Justine Rukeba was appointed CEO in November 2022 to lead Emerald’s overall growth strategy on global expansion, diversification, and profitability in global contracts with US Department of State (DoS) and US Department of Defense (DoD). Justine is an international lawyer and accomplished executive with 28 years of experience in international development and transformation on a global level. She has led mega contracts in development, humanitarian, stability, and social justice projects for US Government, Canadian, European Commission, United Nations, and the World Bank in Africa, Asian, Middles and North America. With experience in more than 60 countries, Justine is frequently called upon for her global expertise on humanitarian, stability and development solutions in conflict and post-conflict countries. Early in her career, Justine demonstrated an ability to navigate complex political, administrative, and legal environments. She played a key role in the post-genocide development of gender-equity provisions for the new Rwandan Constitution and promotion of women’s participation in civil institutions. Today, Rwanda leads the world with 61% women in parliament and other decision-making levels. As an international public speaker, Justine serves as Board of Advisors on various private companies’ operation in international development space. She has been recognized as one of the brightest minds in international development sector. She is an inspirational and pragmatic leader who earns a seat at the table wherever she serves, building lasting partnerships and winning the hearts and minds of stakeholders, peers, and investors. Justine holds a Master’s degree in International Law(LLM) from American University Washington College of Law and an Executive Diploma in Leadership from Harvard Law School Rolly Crawford started in investment banking in 1985 at Wood Mackenzie in Edinburgh, which then became NatWest markets. He moved to BZW in 1993 as a Director of Research. He moved the team to ABN AMRO in 1996 and to Collins Stewart in 1999. He was part of the buyout from Singer & Friedlander and became a main Board Director. He helped set up Fairfax as a new investment bank in 2005. In 2014 he was invited to join a private equity firm, Promethean Investments, as a Partner. He took over as Chairman of Emerald’s Board in 2020. A determined, focused Security professional with over 20 years multi sector experience, with outstanding interpersonal skills. An excellent record of achievement in management of services associated to security management, manpower supply, logistics, Reconnaissance and projects in security and construction. A proven motivator who meets deadlines whilst working under pressure and adapts very quickly to change. Holding many other transferable skills gained from a full military service with the Royal Engineers, Tony also has a wealth of experience operating in conflict zones and challenging environments such as Iraq, Afghanistan, West and Central Africa. Rob McIntosh started in business producing and promoting concerts throughout the UK. His corporation, MA Global, with shows for over 25000 people, soon grew into a large outdoor event company becoming second only to Live Nation UK in 2008. Now operating events in the US, Europe as well as the UK Rob soon expanded into international touring looking after a number of high-profile artists being responsible for their overall management including executive protection and day to day logistics. The following 10 years saw expansion into the Middle East with events in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Sharjah and India. Working with various organisations such as Aramco, Meydan, Ascot Racecourse, and Dubai Government MA Global has become a fast-moving and dynamic operation booking and organising all aspects of production and presentation requirements. This increased the demand for executive protection lead to a close, sustainable and productive relationship with ESG who have continued to provide a first-class service to all of our artist’s clients and valued assets. The trust that now exists between MA Global and Emerald Solutions Group allows Rob to further his interest in forming, expanding, and maximising shareholder value into the future. Steve served in the US Army with the 1st Armored Division before spending 20 years with the United States Department of Homeland Security as an Agent with the US Border Patrol. His service was highlighted by his time spent as Commander of the Air Mobile Unit Tactical Team and the creation and leadership of a multi-agency task force to coordinate the US law enforcement response to maritime border incursions along the west coast of California. In addition, he established a Maritime Coordination Center in Long Beach, California, a multi-agency communications system, and an intelligence group to support the task force. After retiring from the Border Patrol, Steve joined Facebook Inc. where he managed all aspects of the Global Security Operations Center, crisis response, and its operations and Intelligence cycle. Joining the Emerald Solutions Group team in 2020, Steve is dedicated to providing the highest level of service the company is known for and expanding capabilities to service all of our client’s needs. Henrik is an accomplished senior leader providing initiative, personal drive, dynamism and perception in a variety of demanding working situations. He is versatile with established senior management skills which were developed during employment in demanding environments and conditions. A strong management background with a comprehensive understanding of implementation, organization and management of Close Protection solutions, Life Support, Training Programmes, Operational Planning, Emergency Response Plans and Evacuation Coordination. Henrik served for 13 years in the Royal Danish army reconnaissance special operation units linked to NATO rapid reaction force and was served with distinction through multiple senior ranks. Extensive experience gathered whilst working in hostile environments within the Middle East, Europe, Africa and Asia with multiple operational deployments. In addition, Henrik also has 16 years of experience in the private security sector in the Middle East and Asia. Hamad had an extensive Military Career, serving for 32 years in the United Arab Emirates Army, including Special Forces, and was one of the founding members of Special Operation Command. Since leaving the military, Hamad has worked as a business development manager in groups of companies and as a supplier to the UAE Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies of equipment, training and service support. Hamad is highly experienced in all aspects of the military, the security industry and in the development of new specialist capabilities. Hamad’s commercial experience in business development has greatly benefitted from his military background and he has extensive connections worldwide, many of which specialize in the provision of equipment and other services for security, training, executive protection, secure logistics and risk management. Olakunle Daramola (Kunle), holds an MSc in Global Security & Policing (Criminology) from the Prestigious Scarman Institute at Leicester University. He is a Veteran of the United States Army with over ten years as a Field Artillery Officer, four years in Iraq as a Military Police Officer and then as a Field Security Manager. Kunle also served as Battle Captain Commanding Officer (MP) in Charge of the Iraqi National Police Training Academy, Commander Counter-Terrorism Unit, Convoy Captain Patrol Commander in Sadr City (Baghdad) and was at various times the Field Security Manager, Senior Security Adviser, Security Coordinator on Personnel and Asset Protection, Anti-Kidnapping, Counter-Insurgency and Counter-Terrorism Officer for the KBR-Halliburton Project in the Middle East, including the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan. Having returned to his country of birth, Nigeria, Kunle has been a successful entrepreneur, establishing two companies in the security and logistics field. Now as Emerald’s Regional Operations Manager for West Africa, Kunle will further develop Emerald’s already extensive footprint in his region. Javier has over twenty-four years of federal law enforcement service in various high-profile roles within the Department of Homeland Security. His positions included serving as a Liaison Officer to the Mexican government, Law Instructor at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, member of the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, Intelligence Unit Supervisor, head coordinator for the DHS lead maritime coordination groups in Los Angeles and San Francisco, Assistant Chief at the Headquarters Law Enforcement Operations Directorate, and finally as the Liaison Officer to the U.S. Coast Guard’s District 11 as Admiral’s border security subject-matter-expert. Javier has a passion for service and security, and is a great communicator in both English and Spanish. He believes wholeheartedly in a team concept approach to all security matters. After retiring from federal service in 2021, Javier joined Emerald Solutions Group. Javier is dedicated to providing the highest level of service the company is known for and continuing the tradition to serve all our client’s needs. Richie served as a Non-Commissioned Officer in the British Army from 1997-2007. He served on combat operations in Kosovo and Iraq. After his military service, he spent seven years in the telecoms industry. In 2018 he qualified as a Close Protection Officer and since then has worked extensively in the Middle East, including in Iraq. His experience includes supporting media teams in challenging environments, including in Ukraine since the Russian invasion, as well as looking after VVIPs and others. As Deputy Global Director of Operations, Richie brings a highly tuned organizational skill set to Emerald. His ability to distill complex situations into succinct written documents is second to none. Steve is a former Royal Marines Commando with extensive operational experience throughout the world. Strong and versatile with a proven record of implementation at a senior management level. Extensive security & risk management expertise gained across the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, conducting close protection, emergency planning, life support, executive logistics, and training operations. Having just completed a four-year engagement in a key senior security management role for a large global mega event in the Middle East, his outstanding interpersonal skills coupled with operational planning and attention to detail will ensure that Emerald’s clients receive the best possible service. David had an extensive Military Career serving with the United Kingdom’s Parachute Regiment, Pathfinder Platoon and Special Forces. Since leaving the military, David has specialised in executive protection, secure logistics and risk management in support of numerous high-profile media clients, blue chip companies, Royalty and high net worth individuals. In 2008, David moved to the Middle East to develop a bespoke military training concept, delivered to several Middle East Special Forces teams. In 2012, David became Co-owner of Emerald and expanded capability into Africa, the Americas and Far East. He has established dedicated teams in all areas of Operations and continues to ensure standards are met and client relations maintained, having taken on the role of Group Managing Director in late 2021. Subo is a finance professional with more than 13 years of financial, management, strategic, and operational accounting experience. She has worked in the UK, Sri Lanka, and the UAE. She specializes in financial accounting, audit, IFRS, preparation of financial statements, consolidated financial statements, budgeting and planning, internal controls, VAT, financial reporting, and cash flow management. She has an MBA from the University of Cardiff in Wales and is a finalist of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants in the UK. Subo joined Emerald early in 2021 and has overseen the financial aspects of the growth of the Company into multiple new locations across the globe. Rebekah Swainson is an HR and administrative professional with more than 11 years of work experience in the UAE across many business sectors, including aviation, engineering, and security, ranging from small businesses to international corporations. Rebekah is very familiar with business support, onboarding, employee and labour relations, employee benefits and office management. She is particularly experienced in areas such as the direction of administrative functions, employee and customer relations, and employee experience. Rebekah is qualified in CIPD HR levels 3 and 5 and is a member of the CIPD institute. She is also UAE Labor Law certified. Wayne founded Emerald Solutions and now has over 20 years’ experience in the GCC. He recently stepped up from the role of CEO to support the Chairman of the Board more directly, in the establishment of a holding company – a reflection of the successful growth experienced by Emerald under Wayne’s tenure. He remains an active Board Member and Group Executive Director, pursuing additional verticals for the group. Wayne is qualified in BS 2599 Business Continuity Lead Auditor, Prince2 Registered Practitioner, Cert. Institute of Risk Management, Diploma- Blast Resistant Structural Design, and Risk Analysis in high risk environments, Conflict management and Diploma- International bodyguard (IBA). Accomplished in Business and Project Management, compliant with ISO 31000, 14000, 18000, 27000 and BS 25999, Wayne has established a strong and trusted network of connections that will continue to contribute to the future success of the Emerald Solutions Group. Ruben is a highly experienced former paratrooper in the Portuguese military who has since held several senior roles in the security industry. With degrees in Human Resource Management and in Security as well as an MBA, Ruben has worked in high risk / high threat environments, including Afghanistan, the Gaza Strip, and Sri Lanka, where he has provided and managed the security of diplomats, deployed military personnel and civilian contractors. During his eight years in the Portuguese military, he deployed on peacekeeping and peace enforcement missions. Over more than 20 years in the industry since then, he has worked for several of the leading security providers. He is trained and holds multiple qualifications in all the relevant skills, including as an operational and remote trauma practitioner, a security in the field operator and in all aspects of close protection and security management. He speaks fluent Portuguese, English and Spanish. Pete is a former Royal Marine Commando with extensive experience in a wide variety of regions, including the Middle East, North, East and Central Africa, Europe and Asia. Pete has conducted Close Protection operations for high-net-worth families in Saudi Arabia, event security for high profile sporting events and has provided a Security Consultancy service in the Middle East. Pete has delivered personal protection for company executives and celebrities, including at highly publicised events. Pete is highly adept at organizing logistics and due diligence wherever it may be required. Pete’s extensive knowledge across the Middle East and North Africa enables him to fulfil his new role as Regional Operations Manager, Middle East and North Africa, as well as deploying for Emerald across the globe. Shahid shares his time between the UK, where he spent 27 years in the Police, and Pakistan, which is his family’s country of origin. Starting his police career as a uniformed officer in the West Yorkshire Police, Shahid spent time policing diverse multicultural communities before transitioning into the intelligence field, including five years with the National Crime Squad, during which he dealt both nationally and internationally with serious criminal cases, including covert intelligence gathering. His last 11 years in the police were spent as a specialist covert officer, dealing, amongst other crimes, with terrorism. He handled cases involving many countries, including dealing with Pakistani, Afghan, Somali, Turkish, Sudanese and Middle Eastern Nationals both in the UK and overseas. Shahid received multiple commendations during his police service, including from the UK police and legal authorities, other UK Government Agencies and from the US FBI. His extensive training covered many different skills, including defensive and anti surveillance driving; surveillance and risk awareness; conflict resolution; and firearms handling and safety measures. He is fluent in English and Punjabi. Martial is an asset to any organization, operating effectively as a team to achieve organizational values and goals. Martial has a wealth of experience in key roles, including member and public relations manager of the National Union of Private Investigators of Cameroon. Member, manager and administrator for Africa of the professional chamber of French detectives. He also managed airport logistics, including vehicles and personnel, and was responsible for security and logistics for a French multinational. He speaks English, Spanish and French and heads Emerald’s operations in French-speaking countries in Africa. He is licensed in private law and has the qualification of investigator. Gregory brings to his role as Chief of Staff at Emerald an accomplished career as a senior executive, entrepreneur, business consultant, actor and voice artist. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and was appointed a Member of the City & Guilds of London Institute from his studies in Military Technology at the Royal Military College of Science, Shrivenham. Gregory spent 20 years in the British Army, retiring in 1998 as a Major in the Grenadier Guards. After leaving the Army, Gregory was employed by, consulted for, and advised corporate and government clients in the UK, the USA, Europe, the Caribbean and the Middle East, including Boeing, EADS and others. He has also tested technologies for DARPA. His focus was on the development and commercial exploitation of specialist technologies. Most recently, he has been supporting the security and telecommunications sectors, including deployment on tasks across Africa and the Middle East. His hobbies include skydiving, private flying, scuba diving and acting. As well as being a native English speaker, he speaks German and some French. Alex Pacheco is a 24 year veteran Special Agent with extensive experience coordinating bi-national operations in Mexico and throughout Central America. He is a fluent English and Spanish speaker, certified defensive tactics instructor, certified in Basic Life Saving (BLS) and Individual First Aid Kit(IFAK).
The team behind it all.
The team behind it all.
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