardaWorld, Mark was Associate General Counsel at Booz Allen Hamilton, where he supported key business accounts in the defense and intelligence sectors that totaled $1B+ in revenue, and also assisted in the firm’s government relations efforts, meeting with members of Congress and working with various industry associations on key legislative issues. Mark also spent nine years as Vice President & Deputy General Counsel at Triple Canopy, where he oversaw legal, contracts, compliance, and government relations matters. Mark started his career in private practice, where he spent 8 years working at two leading Washington D.C. law firms, specializing in government contracting, procurement policy and legislation, compliance, and international law.

Mark holds a B.S. degree from the Pennsylvania State University in Finance and International Business, and a Juris Doctor degree from the Columbus School of Law, the Catholic University of America, in Washington, D.C., with a specialty certificate in International Law. Mark previously served on the Board of the International Stability Operations Association (ISOA), including a term as Vice-Chair and Chair. He also was a key participant in the drafting of the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers (ICoC), and was elected as the representative for U.S. industry to the ICoC Temporary Steering Committee, and subsequently to the Board of Directors of the ICoC Association, a multi-stakeholder organization based in Geneva, Switzerland. A frequent speaker and panelist, Mark is considered a leading industry legal expert on U.S contingency contracting and the role of private security providers operating in complex environments.

Dave Watson is the Senior Vice President of Contracts for GardaWorld Federal. He is responsible for the contracts administration and procurement activities of the organization.

Dave has been working in the federal contracting arena for over 30 years, almost exclusively in the areas of contract administration, procurement and pricing. Prior to joining GardaWorld, Dave held leadership positions with several federal contractors, most recently with AECOM and URS.

Dave holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from The Catholic University of America and has completed various graduate courses and programs specific to the areas of contract administration and procurement.

Jonathan Wilcoxon is the Vice President of Global Staffing at GardaWorld Federal. He is responsible for the complete staffing process, including recruitment and deployment of U.S., third country nationals, and local national personnel on all active contracts worldwide.

Jonathan has more than 15 years of experience in managing recruiting operations for U.S. Government contracting and commercial partners. He has overseen compliance with complex contract requirements such as arming authorization, security clearances, and specialized certifications. He has supported recruitment and deployment operations for personnel in 16 countries for contracts performed in the U.S., Europe, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

Jonathan has obtained multiple certifications through AIRS, which sets the industry standard for recruitment operations. He attended Strayer University for Business Management.

Scott Elliott serves as the Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Capture for GardaWorld Federal (GWFS), where he drives strategic growth initiatives and shapes the company’s market expansion. He is also a key member of the management oversight team leading GardaWorld’s Critical Infrastructure and Government Services (CI&GS) business unit, based in Dubai and London. Scott plays a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s global objectives.

With over two decades of experience in the government services sector, Scott has a proven track record in supporting national security, contingency operations, humanitarian missions, and disaster response and recovery. Since joining GardaWorld in December 2013, he has held a range of leadership roles in operations and business development, consistently delivering results that strengthen the company’s mission-critical capabilities.

Before GardaWorld, Scott occupied senior leadership positions with leading government services firms, spearheading operations and business development initiatives across the globe. A United States Marine Corps veteran, he brings a unique blend of military discipline and private-sector expertise to his leadership at GardaWorld. Scott holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the Dr. Wallace E. Boston School of Business at American Public University, equipping him with a strong foundation to navigate complex business environments.

Armand Gadoury serves as Vice President of Operations at GardaWorld Federal, with direct oversight of the Critical Infrastructure and Government Services Division. He brings over two decades of senior leadership experience spanning defense, crisis management, private security, and commercial strategy, built across some of the most demanding operating environments in the world. Prior to joining GardaWorld, he held Partner-level responsibility at Control Risks, a global leader in crisis management advisory services, where he led consulting practices, developed industry-first subscription programs, and served as a trusted advisor to executive teams across a wide range of industries and geographies. Earlier in his career, he served as President of Clayton International, a specialist kidnap-for-ransom and maritime piracy response firm, where he turned around a loss-making business to sustained profitability and tripled revenue within his first year. His private sector career follows distinguished US Army service, including command assignments with a Special Mission Unit and consecutive leadership roles across light infantry and special operations.

Armand holds an MBA in International Business Administration from Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business and a Bachelor of Science from the United States Military Academy at West Point. He is recognized for his ability to drive performance and operational discipline across complex, multi-geography organizations, and for translating strategic vision into measurable outcomes at scale.

Derek Wood is the Vice President, WPS & LGS Iraq at GardaWorld Federal, where he is responsible for overseeing all Department of State (DoS) operations throughout Iraq. He brings over 20 years of experience in security and operations, including five years of service in the United States Marine Corps.

Before joining GardaWorld Federal, Derek held a series of progressively senior roles in security operations and process improvement. During his military service, he was assigned to the Marine Security Guard Battalion (Department of State), with postings at U.S. embassies in Lima, Peru; Algiers, Algeria; and Stockholm, Sweden. Notably, he also served on the security detail for former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright during a high-level diplomatic visit to Bridgetown, Barbados.

Derek began his career in government security contracting in 2006. Since then, he has worked in support of U.S. diplomatic missions in Baghdad, Iraq; Kabul, Afghanistan; and Erbil, Iraq. He also led the successful mobilization of a high-profile security project in Kyiv, Ukraine.

Derek holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a concentration in Accounting from the University of Maine at Fort Kent, an MBA from the Florida Institute of Technology, and a LEAN/Six Sigma certification from Villanova University. He is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP®), credentialed by the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Drew Ahearn is the Vice President of Proposal Development and Pricing. He is responsible for the proposal and pricing activities of the organization and oversees the management and development of proposals across all business verticals.

Drew has over 15 years of experience leading pricing and proposal efforts for new business pursuits and driving organizational growth in both government contracting and commercial industries. Prior to joining GardaWorld in 2016, Drew held various leadership roles in finance and pricing at multiple federal contracting organizations encompassing an extensive scope of service offerings. Most recently at Engility Corporation, he served as the Federal Civilian Account Lead developing competitive pricing and capture strategies for large opportunities identified as corporate priorities.

Drew is a graduate of the University of Delaware with a Bachelor’s degree in Business with a concentration in Finance and Economics.

Eliana Bolton-Wilson is a strategic leader with over 20 years of experience driving operational excellence, program delivery, and strategic growth. As Vice President of Operations & Strategic Development, she leads the design and execution of high-impact operations, scaling capabilities and aligning business intelligence with mission priorities and organizational expansion.

Eliana is recognized for her ability to forge durable partnerships with government agencies, community organizations, and private-sector actors, integrating complex projects at the local level. Over the course of her career, she has managed multimillion-dollar portfolios, overseen grants, and customer relations, and led cross-disciplinary teams through rapid deployments and large-scale implementations in demanding environments worldwide. Drawing on extensive on-the ground experience from Afghanistan and Colombia, she has consistently strengthened the initiatives under her charge, leveraging data-driven insights to align customer priorities with organizational advancement.

She holds a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Maryland, with dual specializations in International Development and International Security & Economic Policy, and a B.A. in Political Science from Duke University.

Garry Boyle is Associate General Counsel and Vice President of Legal and Regulatory Affairs at GardaWorld Federal, where he brings deep knowledge of government contracts law to guide the company’s compliance activities and advise on a broad range of legal matters, including critical strategic issues affecting service delivery and business operations.

He has been with GardaWorld Federal for over a decade, reflecting a long-standing commitment to the company's mission and values. Prior to joining GardaWorld, he held contracts management positions at ManTech and Amentum.

Garry lives in Massachusetts with his family and enjoys spending time outdoors.

Matthew Twigg is the Vice President of Operations (DoS) of GardaWorld Federal Services overseeing the operations of the U.S. Embassy Kabul Security Forces.

He is a career security professional with over 27 years of extensive training and operational experience gained in law enforcement, private and public security. He’s been a senior manager in support of Department of State security services since 2007.

Matt began service in support of Diplomatic Security in 2004 in support of the U.S. Embassy, Baghdad with the close protection of Ambassadors Negroponte, Jeffrey, Khalilzad, and Crocker; ultimately, becoming the Project Manager of all U.S. Embassy Baghdad mobile security forces to include aviation, close protection, and emergency response teams. Prior to coming to GWFS, Matt was also responsible for the operations and security provision of 3,000 personnel performing force protection in support of the Department of State at U.S. Embassy Baghdad, Iraq. Previously, Matt is seasoned law enforcement professional with fifteen years specialization in weapons and tactics, training, and investigations. In service to the U.S. government, he resided in Iraq from 2003 to 2010.

Matt is a graduate of Coastal Carolina University and holds a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Business Management and Psychology.

Nathaniel Weiss is a senior business development executive with over 20 years of experience driving growth across defense, diplomatic, and high-risk global markets. As Vice President of Business Development for GardaWorld Security’s Critical Infrastructure & Government Services (CIGS) division, he leads global pipeline development, capture operations, and market expansion across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and other challenging environments.

Previously, as President of Western Defense LLC, Nathaniel directed capture and proposal efforts that enabled customers to secure more than $1 billion in U.S. and international contracts. In this role, he managed multimillion-dollar U.S. Department of Defense programs in Afghanistan and the broader Middle East, overseeing logistics, sustainment, and operational readiness in austere conditions. His earlier experience with G4S and Global Strategies Group further honed his expertise in partnerships, proposals, and multinational operations.

Nathaniel holds an MA in Security Policy Studies and a BA in Political Science from The George Washington University, a Master Certificate in International Business Management from Georgetown University, and is completing a Master of Professional Science at the University of Miami.

Rick Lang is a seasoned emergency operations and security professional with over three decades of experience supporting U.S. Government, military, and commercial missions worldwide. As Vice President of Emergency Response Operations for GardaWorld Federal, he leads the delivery of personnel, logistics, and equipment across more than 20 commercial, local, state, and federal emergency response and logistics contracts.

Rick brings deep expertise in base camp and security operations, large-scale project transitions, emergency logistics, and medical support coordination. He previously served as Project Manager for the $875 million K-BOSSS contract in Kuwait, providing critical operational leadership to U.S. forces, and has since overseen numerous domestic disaster deployments, including wildfire and humanitarian response operations across the United States.

Before joining GardaWorld Federal, Rick served 11 years in the U.S. Army’s 1st Special Forces Group and 96th Civil Affairs Group, completing combat missions in Iraq and the Philippines during Operation Enduring Freedom. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant First Class, bringing forward a legacy of disciplined leadership and mission-first commitment that continues to define his work today.

Sarah is the Vice President, Associate General Counsel at GardaWorld Federal. She advises on a broad spectrum of legal issues impacting day-to-day operations and long-term business strategy.

Prior to joining GardaWorld, Sarah began her legal career in private practice in Washington, D.C., where she focused on advising government contractors on a variety of issues. Sarah holds both a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Juris Doctor, and brings focused legal insight into the unique challenges facing federal contractors and organizations operating in complex, high-risk environments.

Virginia Cleveland is the Director of Human Resources for GardaWorld Federal Services. She is responsible for supporting all business operations by overseeing HR Management and department operations by ensuring compliance with HR laws and regulations.

Prior to joining GardaWorld, Virginia’s Human Resources career encompassed over 17 years in the Human Resources field. She is an accomplished Human Resources professional with proven expertise in policy and procedure, personnel development, union avoidance, labor and employee relations, contract negotiations, arbitrations, and benefit programs. Her passion for people can be seen through her work with her employees.

John Sano is the former Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency’s National Clandestine Service (NCS), having served in the CIA for 28 years. After retiring from the CIA, John spent 6 years as a Senior Director with Cisco Systems and is currently a professor of intelligence at the Institute of World Politics in Washington, D.C. He is also the former Vice President of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers as well as a Senior Advisor with the Chertoff Group in Washington, D.C.

Prior to his government service, John earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s in Asian Studies from St. John’s University in New York, as well as a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University.

Named Entrepreneur of the Decade by Profit Magazine in 2011 as one of eleven remarkable Canadian CEOs, Stephan Crétier is the founder, chairman, president and CEO of GardaWorld Security Corporation, a $5 billion integrated security services provider with more than 132,000 dedicated professionals operating worldwide.

Stephan Crétier founded GardaWorld in 1995 with an investment of $25,000 from a second mortgage on his house and grew it to become one of the largest global security providers. Today, GardaWorld is a renowned global champion not only in security services and cash automation solutions, but also in integrated risk management. Driven by his relentless entrepreneurial spirit, Crétier is always on the lookout for ways to grow his company’s reach and showcase Canada’s expertise abroad.

He extended his influence within the industry when he became the first Canadian appointed to the Board of Directors of the International Security League (2010-2021). Additionally, he plays an active role as a board member of several organizations, including the Hirshhorn Museum, a Smithsonian institution based in Washington, DC.

Active in the community, Crétier has presided over numerous successful charity events and in December of 2012, he received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Doug is a Vice President with the Parsons Corporation where he focuses on the strategic relationship with the State Department and other foreign affairs agencies.

Previously, Doug was a Senior Special Agent with the Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) for the U.S. Department of State and has over 28 years of service in overseas and domestic assignments. He served as Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) for High Threat Programs (HTP) Directorate where he was responsible for the oversight and management of the Regional Security Officers at 30 high-threat, high-risk posts.

Doug graduated from Bridgewater College with a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business Administration. He received a master’s degree in International Commerce and Public Policy from George Mason University, and a master’s degree from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University in Strategic Resource Allocation. Doug is the recipient of several State Department awards, including Meritorious, Superior, and Special Agent of the Year awards.

Jean-Michel Filiatrault is Senior Vice President, Corporate Development, supporting GardaWorld’s mergers & acquisitions and corporate financings projects, as well as other strategic initiatives since 2013. In his role, Jean-Michel is responsible for leading project execution across our different segments and geographies, and coordinating any related work streams, including market assessment, opportunity sourcing, comprehensive due diligence and contract negotiation.

Before joining GardaWorld, Jean-Michel was Associate Director at UBS Securities Canada, advising on and executing a wide range of financing and merger transactions for clients such as Bombardier, la Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, Alimentation Couche-Tard, BRP and GardaWorld.

Furthermore, he is a member of the CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation’s Young Leaders Circle since 2010. More recently Jean-Michel joined the Board of Directors of the Foundation of Stars, an organization founded over 40 years ago with the mission to support research into children’s diseases.

Jean-Michel holds an undergraduate degree in Finance from McGill University.

Eric Olson is an independent consultant who supports a wide range of private and public sector organizations. Currently, he serves as a member of the Board of Directors of several publicly traded and privately held companies as well as charitable organizations.

Eric retired from the United States Navy as an Admiral in 2011 after more than 38 years of military service. A Navy SEAL officer, he served in special operations units throughout his career, was engaged in several contingency operations, and commanded at every level. He received numerous U.S. and foreign military decorations.

Eric’s military career culminated as the head of the United States Special Operations Command where he was responsible for the mission readiness and deployment of all Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps special operations forces. In this capacity, he led over 60,000 people and managed an annual budget in excess of ten billion dollars.

Eric was named as a distinguished graduate of the United States Naval Academy and Naval Postgraduate School. He is a designated specialist in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.

Patrick Prince is the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at GardaWorld Security, where he has brought more than twenty-five years of experience as CFO and senior executive since joining the company in 2009. Patrick is a seasoned finance professional with a proven track record of expanding and accelerating business growth that have contributed to exponentially increasing sales and profits.

Based in Montreal, Patrick oversees all financial aspects of GardaWorld’s international operations. He has negotiated and headed many financing deals, including the privatization of the company with Apax Partners in 2012 and the sale of Apax’s stake to Rhone Capital in 2016. These operations led to the acquisition of Rhone’s shares by BC Partners in 2019, which was the largest private acquisition in Canadian history and ensured GardaWorld’s competitive advantage, allowing the company to continue its superb entrepreneurial success story.

Prior to joining GardaWorld, Patrick held several leadership roles, including serving for ten years as CFO of Air Liquide Canada, where he handled several acquisitions and sat on Air Liquide Canada’s Board of Directors. Under his guidance, the multinational doubled its sales and tripled its profits. More recently, Patrick acted as Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Induspac Group, where he oversaw an important expansion and was responsible for launching five facilities in Mexico and three in Europe. Earlier in his career, he held auditing management positions at Ernst and Young and KPMG.

Patrick received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from HEC Montreal and is a chartered professional accountant. With his expertise in finance and his leadership skills, Patrick has played a crucial role in GardaWorld’s growth and success, and he continues to be a valuable member of the company’s leadership team.

Robert E. Perez is the Founder & CEO of P4 Partners LLC, a national and homeland security consulting firm. He retired from a distinguished career in federal law enforcement as Deputy Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), leading the nation’s largest law enforcement agency of more than 60,000 employees and a $15 billion budget while overseeing national security operations across 328 ports, 7,000 miles of border, 95,000 miles of shoreline and 50 countries. Previously, he served as Executive Assistant Commissioner for Operations Support, managing intelligence, international affairs, and strategic planning, and as Director of Field Operations in New York and Detroit, overseeing the annual arrival of millions of international travelers and billions in cross-border trade.

Robert has been widely recognized throughout his career for his accomplishments by multiple private and public organizations, and is a recipient of the nation’s highest civil service award, having been conferred the rank of “Distinguished Executive” from the President of the United States. Robert holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Rutgers University and is a graduate of the Senior Executive Fellows program at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Pete joined GardaWorld from service with a select US government agency, where he provided highly specialized risk management services supporting the Global War on Terror. Earlier, Pete was the Director of Corporate Security at SPX Corporation, a multi-industrial Fortune 500 company, where he oversaw the security and risk management of 24,000 employees operating in 23 countries. In a dual role he was also the President of SPX Security & Investigations, a commercial business unit that provided a range of security and investigative services to global corporate customers, the U.S. government, and other friendly foreign nations. In 1995, Pete founded The Potomac Group & Associates (PG&A), a boutique international security firm he grew into a multi-million dollar business and sold five years later to SPX Corporation.

He entered the private security industry in 1989 with Vance International, the premier executive protection and high-end security consultancy of its time. His professional career began in 1981 with his enlistment in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served eight years in special operations and training.

Pete has a master’s degree in Business from the McColl Graduate School of Business, and a degree in Security Administration. He is also a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government International Security Program. Pete sits on the boards of the Kaba Mas, LLC, the US-Libya Business Association (USLBA) and the Business Executives for National Security (BENS).

Adam Rowson, as the Regional Director for Eastern Europe at GardaWorld Critical Infrastructure & Government Services since early 2023, plays a crucial role in leading our security, risk management and logistics support in Ukraine and neighboring Eastern European countries. His work primarily focuses on assisting diplomatic, development and corporate entities setting up and operating in these regions. Adam’s career is distinguished by over 24 years of operational excellence in defense and security, particularly in challenging and complex environments.

His journey began with a significant 16-year tenure in the Royal Engineers, which laid the groundwork for his subsequent commercial ventures. Adam has since accumulated a decade of experience in diverse regions including the Middle East, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe. His expertise extends to implementing technical programs for various clients, involving the integration of sophisticated systems such as electronic warfare, long-range cameras, and both mobile and static radar systems. This blend of military and commercial experience underpins his effectiveness in his current role at GardaWorld.

Ed Cooke is Country Director for GardaWorld in Iraq, where he holds full accountability for contract delivery, staffing, compliance, and budget control across a portfolio valued at over $150M annually. With more than 15 years of senior security leadership built entirely in the Middle East, he has progressed from frontline team-level roles, bringing a rare combination of strategic oversight and hands-on operational command to one of the region's most complex operating environments. Since joining GardaWorld, he has maintained 95% client satisfaction across eight key accounts, secured $50M in new contracts and renewals, and delivered significant cost reductions through disciplined workforce and operational restructuring.

Prior to joining GardaWorld, he held a series of increasingly senior operational and leadership roles across Iraq, spanning hotel security, independent consultancy, and large-scale contract security operations. His earlier career includes distinguished service with the British Army's Parachute Regiment and Special Forces Support Group, followed by high-threat private security operations across Iraq, Afghanistan, and the wider region.

Ed holds a BSc in Business and Organizational Security and Risk Management from the University of Southampton, alongside ISO 18788 Lead Auditor certification, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 31000 Enterprise Risk Management, and a Level 5 Security and Risk Management Consultants qualification. He is recognized for his disciplined approach to compliance, his ability to deliver measurable performance outcomes under pressure, and his deep understanding of the governmental and operational landscape in Iraq.

Having joined GardaWorld in 2005, Glen serves as Director of Business Intelligence and Risk Analysis based out of Dubai. Glen is a senior intelligence and risk analysis professional with over 30 years of experience spanning the military, government, and commercial sectors. He holds a master’s degree in Intelligence and Security and is formally trained by the British government, with specialist expertise in human intelligence (HUMINT) and open-source intelligence (OSINT) operations. Glen oversees global security intelligence strategy and risk mitigation across high-risk operating environments. He leads multinational teams and provides strategic counsel to high-profile clients, including Oil and Gas majors and Western diplomatic missions, on geopolitical risk, crisis management, and operational safety and security.

Helen Chater Larcombe is Legal Director for GardaWorld’s Critical Infrastructure and Government Services division in Dubai, UAE. She brings a wealth of experience in providing strategic legal advice across multiple sectors and locations. Helen’s tenure at GardaWorld since May 2021 has demonstrated invaluable leadership within the security sector providing comprehensive legal direction on corporate and commercial matters in regions including the UAE, UK, Iraq, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Libya, Somalia, Nigeria, and South Africa.

Before joining GardaWorld, Helen had senior strategic roles within both the private and public sectors; in London with Balfour Beatty Capital in the private finance initiative arena and with telecommunications company euNetworks, and in the UAE for the Government of Dubai and then working with Taqa in Abu Dhabi.

Helen’s academic credentials include an LLB in Law from the University of Birmingham, with further legal studies completed at Nottingham Law School. Her impressive and broad reaching career reflects dedication and skill in navigating complex legal landscapes and working across jurisdictions.

Ian Duff, Director of Operations at GardaWorld, is a distinguished security expert with extensive experience in both military and commercial sectors. With a Master’s in Security and Risk Management, Ian has honed his skills in high-stakes environments globally. Since joining GardaWorld in 2008, he has excelled in various roles, including pivotal security management positions in Afghanistan, Somalia, Yemen, and Libya.

As Director of Operations, Ian oversees client relations for high-profile contracts, manages the P&L and daily operational oversight for Afghanistan, Somalia, Haiti, Jakarta and new markets, as well as administers personnel, and ensures operational compliance and due diligence across the CI&GS platform.

Prior to GardaWorld, he served in senior security capacities with Olive Group in Iraq, Sudan, and Afghanistan, following an 18-year military career. His expertise is marked by exceptional communication, leadership, and a commitment to professionalism.

Jamie Paul Grant, MA, FCCA, is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in accounting and finance, specializing in sectors such as oilfield services and high-risk protection & security services. He is a UK ACCA qualified accountant and holds a Master’s degree in Accountancy from the University of Aberdeen.

Jamie’s career includes significant international exposure, having worked across the UK, USA, and Middle East markets. Jamie joined GardaWorld’s international division as Financial Controller in 2016 and now holds the position of Finance Director for the Critical Infrastructure & Government Services division in Dubai, UAE. His responsibilities encompass overseeing the corporate finance function, managing a team across multiple countries, strategic decision-making, and maintaining key stakeholder relationships.

Previously, he served as the Operational Controller for Schlumberger in the Middle East and USA, where he managed substantial manufacturing turnover and R&D budgets, and significantly reduced inventory costs through operational and engineering efficiency improvements. Jamie’s career is marked by key achievements such as the successful financial integration of an acquired African security group and the development of lean accounting concepts and process improvement.

Janine Miller, with over 18 years of experience in strategic marketing, communications, and executive corporate support garnered in different countries in Africa as well as the UAE, currently serves as the Director of Marketing, Communications, and Corporate Office for GardaWorld’s Critical Infrastructure & Government Services Division. Since joining GardaWorld in 2016, she has successfully managed marketing and communications for its 15 core operating countries across the Middle East and Africa in addition to being the strategic executive business partner to the President & COO and leadership team. Janine’s strategic approach to aligning business objectives with marketing initiatives has built a proven track record of amplifying brand value and boosting operational efficiency.

Prior to her current role, Janine played a pivotal role in operations, marketing and parent relations at GEMS Education Schools and the AFEX Group in East Africa. Her early career includes significant tenures at Polarcus DMCC and Nakheel PJSC in Dubai, UAE, where she honed her skills in Board-level and C-Suite executive support, administration, and communication.

A Rhodes University graduate with a Bachelor of Business Science Degree in Management & Marketing, Janine combines her academic background with a wealth of experience in various multinational settings. She is well-regarded for her adaptability, strategic vision, and ability to effectively manage complex, multifaceted tasks.

Madeline Routledge is a seasoned Director of Human Resources with extensive international experience in the MEA region and Europe. She holds qualifications in CIPD and an MA in Human Resource Management from Middlesex University. Madeline’s expertise encompasses various HR projects including organizational re-design, change management, leadership, performance management, and senior team development. She has a strong background in employee relations, compensation, benefits, and compliance with statutory and legal requirements.

Beginning her career in teaching and administrative roles, Madeline transitioned into HR with a role at Cracknell, an international design and architecture consultancy in the UAE, where she managed the HR function for over 200 professionals and drove significant operational achievements. Joining GardaWorld in 2011, she progressed from HR Manager to her current role as HR Director for the Critical Infrastructure and Government Services division. Her tenure at GardaWorld has been marked by strategic and operational achievements including notable organizational efficiencies, reducing staff turnover, implementing key HR systems and programs, and managing complex employee welfare cases.

Madeline’s educational background includes a BA in Journalism from the University of Wales, Cardiff, and several professional certifications in HR assessment and job evaluation systems. She excels in partnering with senior leadership, talent acquisition, and managing HR across diverse geographies, making her an invaluable asset in the global HR landscape.

Rob Dawson is a highly experienced security professional with over 25 years of expertise in operational leadership, security management, and risk mitigation. Following a decade of service with the British Army, Rob transitioned into the commercial security sector, where he has successfully managed security operations across the Middle East and the UK for both government and private sector clients.

Since joining GardaWorld in 2010, Rob has held several pivotal roles, contributing significantly to the company’s growth and success. His tenure in Iraq saw him taking on several senior operational roles within the Company. By 2014, he was responsible for overseeing all projects across Central Iraq, managing over 1,000 contractors and ensuring operational delivery in complex environments. In 2017, Rob moved to GardaWorld Security’s Corporate Team in London as Senior Manager, Operations Support, leading the contractor recruitment process, building partnerships with international manpower providers, and establishing strategic relationships with accredited training organisations.

As Director, UK, Rob currently oversees service delivery and client relationships for all UK-based diplomatic clients and projects, operating in the complex regions with GardaWorld’s Security, ensuring operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and strategic oversight of global staffing.

Tamim Rashed is a seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience in private security, risk management, and business operations across North Africa. He currently serves as Regional Director, North Africa for GardaWorld’s Critical Infrastructure and Government Services division, guiding strategic operations, governance, and local partnerships in one of the region’s most dynamic markets.

Tamim’s leadership is distinguished by his ability to navigate complex regulatory, operational, and security frameworks while ensuring consistent, high-quality service delivery in challenging environments. His multidisciplinary background in finance, economics, and computer science enables him to combine strategic foresight with operational precision and strong commercial acumen.

Tamim holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Tripoli and an MBA in Finance from the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport. His career reflects a deep commitment to enabling stability, compliance, and sustainable growth across Libya’s evolving private security sector.