Our Team
A different way of thinking
We recruit and work with exceptional people and provide an environment that encourages collaboration, teamwork and new ideas. We work in partnership with our clients to deliver high-quality, cost-effective and innovative solutions.
You will never be just a number or ‘another’ client! What sets us apart from the crowd is our people and approach. We work as an extension of your team offering a professional, friendly, and personalised service.
Senior Management Team
John Casson MBE
After distinguished service with the Devon and Cornwall Police in the UK, John fulfilled his ambition to form Securewest International in 1987 and Casson International in 2000.
As the Chairman and CEO his policy has always been to offer nothing short of a high quality, professional service utilising the expertise of former police, military and qualified personnel. This was recognised when he was honoured to be invited to give evidence to the Home Affairs Select Committee at the House of Parliament which was considering regulating the UK security industry.
Today, John’s vast experience of complex international businesses and global geopolitical risks provide Securewest with the strategic leadership and insight to keep developing and delivering innovative solutions. He also acts as a consultant supporting clients to overcome security challenges and helping to protect their people and assets in an ever-changing world.
In 2019 Her Majesty the Queen awarded John the MBE for services to charity, worthwhile causes and the community. His full biography can be visited at: www.johncasson.com
Patrick Gould
Patrick joined the company in 2006, bringing with him a strong background in operational management within the manufacturing sector. With over 18 years of experience in Maritime Security and Travel Risk Management, he has held various roles spanning high-risk transit operations and technical support for Securewest’s Sphere Travel Risk Management platform. Patrick currently leads a team of highly trained responders in our 24/7 Global Response Centre (GRC)
Connor Hunter
Connor joined the company in 2020 following a period working in the Middle East as a Force Protection Officer in Iraq, where he operated alongside the U.S. Army. Prior to this, he served in the Royal Navy, including with a joint service signals unit supporting operations across both land and maritime environments.
Throughout his military career, Connor deployed extensively across the Middle East, Latin America, Asia, and Europe. He now draws on this global experience to lead our operations department, with a focus on Travel Risk Management, Maritime security, and risk intelligence.
Captain Chris Connolly OBE, Royal Navy (Retd)
Chris works with Securewest to provide advice on maritime surveillance and operational solutions. He was one of the Royal Navy’s most senior intelligence professionals, holding command positions both at sea and ashore. He has considerable experience in international engagement worldwide, and served in the British Embassies in Washington DC, Minsk and Moscow, in the latter as Defence Attaché.
He was hand-picked to be Head of the newly re-formed Fleet Intelligence Division. He developed the organisation from a simple reporting cell to a multi-function, analytical and forecasting capability and was the driving force in developing the concept of intelligence-led maritime support operations in the RN. Chris has also worked extensively in maritime capability development, particularly in Intelligence and Surveillance. He has several years’ experience in developing Business Cases and Statements of Requirement for complex procurement programmes, including multinational projects. He is a graduate of the Advanced Command and Staff Course, has a MA in Defence Studies, and holds professional association qualifications in Risk Management and Project Management.
Rear Admiral Sandeep Beecha (Retd)
Sandeep was commissioned into the Indian Navy in July 1986 and rose to the rank of Rear Admiral. He is an accomplished c-suite executive with a 30 plus year track record of successful tactical, operational and strategic leadership in aerospace & defence, military cooperation, and diplomatic domains. During his highly distinguished career, he commanded four warships and a number of shore establishments, later serving as the Naval Advisor to the High Commissioner of India in London, Flag Officer Commanding Gujarat Naval Area and finally Commandant of the Naval War College in Goa. Sandeep brings to Securewest significant expertise in building and managing large and diverse high-performance teams and has an entrepreneurial leadership style focused on team building, organisational planning, and communication skills. His action-orientation approach to project management delivers results on the ground, even with limited resources. He is a postgraduate in Defence Studies and holds the degree of MSc in ‘Strategic Studies from Madras University and Master of Philosophy (MPHIL) in Defence and Strategic Studies from Mumbai University.
Chief Constable Bill Skelly QPM, Lincolnshire Police (Retd)
Bill works with Securewest to provide advice on protective security and both strategic and tactical policing solutions. As one of UK Policing’s most experienced senior officers, he has held national roles on performance management, event security and international crime. He has significant experience in international settings, working closely with Europol, Eurojust, the UN and the law enforcement agencies in the US and Australia.
From leading international anti-human trafficking operations, to planning for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and scrutinising Scotland’s police as Her Majesty’s Inspector, Bill has straddled jurisdictions and brought impactful leadership to provide successful solutions.
Through this varied professional experience, he has the ability and desire to make a tangible and lasting difference. He has a rare combination of technical ability; academic rigour; values and ethics; and important real-world experience in multi-million pound, high risk settings.
He is a graduate of the Strategic Command Course and later returned as a staff member in the role of Syndicate Director. He has an MBA, a Diploma in Criminology from Cambridge, and holds a professional Diploma in Company Direction. He is a Chartered Director and Fellow of the Institute of Directors.
Megan Harry
Megan joined the company in 2022 and quickly became an integral part of the Senior Management Team. With a diverse career in accounting spanning a wide range of industries, she brings a wealth of expertise in business and financial management. In April 2025, Megan successfully completed the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) Certificate in Business Accounting, further strengthening her professional credentials and commitment to excellence.
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