Speakers - ISJ Leaders in Security Conference

Eng. Col. Arif Al Janahi

Security Engineering Director, SIRA

Eng. Col. Arif Al Janahi is a graduate of technology since 1997. He graduated as industrial electronics engineer. Al Janahi has more than 16 years of experience in the field of electronic security and operations. He gained his experience working in Dubai Police - Department of Protective Systems (DPS) since 2008, where he was engaged in technical specialist projects such as managing city wide projects. Since 2016 he has held his current position as Security Engineering Director in Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) in Dubai, UAE. Arif is a Chartered Security Professional and a member of the Security Institute.

William Brown

Director, Control Risks

William leads Control Risks’ crisis and resilience consulting team in the Middle East from its Dubai office. He has worked in risk management, business continuity, crisis management and IT disaster recovery, cyber and resilience since 1997. William has been based in Dubai for the last three years working extensively across the Middle East and North Africa, Europe, Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. He has a track record of designing and delivering major assignments, having worked across multiple sectors, from financial services, oil and gas and mining, to retail, real estate and hospitality.

Sorana Parvulescu

Partner, Control Risks

Sorana leads Control Risks’ geopolitical risk analysis team for Europe, Middle East and Africa. She helps both government and private organisations to understand how their strategy might be exposed to the action of internal or external political actors and to devise strategies which allow them to operate successfully amidst geopolitical uncertainty. During more than a decade with Control Risks, she has gained significant experience in advising clients on the management of political and reputational risk and formulation of policies and strategies.

Yacine Benamane CPP

Regional Senior Security Manager - North Africa Middle East & Iran, Unilever

Yacine Benamane CPP is a trained and qualified crisis and business risk senior manager with a breadth of corporate security experience in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector. Yacine has extensive experience in providing the businesses he has supported with robust and effective business continuity planning, crisis management and resilience strategies and programs.

He is currently a Regional Security Manager based in Dubai leading Unilever Supply Chain Risk Management and resilience in the Middle East and North Africa.

Yacine is a member of the Security Institute, the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) and ASIS as a Vice-Chairman of the Dubai Chapter.

Amit Mehta

Cyber Security Advisory Practice Lead, Mastercard

Amit leads the regional Cybersecurity Advisory practice for Mastercard Data and Services in Middle East and Africa. He works with financial institutions, governments and regulators to help them strengthen their cybersecurity posture. In his previous role he was the regional Chief Security Officer for Mastercard responsible for the overall conduct of security strategy in the region that included people, data and assets.

Amit comes from a Management Consulting background and has worked with Ernst & Young and Deloitte in the UK. He holds a Certificate in Cyber Security from Harvard University and received his MSc in Technology from Aston University, UK.

He is a frequent speaker on a variety of security topics and has contributed to several forums in the region on cybersecurity best practices and payment fraud.

Phillip Antoniou

Vice President of Sales EMEA, MOBOTIX

Phillip Antoniou is the Vice President of Sales EMEA and has been with MOBOTIX for more than 9 years. He has many years of extensive sales, procurement and business development experience with both large multi-national organizations and small start-up European and US businesses, both in early stage and turn-around situations. His primary focus is challenging the Status Quo and finding solutions to concerns before they happen. Phillip is a qualified Business Analyst who is also an experienced Networking and Security professional who has established new markets and channels across the EMEA region.

Andrew Edwards

Vice President, GardaWorld International Protective Services

Following a career in the Royal Marines and Special Boat Service (SBS), Andrew worked as a security consultant to a number of blue-chip companies, news networks and International Development Agencies before joining Orascom Telecom as its Security Director in 2003.

After leaving Orascom, Andrew became the Global Operations Director for Consilium Risk Strategies (CRS) and presided over worldwide operations until 2008, when he completed the purchase of the company.

CRS was acquired by GardaWorld in August 2012. Andrew served as GardaWorld's Managing Director for Iraq for two years before moving to his current position as Vice President, Strategic Client Group.

Alex Holmström

Global Sales & Marketing Director - ACRE International

Alex is responsible for the global sales and marketing operations at ACRE International (Access Control Related Enterprises), a world leader in design and delivery of intelligent and integrated security solutions that does business in over 90 countries globally. ACRE is one of the largest independent companies of its kind in the security industry with product brands as Vanderbilt, Comnet, Open Options, Razberi, Feenics, and award-winning cloud-based software solutions for access control, intrusion, and video/cyber-security. Alex is an experienced executive leader in the security industry with over a decade of different senior leadership roles in EMEA and from working with all types of electronic security disciplines at both leading system integrator businesses and electronic security manufacturing.

Howard Leedham MBE

Managing Director of ESID DMCC

Howard is the Managing Director of ESID DMCC, a Special Situations and Global Consultancy company based in Dubai. He is a former UK Special Forces Officer and Royal Navy Commando Pilot who subsequently diversified at C-level into the Financial, Aviation and Security sectors. He has lived and worked in the Middle East for much of the past 15-years and is a licensed “Security Expert” with the Security Industry Regulatory Authority. He is a member of the Security Professionals Association, and was most recently the Industry Ambassador to Intersec 2022.

Elias Bechara

Managing Director of 6SS

Elias founded 6SS in Minneapolis, Minnesota, after being presented with an opportunity, by Connex International, to service Milestone partners training needs in the Middle East and Africa. The goal was delivering Milestone XProtect certifications to existing and potential Milestone distributors, integrators, and End users.

The company is now an established professional business that provides innovative security solutions, tailored advanced video analytics, professional services, and product training to meet the market security needs. The company has developed many innovative products under the leadership of Elias who has stressed that the products are not only fully functional to customer requirements, but also meet security requirements within the current cybersecurity sensitive environment.

Ahmad Younes

Sales Director of MOBOTIX

Ahmad Younes, Sales Director of MOBOTIX for the MEA+ region, joined the company in 2008 as a technical engineer. His background as a technical engineer provided him the best prerequisites to thrive in MOBOTIX. His experience in his previous roles allowed him to successfully transfer his knowledge to his new position. These strengths in supporting and driving the expansion of markets have majorly contributed towards the growth of the MOBOTIX brand in the middle east region over the past years.

J.T. Mendoza

Head of Global Insider Risk Management & Investigations, CGI

J.T. Mendoza has over 24 years of experience in a variety of senior-level security and intelligence positions within the US government and private industry. He most recently served as Director, Global Insider Risk Management & Investigations for the CGI Group. Prior to joining CGI, JT served as Deputy Director for Insider Threat with the Department of the Air Force; and in multiple senior roles within the Department of Defense. He has led and overseen large, complex security, counterintelligence, and criminal investigative programs and worked collaboratively with interagency partners to address national security challenges.

Matt Horrox

Director, Continuity Strategy

Matt has 20-years’ experience as a functional head managing security, operational resilience and business continuity teams inhouse and as a consultant in the field. He built his career with leading consultancy firms, including Atkins, Control Risks and KPMG, before going ‘inhouse’ taking leadership positions with leading European banks. He is now founding director of Continuity Strategy and a Fellow of the Institute for Strategy, Resilience and Security, UCL.

Matt has attained professional qualifications in business continuity, information security and physical security, as well as in management consultancy, project and programme management. He has worked extensively across the Middle East and in particular in the UAE and Gulf for much of his career, living in-region for a number of years.

Tim Purpura

VP Global Sales & Marketing, Morse Watchmans

Tim Purpura is an executive with an entrepreneurial spirit. Spending most of his career in the media, serving several high-tech markets, he made his home in the security industry 15 years ago. In the media arena, as VP and Group Publisher for United Publications, Tim was at the helm of Security Systems News for many years from his base in Maine. Making the decision to move south, he joined Morse Watchmans (in Connecticut) and now serves as VP of Global Sales and Marketing.

With a passion for travel, Tim feels fortunate to have “international travel” in his job description. Tim and his better half Ellen, married 37 years, are avid boaters and love the salt air. He is a veteran having served in the United States Coast Guard.

Jose Gonzalez

Assistant Regional Security Officer, U.S. Consulate General Dubai

In 2002, Jose Gonzalez enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He was subsequently deployed to Iraq to support Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2012, Jose joined Diplomatic Security (DS).

Jose's DS domestic assignments include the New York Field Office and the Office of Special Investigations, where he conducted administrative and criminal investigations. Jose's DS overseas assignments were at the U.S. Consulate Erbil, U.S. Embassy Bridgetown, and U.S. Embassy Baghdad, where he worked in the Regional Security Office to provide a safe and secure environment for the conduct of U.S. foreign policy. Jose is currently assigned to the U.S. Consulate in Dubai.

Vitthal Teli CPP PSP PCI

Cluster Security Manager - Hyatt Place Hotels in Dubai & Hyatt Centric Jumeirah

Vitthal Teli CPP PSP PCI is a seasoned Hospitality Industry Security Management professional with 20+ years of demonstrated work experience spanning across Hotels, Resorts and Cruise Lines in India, US and the Middle East. He has successfully set up security & safety functions in pre-opening start-up and operating environment in compliance with the assigned standards, local business practices and social customs.

He is currently a Cluster Security Manager based in Dubai leading Security & Safety function for multiple Hyatt Hotels in Dubai.

Vitthal is a member of the ASIS International, the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC).

Wadih Abi Haider

EMEA Director of Sales, Astrophysics Inc.

Wadih Abi Haidar currently serves as Astrophysics EMEA Director of Sales. Wadih attended the Lebanese American University in Lebanon, graduating in 2000 with a B.S. in Business Management. He began his Astrophysics career in 2008 and has been a part of the company for over 15 years, becoming an expert in the Middle East region. He has extensive experience working in the critical infrastructure x-ray security business with distinguished private clients and government customers in multiple Middle Eastern countries.

Andy Hopper

Senior Director, PepsiCo Global Security

Andy is a leadership and risk management professional with over 20 years of industry experience; 10 of which have been in the Middle East. He currently leads the Global Security function for PepsiCo, across their Europe, Africa, Middle East, and South Asia Divisions, covering a diverse operational portfolio of over 100 beverage, snacks, nutrition and concentrate manufacturing plants, as well as over 45,000 associates.

Prior to his time at PepsiCo, Andy was a member of the Business Resilience team at professional services firm PwC, having earlier joined them from security risk consulting firm, Control Risks. Before his time in the private sector, Andy served as a commissioned officer in the British Army.

Issam Shibany

Head of PreSales and Business Development Middle East and Africa, MVP Tech

MVP Tech’s Head of Presales and Business Development in the MEA region, Mr. Issam Shibany, will communicate the company’s vision and its relevance during the panel discussion on 'Taking an integrated approach to security.' The talk will focus on the increasing vitality of integrated security solutions against the backdrop of a sharp increase in the number of smart cities.

Mr. Shibany has 13 years of experience managing the commercial and technical designs of complex security systems for a wide array of clients. He has demonstrated expertise in milestone-setting successful deployments, including Expo 2020, Police Forces, significant developments, and several iconic projects in the UAE and across the Middle East while leading the PS and BD teams at MVP Tech.

Simon Whitehouse

Managing Director, SGW Consulting

Simon works internationally from SGW's UK and Dubai office, leading a consulting team which provides security master planning and security engineering services. Simon is a seasoned security practitioner, company director and leader with extensive experience gained over a 35-year career span solely focused on the security engineering & security management industry profession. Throughout his career, Simon has led consulting teams in the delivery and management of iconic CCTV and Security projects in many varied vertical market sectors across the world.

He is a Chartered Security Professional (CSyP), Fellow of the Security Institute (FSyI) and finalist of Security Consultant of the Year at the 2013 & 2015 Security Excellence Awards in London. In Dubai, Simon is a Government of Dubai - Security Industry Regulatory Authority (SIRA) - Licenced Security Consultant and his branch office in Dubai is also a SIRA Licenced security consulting practice.

Mo Ahddoud

CEO of Chameleon Cyber Consultants

Mo is a highly experienced Cyber Security expert. With strong technical and business transformation skills he has a proven track record delivering complex security programs for large international organisations. His depth and variety of experience across public and private sectors gives him a unique insight into all angles of cyber security.

He is the CEO of Chameleon Cyber Consultants who specialise in advising organisations at Executive level on their cyber security strategies. He is also a Managing Partner for Cambridge Management Consultants where he leads the global Digital Security practice.

He is an active member of the security industry and is regularly invited to speak at events. Mo lives on the south coast in the UK where he is a keen golfer and enjoys spending time with his family.

Dr. Omofoman Daniel

Technical Associate (ALPSPN)

A security technology consultant and the Managing Director Tagged Technologies Ltd, Dr. Omofoman is also a Director at International RFID Business Association New York, Director RFID Research and Development Centre, African University of Science & Technology; a Nelson Mandela Institution.

Dr. Daniel has made presentations at a number of conferences addressing topics affecting African technological advancement and challenges facing security infrastructures.

Daniel received his MBA from Robert Kennedy College Zurich and Doctorate Degree in Business Administration from the Commonwealth University - London Graduate School.

Dr. Wilson Esanegbedo

President (ALPSPN)

More than 26 years experience in Security Management, Operation and Investigations.

Ability to grasp new ideas and integrate them into desired result by combining patience, determination, and persistence to troubleshoot issues as they arise.

A unique international background, board certified in security management, by ASIS international, holder of the designation the certified protection professional, CPP, demonstrated success in professional endeavors, ability to make effective decisions, and a blend of flexibility, high energy and maturity.

Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni

COMMANDANT GENERAL (NSCDC)

Dr. Audi’s strong desire for excellence while in public service informed his courage to further acquire a Doctorate Degree (Ph.D.) in Public Administration with specialization in Public Policy Analysis from Nasarawa State University. Dr. Audi was promoted to the rank of Commandant of Corps and deployed to the office of the Commandant General, National Headquarters Abuja, where he served as Commandant Administration in charge of Policy matters till 2009.

Subsequently, he was promoted to the rank of Assistant Commandant General (ACG) and redeployed to the National Headquarters as Director of Procurement where he served till 2016. After his training as a ‘Tink-Tank’ Policy Strategist in the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, he was posted to NSCDC Training College in Katsina as the College Provost from December 2016 to October 2018.

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What's on

Meet our 2022 Event Speakers & Panelists

H.E. Khalifa Ibrahim Al Saleis

CEO of the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA)

Yacine Benamane CPP

Regional Senior Security Manager - North Africa Middle East & Iran, Unilever

Dr. Wilson Esangbedo

National President, ALPSPN

Simon Whitehouse

Managing Director, SGW Consulting

Craig Clark-Darby

VP Security, India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey, ACCOR Hotels

Andrew Edwards

Vice President, GardaWorld International Protective Services

Dr. Daniel Omofoman

Technical Associate, ALPSPN

Elias Bechara

Managing Director - 6SS

Matt Horrox

Director, Continuity Strategy

Mo Ahddoud

CEO, Chameleon Cyber Consultants

Chris Adigwu

National Secretary, ALPSPN

Ahmad Younes

Sales Director Middle East & Africa, MOBOTIX

Amit Mehta

Cyber Security Advisory Practice Lead, Mastercard

Wadih Abi Haider

EMEA Director of Sales, Astrophysics Inc.

Mark Shepherd

Risk & Security, Associate Manager, MAF Properties

Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi

Commandant General – Nigeria, Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)

Tim Purpura

VP Global Sales & Marketing, Morse Watchmans

Eng. Col. Arif Al Janahi

Security Engineering Director, SIRA

Jose Gonzalez

Assistant Regional Security Officer, U.S. Consulate General Dubai

Andy Hopper

Senior Director, PepsiCo Global Security

Mo Ahddoud

CEO of Chameleon Cyber Consultants

Joss D’Silva

Vice President Security Planning and Risk Management, Emirates Group Security

Phillip Antoniou

VP Sales EMEA, MOBOTIX

William Brown

Director, Control Risks

Sorana Parvulescu

Partner, Control Risks

Alex Holmström

Global Sales & Marketing Director - ACRE International

Howard Leedham MBE

Managing Director - ESID DMCC

Ahmad Younes

Sales Director of MOBOTIX

J.T. Mendoza

Head of Global Insider Risk Management & Investigations, CGI

Vitthal Teli CPP PSP PCI

Cluster Security Manager – Hyatt Place Hotels in Dubai & Hyatt Centric Jumeirah

Issam Shibany

Head of PreSales and Business Development Middle East and Africa, MVP Tech

Eng. Col. Arif Al Janahi

Security Engineering Director, SIRA

Joss D’Silva

Vice President Security Planning and Risk Management, Emirates Group Security

William Brown

Director, Control Risks

Sorana Parvulescu

Partner, Control Risks

Yacine Benamane CPP

Regional Senior Security Manager - North Africa Middle East & Iran, Unilever

Amit Mehta

Cyber Security Advisory Practice Lead, Mastercard

Phillip Antoniou

Vice President of Sales EMEA, MOBOTIX

Andrew Edwards

Vice President, GardaWorld International Protective Services