COO appointment at Aviation Security Division

RNS Number : 1845W

Westminster Group PLC

26 January 2012

 



26^th January 2012

Westminster Group Plc:

Dr Phil G. Jackson appointed Chief Operating Officer

Westminster Aviation Security Services Ltd

Westminster Group Plc ('Westminster' or 'the Group'), the AIM listed supplier of system solutions and products to the security, defence, fire protection and safety markets worldwide, is pleased to announce that it has appointed Dr Phil G. Jackson as the new Chief Operating Officer of its aviation division, Westminster Aviation Security Services Ltd.

Dr. Jackson has more than 20 years of experience serving in leadership positions, specialising in security services for the aviation and maritime sectors worldwide and in the delivery of national security initiatives in counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics and border security, the protection of critical infrastructure, and global supply chain assurance.

Dr. Jackson served 26 years in the British Armed Forces and has worked in official capacities with the U.S., Middle East and African Governments. A world-renowned security expert, Dr Jackson currently serves as a Director to the International Civil Aviation Organisation Security Council.

Dr. Jackson's recent experiences include creating a security plan for Baghdad International Airport to meet U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) standards, providing cargo security plans as directed by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority; implementing a 1,100-man project team including the training of Iraqi police in basic airport and aviation security; developing and initiating the security plan for a 1,500-man project to secure the International Zone (Green Zone) which covered all ministerial buildings including the President's and Prime Minister's offices and various Embassies; serving as Senior Advisor to the U.S. Department of State on the location and construction of observation towers to be built as part of the force protection program on the new Kabul Embassy in Afghanistan; assembling a training/operations team of military and police experts to work worldwide on operations assisting all types of security including intelligence, narcotics, aviation maritime, training & security plan writing in conjunction with CAA, FAA and TSA regulations and assisting Hillary Clinton, when senator of New York State, with the redevelopment of Buffalo and Niagra Falls Airports.

Dr. Jackson also served as the Director of the Royal Flight in the State of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. He was appointed to the Gulf Region Airport Advisory Board for the development of Qatar International Airport in Doha. He has also worked as a consultant for airports in the United Arab Emirates where he assisted in developing and initiating the security plans for Abu Dhabi and Dubai International Airports.

Dr. Jackson has assisted several African and Latin American countries develop their transportation infrastructure mainly in the aviation sector, developing airport operations, security compliancy and business development for cargo and passengers.

Other experiences and commendations include:

·      Expanding and preparing an aviation training team in preparation for the new TSA regulations for all U.S. carriers worldwide

·      Developing and initiating the security plan for the Port of Piraeus, Greece, for the 2004 Olympic Games and for the security of the airport and 16 cruise lines used as floating hotels for the period of the Games

·      Served for 26 years in the British Armed Forces including 10 operational tours in Northern Ireland, gaining 4 operational awards for bravery in several theatres including Northern Ireland and Falklands War.

·      Involved in various types of operations and training appointments including training adviser to various military organisations worldwide in all aspects of aviation, military, and security skills

·      Security adviser to the FAA and various CAA's worldwide

·      Maritime security advisor and training instructor (ship and port facilities)

·      Qualified Airline-Airport auditor

Commenting on the appointment Peter Fowler, Chief Executive of Westminster Group, said:

"I am extremely pleased to report that Phil is joining us to head up our aviation security business and believe his extensive experience and knowledge of the international aviation security sector will be a valuable asset in our continued growth in this sector. Phil's career summary above speaks for itself.

"Westminster provides equipment and services to airports around the world and demand for our services continues to grow and we are currently looking at a number of sizeable project opportunities."

Commenting on his appointment Dr Phil Jackson added:

"I am delighted to be joining such a well known and respected security company and I am very excited about the prospects ahead. I believe Westminster's reputation, its extensive international presence and its broad range of services puts us in a strategic position to benefit from the large scale opportunities within the aviation security market."

For further information please contact:

Westminster Group plc	Tel: [phone]
Peter Fowler (Chief Executive)
Ian Selby (Chief Financial Officer)
Fairfax I.S. PLC (NOMAD and Broker)	Tel: [phone]
Stuart Gledhill/Katy Birkin
Winningtons Financial (Financial PR)	Tel: [phone]
Tom Cooper/Paul Vann	0797 122 1972

Notes:

Westminster Group plc is a leader in the supply of system solutions and products to the security, defence, fire protection and safety markets worldwide.

Westminster's principal activity is the design, supply and ongoing support of advanced technology security solutions, risk assessments and close protection services. These can range from product only assignments, such as the supply of specialised scanners, to the design and implementation of an integrated system solution such as a border detection and surveillance system. The majority of its customer base, by value, comprises governments and government agencies, non governmental organisations and blue chip commercial organisations.

 

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