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.
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
Sophia Zhang-Dees
Sophia is a business development professional and speaks fluent English and Mandarin. She has worked in China, Scotland and England supporting global clients.
She is at heart an account and business development manager with 20 years’ experience in the private health care and travel risk management industries for clients in the oil and gas, education, charity, travel and manufacturing sectors. Prior to Securewest, Sophia worked for a reputable large global assistance organisation providing account management services to multinational clients.
Since joining Securewest in 2020, Sophia quickly expanded her knowledge to include the maritime sector. She brings dedication, broad expertise, and attention to detail to all her clients. She always tries to understand a clients’ challenges and concerns and provides consultative and cost-effective solutions. To leverage her experience both in the UK and around the world she builds a trusting working relationship with the clients from the start to offer clients the very best services.
Sophia holds a Master’s degree with Merit from Keele University, UK in International Business.
Connor Hunter
Connor joined the company in 2020 bringing with him operational experience on land and in the maritime environment. Previously he has served in the Royal Navy as a Communications and Information Systems Specialist and has worked as a security contractor alongside the U.S. Army in Iraq supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, the mission to defeat ISIL in the region.
Deployed globally during his military career throughout the Middle East, Latin America, Asia and Europe, including an overseas posting with the Joint Service Signal Unit (JSSU), he uses this first-hand knowledge to produce intelligence reports and provide advice to our clients. Connor also leads a team of highly trained responders in our 24/7 Global Response Centre (GRC).
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 Ashworth
Megan is the newest member of our team and works as the Finance Manager for Securewest and Casson International. Megan has a keen eye for detail and a friendly and helpful approach when it comes to communicating with our clients and suppliers. She has 7 years’ experience working in an accounts role in a variety of company sectors, and is now on a career path with Securewest, looking to progress into becoming CIMA qualified.
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