PLC Board
The PLC Board contains a balance of Executive and Non-Executive Directors and is responsible for dealing with the strategic direction and long term success of the Group. The Board will meet every two months or at any other time deemed necessary for the good management of the business and at a location agreed between the Board members.
Non-Executive Chairman
Rt. Hon. Sir Tony Baldry
Sir Tony, has had a long a prestigious Parliamentary career. He was Personal Aide to Margaret Thatcher in the 1974 General Election and subsequently remained in her private office when she became Leader of the Opposition.
Sir Tony served as MP for North Oxfordshire from 1983 to 2015. He held various ministerial posts during the 1990s, serving as Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, with a range of responsibilities including South Asia, Africa, North America and the West Indies.
Sir Tony, a practicing barrister, was awarded the Robert Schumann Silver Medal for contribution to European politics in 1975. He takes a keen interest in foreign affairs and was a Governor of the Commonwealth Institute and was a member of the Overseas Development Institute. Tony was Chairman of the House of Commons Select Committee on International Development in the 2010 Parliament.
Sir Tony is a member of the Audit Committee, Remuneration Committee, Nomination Committee, and is Chairman of the Disclosure Committee.
Chief Executive Officer
Peter Fowler
Peter has over 52 years experience operating within the security industry, with particular reference to the electronic protection sector.
Peter is extensively travelled and has a long history of running successful companies having built and sold two security businesses, successfully carried out acquisitions, disposals and an MBO and has held several senior positions in listed companies.
Peter started his career in the security industry in 1970, quickly progressing into senior management roles. In 1980 he founded a specialist electronic security company, Sovereign Security Systems Limited, which became one of the leading independent security companies of its type in the UK and was acquired by the Britannia Security Group Plc in 1987.
In 1990, Peter joined the Menvier-Swain Group Plc as Managing Director of the newly acquired security division and has been Chief Executive Officer of the Westminster Group of companies since leading a management buy out of the business in 1996.
In 2000 Peter reorganised the business and disposed of the UK alarms business to Chubb in order to concentrate on international business and since that time has developed Westminster into a global business with representation in over 50 countries with an enviable international reputation and an extensive and growing ‘blue chip’ client base.
Peter is a member of the Risk Committee, Nomination Committee and Disclosure Committee.
Chief Financial Officer
Mark L W Hughes BSc MBA FCA
Mark joined the company in November 2018, he is an experienced Group Chief Financial Officer with over 30 years’ experience of leading groups, divisions and companies sized from pre-revenue to £600m turnover, including those listed on both the main market and AIM including CFO of Hall Engineering (Full) Royal Doulton (Full), Axon (Full) and Mediwatch (AIM).
Mark is a member of the Risk Committee and the Disclosure Committee.
Chief Operating Officer
Stuart Fowler BEng (Hons)
Stuart has many years experience of the security industry and has been particularly involved on many of the more complex integrated security systems.
Stuart studied computing and business studies at University obtaining a Bachelor of Engineering Honours degree in 1996. After university Stuart successfully implemented several software development projects for listed companies before joining Westminster in 1998 as IT manager. After acquiring considerable experience with the vast array of technical products and equipment in which the Company is involved, he was appointed a Director within the Group in 2000.
Since that time Stuart has been instrumental in the design & implementation of many larger complex systems installed by the Westminster Group Plc. and is now responsible for the groups operations and technical implementation worldwide.
Stuart is a member of the Disclosure Committee and Risk Committee.
Non-Executive Director
Simon Barrell
Simon is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
Following qualification, he spent 4 years working in Nairobi and has since also gained considerable international experience with a number of organisations.
After 11 years in the profession Simon moved into the corporate world and has held various posts as Finance Director and has experience across multiple industries working in both the public and private sectors. He has also held numerous non-executive positions for a number of public companies and continues to act as an adviser to listed and non-listed companies. He is currently a non-executive director of SRT Marine Systems plc and Grafenia plc.
Simon is Chairman of the Audit Committee and a member of the Remuneration Committee, Nomination Committee and Disclosure Committee.
Non-Executive Director
Major General (Retired) Graham Binns CBE DSO MC
Graham Binns, is a highly decorated retired British Army officer with over 10 years’ experience as a senior board level executive in the commercial security sector.
Graham served as General Officer Commanding 1st (UK) Armoured Division and then Commandant Joint Services Command and Staff College, retiring in 2010. He had previously commanded the 7th Armoured Brigade (the “Desert Rats”) during Operation Telic 1 when the brigade took Basra in southern Iraq.
Following his military career, Graham was recruited as Chief Executive Officer of Aegis Defence Services Ltd. providing security services to governments and major corporations throughout the Middle East and Africa, with revenues of £300m and a staff of over 3,000.
Following the acquisition of Aegis by GardaWorld, the world’s largest privately owned security group with 122,000 employees and a turnover of $3billion, Graham served for several years as Senior Managing Director of GardaWorld International Protective Services, and more recently as their senior advisor on strategic client relationships.
Graham is Chairman of the Nomination Committee and a member of the Disclosure Committee. Remuneration Committee and Audit Committee.
Company Secretary & Legal Counsel
Jing Zhou
Jing possesses a diverse blend of legal and financial expertise, specialising in providing comprehensive financial analysis and corporate legal advice to a wide range of companies, investors, and professional advisors. With a Master of Science in Finance from Bocconi University and having qualified as a solicitor in England and Wales in 2023, Jing has successfully merged her legal and financial skills to deliver high-quality solutions and outstanding results.
Her areas of specialisation include Mergers and Acquisitions, Listing, Fundraising, and Corporate Litigation. Jing has excelled in managing international transactions, and collaborating with global corporations across the UK, the EU, the US, and Israel.
Her core competencies include problem-solving, logical and analytical thinking, effective communication, and collaborative teamwork. She is passionate about the dynamic synergy between law and finance.
Outside of her professional life, Jing is an enthusiastic Tanguera, spending her spare time dancing Tango. She is also dedicated to making a positive impact in society by offering pro-bono legal advice to vulnerable individuals
Operational Board
The Operational Board comprises of the Group CEO and other Group and Divisional Directors as deemed appropriate and is responsible for the running of the business. The Operational Board will meet monthly or at any other time deemed necessary for the good management of the business and at a location agreed between the Board members. The Operational Board reports to the PLC Board.
Chief Executive Officer
Peter Fowler
Peter has over 52 years experience operating within the security industry, with particular reference to the electronic protection sector.
Peter is extensively travelled and has a long history of running successful companies having built and sold two security businesses, successfully carried out acquisitions, disposals and an MBO and has held several senior positions in listed companies.
Peter started his career in the security industry in 1970, quickly progressing into senior management roles. In 1980 he founded a specialist electronic security company, Sovereign Security Systems Limited, which became one of the leading independent security companies of its type in the UK and was acquired by the Britannia Security Group Plc in 1987.
In 1990, Peter joined the Menvier-Swain Group Plc as Managing Director of the newly acquired security division and has been Chief Executive Officer of the Westminster Group of companies since leading a management buy out of the business in 1996.
In 2000 Peter reorganised the business and disposed of the UK alarms business to Chubb in order to concentrate on international business and since that time has developed Westminster into a global business with representation in over 50 countries with an enviable international reputation and an extensive and growing ‘blue chip’ client base.
Peter is a member of the Risk Committee, Nomination Committee and Disclosure Committee.
Chief Financial Officer
Mark L W Hughes BSc MBA FCA
Mark joined the company in November 2018, he is an experienced Group Chief Financial Officer with over 30 years’ experience of leading groups, divisions and companies sized from pre-revenue to £600m turnover, including those listed on both the main market and AIM including CFO of Hall Engineering (Full) Royal Doulton (Full), Axon (Full) and Mediwatch (AIM).
Mark is a member of the Risk Committee and the Disclosure Committee.
Chief Operating Officer
Stuart Fowler BEng (Hons)
Stuart has many years experience of the security industry and has been particularly involved on many of the more complex integrated security systems.
Stuart studied computing and business studies at University obtaining a Bachelor of Engineering Honours degree in 1996. After university Stuart successfully implemented several software development projects for listed companies before joining Westminster in 1998 as IT manager. After acquiring considerable experience with the vast array of technical products and equipment in which the Company is involved, he was appointed a Director within the Group in 2000.
Since that time Stuart has been instrumental in the design & implementation of many larger complex systems installed by the Westminster Group Plc. and is now responsible for the groups operations and technical implementation worldwide.
Stuart is a member of the Disclosure Committee and Risk Committee.
Head of Sales
Lorraine Hellend
Lorraine Hellend brings over 30 years of experience and expertise to her role on the operational board at Westminster Group. With a background in security management honed during 15 years of service in the HM Prison Service, Lorraine transitioned seamlessly into aviation security, excelling as a trainer and advancing rapidly within the field.
Joining Westminster Group in 2017, Lorraine has made significant contributions in various roles, including AVSEC Instructor and Duty Support Officer abroad.
In addition to her operational roles, Lorraine has demonstrated strategic acumen as a Business Development Manager and Head of Sales. Her leadership in driving revenue growth and forging key partnerships has been instrumental in expanding Westminster’s business.
As a member of the operational board, Lorraine’s diverse background in security management, training, business development, and sales provides invaluable insights. Her commitment to excellence and proactive approach to addressing security challenges make her a vital asset to the leadership team.
Head of Marketing & Strategy
Niall O'Brien
Niall brings a wealth of expertise and deep technical knowledge to his position as Head of Marketing & Strategy at Westminster Group. Holding a BSc in Computer Science, Niall boasts over 20 years experience in developing enterprise technology solutions and go-to-market strategies.
Passionate about Design & UX, Niall was instrumental in the recent rebranding of Westminster Group. Additionally, he spearheaded the development of the group’s new e-commerce platform and champions digital marketing initiatives to enhance brand visibility and engagement.
General Manager
Hamish Russell
Hamish joined the Westminster Group in January 2020 after returning to the United Kingdom from the United Arab Emirates where he spent 12 years in senior commercial roles within the Defence and Security Industry. During his time in the UAE, he successfully took a family-owned UK business into the Tawazun Economic Agreement UAE Offset Programme, a significant commercial achievement. At Westminster Hamish is focused on new commercial activities and agents whilst overseeing several high profile long running contracts. Hamish was also WG’s lead on Operation Marquee, HM Queen Elizabeth II lying in state at the Palace of Westminster. Prior to his commercial life Hamish served 18 years in HM Forces(Army) deploying theatres of operations in challenging environments throughout his service. A keen surfer and frustrated golfer Hamish spends his working time between the Group HQ in Banbury, global travel and working from his home in Glasgow.
Head of Services
Joanna Fowler
Joanna has over three decades of experience operating within the UK security industry during which time she has attained a high degree of expertise and experience in both financial and operational matters.
She started her career within the security industry in 1985 as an administrator for a leading independent security group, Sovereign Security Systems. She quickly progressed from administration into finance, gaining valuable experience in finance and contract management.
Over the years she has held a number of positions including senior financial postings, logistics and large scale operational deployment planning. She was also instrumental in co-ordinating the integration of 14 acquired businesses into a central hub for global security group Chubb.
In 2010 Joanna was seconded to Longmoor Security, from its parent group Westminster, to assist with the development and reorganisation of the business.
With a strong knowledge of management accounting, experience of operational and logistical planning and a constant desire for improvement Joanna is now Head of Services for Westminster Group.
International Advisory Board
The International Advisory Board assists and advises the Group and its subsidiaries on various international issues including governmental and client liaison, cultural, ethnic and religious sensitivities, compliance with legal issues, financing and general business development.
Senior International Advisor
Professor Kishan Devani BEM, FRSA
Professor Kishan Devani BEM, FRSA, LLB (Hons), PgCe, PgDip is a World-Renowned Educationalist and Global Education Expert/Academic/Strategist/Trainer, Political Strategist, Speaker, and International PR, Communications, Media, Campaigns & Fundraising Consultant/Advisor.
He has a distinguished career highlighted by numerous prestigious recognitions and roles that underscore his significant contributions to various sectors. He was honoured with the British Empire Medal (BEM) by Her Majesty the Queen in the 2020 New Year’s Honour’s List, and he became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in 2015. Additionally, he was awarded the Freedom of the City of London, making him one of the youngest BaME Freemen of London.
Kishan serves as an Associate Lecturer at London Metropolitan University.
His expertise in cross-border trade relations spans the UK, Africa, India, and the Middle East.
His consultancy work spans various sectors, including governance, finance, and education. Kishan has been a vocal advocate for community cohesion and diversity within the British Asian community, volunteering extensively to motivate young Asians to engage in British civic life.
Advisor
The Hon. Sir Michael Pakenham KBE CMG
Sir Michael Pakenham had a distinguished career in the British Diplomatic Service lasting nearly 40 years, during which time he held posts in Poland, Paris, Washington, New Delhi, Nairobi, Brussels, Luxembourg and London. Whilst in the Cabinet Office in Whitehall he served for three years as Cabinet Secretary for Defence and Overseas Affairs, as Chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee and as Intelligence Coordinator. He retired from the Service in 2003 at which point he was British Ambassador to Poland.
For the past 8 years he has been the Senior Advisor to Access Industries, a US-based private holding company with global interests, including in Russia. Other appointments include being Vice-Chairman of the Council of Kings College, London University; and a Trustee of the Chevening Estate. He has also served as a member of the European Advisory Board to Northrop Grumman Information Services, and of the Advisory Board to the Cambridge Judge Business School; and he has led work on the EU Security & Technology research project with Thales and the IISS.
Advisor for West Africa
Camille Bounama Sylla
Camille Bounama Sylla is a Senegalese business leader, recognized for his exceptional career and his numerous achievements. He was ranked among the 50 most influential personalities by Confidentiel Afrique, a renowned publication. He is a networker and lobbyist, maintaining good relations with several heads of state in Africa and Europe.
Camille Bounama worked for years for the organization of the Davos of communities within a French group in Africa. He was also appointed Special Envoy for Trade, Investment and International Relations by the President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio. His appointment is a testament to his hard work, perseverance and social commitment.
He specializes in youth employment and neighborhood issues, and has carried out several initiatives in the Paris suburbs. For example, he founded the Salon des Cultures Urbaines at the Paris Fair, in collaboration with the Arte television channel, to provide a space for meeting and exchange for neighborhood residents.
In addition to his entrepreneurial activities, Camille Bounama is also publisher of the newspaper “Le Temps des Banlieues”, which gives a voice to suburban communities and covers topics relevant to these regions.
He also founded Simard City Africa, a parking company in Dakar which currently employs 200 people. This business contributes to the local economy by providing quality jobs and parking services.
Finally, Camille Bounama is the author of a book entitled “The main thing is to try”, which was recently published and will be available worldwide from mid-April.
In short, Camille Bounama Sylla is an inspiring leader who is actively engaged in economic and social development. His expertise in lobbying, organizing events and his knowledge of issues related to the suburbs and youth employment make him an essential player in improving the living conditions of communities in France and Africa.
Advisor
Shiv Kumar
Mr. Shiv Surinder Kumar has over 20 years of experience in the areas of asset management, merchant banking, capital markets and wealth management across Asia, Europe and the Middle-East and has significant experience in securities trading, private placement, debt restructuring and disinvestments.
From 1997 to 2000, he served as a Financial Consultant with Merrill Lynch International, where he managed private banking with a focus on structured products related to wealth management of high net worth individuals and family offices. From 1992 to 1997, he served as a Vice President of Hinduja Finance Ltd, India, where he managed a balance sheet of $80 million, arranged investment banking transactions and invested on a proprietary basis in venture capital transactions. From 1988 to 1993, he served as Vice President and Assistant Vice President roles at Prime Securities Limited, India, and Bank of America NT&SA. He has been an Independent Director of Amira Nature Foods Ltd. since June 5, 2013. From 2000 to 2006, Mr. Kumar served as the Director of Genesis International, Dubai, UAE, where he served on a number of strategic investment projects including airport privatization in India and private placements in mid-cap Indian companies.
Shiv Kumar founded “Bridge Capital Group” in 2005, a boutique investment advisory and fund management outfit providing broad range of corporate finance services. Bridge Capital in the past managed Funds in excess of US$ 200 million covering Infrastructure & Warehousing Sector.
He has a Bachelors of Commerce degree from HR College of Commerce (Bombay University, India) and MBA from International Management Institute, New Delhi (Affiliated to IMI, Geneva and McGill College, Canada)
Advisor
Mawuli Ababio
Mr Mawuli Ababio is an accomplished Corporate Financier/Investment Banker with over 30 years’ experience in structuring private equity and project financing transactions in Africa.
He began his career in 1984 in Geneva, Switzerland as an analyst with SIFIDA Investment Company (now BNP Paribas SIFIDA), with responsibility for the company’s portfolio in North, East and Southern Africa. In 1991 he joined the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire as a member of the pioneering team to set up the Bank’s Private Sector Department. In 1994 he moved to Ghana as Manager of one of the UK Commonwealth Development Corporation (CDC) first ever sponsored African SME Funds.
In 2000 he co-founded Faith Brothers Ltd, Ghana, as an investment holding company and subsequently acquired Citi Savings and Loans Ltd. a leading micro-finance company in Ghana.
This latter company was subsequently converted into Intercontinental Bank Ghana Limited and eventually acquired by Access Bank plc of Nigeria.
Between 2005-7, he consulted with PwC France for Pro-Invest an EU funded initiative aimed at setting up VC/PE firms to fund the SME space in Francophone Africa. In 2007 he moved to Johannesburg as Managing Director of the Africa Venture Capital Association (AVCA), the industry body for African Private Equity. In 2010, he joined PCM Capital Partners (PCP) to advise on setting up the West Africa Emerging Markets Growth Fund (WAEMGF), a regional PE investment vehicle whose LP investors include the AfDB and South Africa’s Private Investment Corporation (PIC).
From 2012 – present he has been the Vice-Chairman/Managing Partner of PCM Capital Advisors a regional private equity fund with a diversified investment portfolio in several countries in the West Africa sub-region.
Mawuli has extensive board and corporate governance experience having served on several listed and unlisted boards over the last 20 years, both as an Executive and Non-Executive Director. He is bilingual, speaking fluent English and French.
In June 2021, Mawuli was Knighted by the Ambassador of France, Her Excellency Anne Sophie AVE, on behalf of the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, at a ceremony held at the Residence of France in Accra, Ghana,
Advisor
Patrick Tsang
Patrick Tsang is the Chairman of Tsangs Group, a China-focused single Family Office. As a seasoned investor and the fourth generation running the business, Patrick invests in various companies which have positive influence and social impact.
Born and raised in the United Kingdom with deeply-rooted Chinese heritage, he has a strong global network and has successfully made investments in Asia mainly in Hong Kong and China, North America and Europe. Over the years, he has worked on numerous IPO and M&A transactions globally.
He is currently the Trade Commissioner of Grenada in Macau to promote international business and investment.
Patrick is a qualified solicitor in Hong Kong and England and Wales. He graduated from the College of Law in England and is a Young Fellow of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award World Fellowship and past President of the Rotary E Club of Hong Kong.
He was awarded the China Economic Person of the Year during the China Economic Development Forum in 2014. In addition, Patrick is an active keynote speaker with multitudes of speaking and coaching experience. He speaks about topics including China, finance, technology, fintech, blockchain, AI and leadership.
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