THE BOARD
THE RT HON THE LORD DEAR KT QPM DL LLB
Non Executive Chairman
The Rt Hon The Lord Dear Kt QPM DL LLB was a highly respected police officer, holding several major appointments, before leaving to pursue a further career in the business world. He currently holds several non-executive positions as chairman or director in a range of companies
Lord Dear was previously HM Inspector of Constabulary with National responsibility for Crime, Drugs, Criminal Intelligence, Overseas Liason and Forensic Science
Since 2006 he has been a Cross-bencher in the House of Lords, taking an influential role in Home Affairs, Criminal Justice and Rural Affairs
DR RICHARD LEAVER
Chief Executive Officer
Dr Richard Leaver has worked as a fund manager since 2001, making and successfully exiting investments from over four funds ranging from areas as diverse as nanotechology, to ultra low power semiconductors, biometrics and vision systems. Prior to this, he worked extensively in international business consulting and development in Cambridge following 11 years with BAE Systems, managing international projects and programmes
In an example of dual usage technology benefits arising from defence and related programmes, he designed and built an advanced telematics collision avoidance concept car for the Rover Group, then part of BAE Systems in the early 1990's using crossover technologies. The vehicle was widely exhibited and many of its features are now present in modern cars
Richard has a degree in Applied Physics from Durham University and a PhD in Artificial Intelligence together with an MBA
ANTHONY FABRIZI
Non Executive Director
Tony Fabrizi qualified as a chartered accountant with KPMG in 1986 and joined James Capel (later HSBC Investment Bank) in 1987. He worked in corporate finance and spent eight years undertaking UK transactions, becoming a director in 1993. During his last three years at HSBC he was responsible for the other financial and fund management activities within corporate broking
Tony joined RP&C, a US Investment Bank, as a partner in 1998 to help develop its UK business
In 2002 he established Ghaliston Limited as a corporate finance advisory business. Over the next 4 years Ghaliston acted as financial advisor to 10 companies listing on AIM and raised capital for a number of private companies. In May 2006, Ghaliston Limited acquired Merchant Securities Limited, a private client stockbroking business and the enlarged company listed on AIM in November 2006. Tony resigned as CEO of that company in June 2008
NOEL LYONS
Non Executive Director
Noel Lyons started his career in accounting and progressed from there to management and director level. He has worked for such companies as BP Amoco, Coca Cola, Kentz Corporation plc and Oilinvest International NV and has worked in diverse locations such as Africa and the Middle East
Noel has been involved in several listings on AIM in both a management and advisory capacity and is currently a director and chief executive officer of Circle Opportunities plc, a PLUS-quoted company. He has an MBA and a Masters degree in Accounting and Finance from DIT Ireland
PETER VARNISH OBE
Non Executive Director
Peter Varnish OBE had a distinguished career in the UK Ministry of Defence and has been recognised as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. He has used his experience in security and defence technologies to identify many novel and profitable technologies creating a number of new successful companies. He regularly chairs international conferences and has given many keynote papers on security and defence
GENERAL SIR MICHAEL WILKES KCB CBE
Non Executive Director
General Sir Michael Wilkes KCB CBE retired from the British Army in 1995 as Adjutant General and Middle East Adviser to the British Government on defence matters. As Adjutant General, Sir Michael was the most senior administrative officer within the Army and a member of the Army Board. During his distinguished career, he has seen active service across the world while also commanding at every level from Platoon to Field Army including commanding the 22 Special Air Service Regiment and serving as the Director of Special Forces. On leaving the Army in 1995 he was appointed Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief of Jersey, where he served until retiring in 2000
EXTENSIVE COMPLEMENTARY EXPERIENCE IN HOMELAND SECURITY, FUND MANAGEMENT, POLICE, ARMY AND THE DEFENCE INDUSTRY
