Force for good

The awards, which are in their fourth year, are the world’s largest showcase and celebration of military veterans in second careers, with finalists forming a group of former service personnel whose skills and talents have created enormous value for employers across Scotland – including Waterstons!

Simon’s military career spanned over 22 years, serving as a Royal Air Force Policeman.

From general policing and motorcycle escort duties, to first line protection of nuclear weapons systems, providing threat intelligence for Chinook Fleet Commanders, and specialist policing as counter intelligence team leader supporting global military operations, Simon’s career has been focused on security and we’re proud to now offer his expertise, experience and skills to our team and clients.

From tours of the Balkans, Northern Ireland, Morocco, Afghanistan and the UAE, Simon has vast experience of active duty and the security risks that come with them, as well as significant understanding of the ways security threats – both physical and virtual – can quickly adapt.

During deployments to Afghanistan, Simon was involved in the complex work of developing intelligence that helped prevent terrorists from using local villages to launch attacks on Coalition Forces, aiding the tracking of enemy movements and activity to provide Ground Commanders to the necessary picture to disrupt, or stop, terrorist movement. 

In the latter half of his military career, Simon specialised in works of a sensitive nature and devoted himself to Counter-Intelligence duties at home and abroad, during which he was seconded to Home Office Police Departments.

Since joining Waterstons, Simon leads strategic information and cyber security analysis projects, including for a world-leading University, to protect highly sensitive research data following cyberattacks within the sector, improved cyber security for a global organisation renowned for combatting fake online data to reduce the harm of disinformation, and reviewed a multi-billion pound private equity company’s portfolio to assess cyber security controls across their entire portfolio.

Passionate about continuing to support the Armed Forces, Simon has engaged with an Armed Forces Charity that works with former military personnel in the justice system to highlight how cyber qualifications may assist them on a pathway back into potential employment. 

“We are incredible privileged have Simon’s expertise in our Cyber division. He has utilised his breadth of experience and knowledge to both protect our clients from evolving cyber threats in addition to bringing wider value. We are incredibly proud that he has been nominated for this award in recognition of his achievements.”

Stewart Hogg, Associate Director – Cyber.

Find out more about Simon here.

Find out more about the Ex-Forces in Business Awards here.

Find out more about our cyber security services here.