News
GardaWorld Names Admiral Eric T. Olson, Former Commander of US Special Operations-USSOCOM to its International Advisory Board
MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CANADA--(Marketwire - March 7, 2012) - GardaWorld, the Global Risk Consulting Group and subsidiary of Garda World Security Corporation (TSX:GW), announced today it has appointed Retired U.S. Navy Admiral Eric T. Olson to its International Advisory Board.
Admiral Olson led the United States Special Operations Command for four years prior to his retirement from active service in September 2011. The first Navy SEAL to be promoted to three-star (2003) and four-star rank (2007), Admiral Olson's career was one of both personal valor and visionary leadership. He is credited as the officer most responsible for developing the special operations capabilities that have been so prominently displayed in several of the most notable operations of recent years, including the capture of Saddam Hussein and the death of Osama bin Laden.
Among the most highly decorated senior military officers at the time of his retirement, Admiral Olson also held the honorary moniker of "Bullfrog" as the longest serving Navy SEAL.
"We are extremely pleased to welcome Admiral Olson to our International Advisory Board as we execute on our strategy to engage in providing comprehensive diplomatic protection services," said Garda President and CEO Stephan Cretier. "Admiral Olson is uniquely qualified to provide counsel to our Global Risk Management experts operating in emerging markets. He will play a vital role in GardaWorld's growing presence as a security solutions provider to the government and private industry sectors."
He joins GardaWorld's International Advisory Board, a select group of renowned experts from industry and government service, led by Chairman Derek Burney, Senior Strategic Advisor at Norton Rose Canada LLP. Members of the Board include W. Adrian Loader, the Chairman of Compton Petroleum and Oracle Coalfields, Sir Richard Mottram, former Permanent Secretary of the United Kingdom Civil Service and Intelligence, Security and Resilience Cabinet Office for the British Government, and Michael P. Jackson, former Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Members of the International Advisory Board provide GardaWorld experts with strategic counsel and industry expertise in delivering services to Fortune 500 clients, government agencies and diplomatic missions in high-growth markets in the Middle East, Asia, North Africa and Latin America across a broad range of market sectors, including : oil & gas, diplomatic, development defense and infrastructure. The Board also assists GardaWorld in identifying emerging issues and trends, formulating strategic direction and developing key relationships among corporate executives, industry associations and appropriate government agencies.
A native of Tacoma, Washington, Admiral Olson graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1973 and qualified as a Naval Special Warfare officer (Navy SEAL) in 1974. He served in operational units within every component of the Naval Special Warfare community. He also served as a SEAL instructor and in senior positions at the Joint Special Operations Command, Naval Staff, and USSOCOM.
Admiral Olson, who speaks fluent Arabic, earned a Master of Arts degree in National Security Affairs at the Naval Postgraduate School. He was a Joint Speciality Officer and Political-Military Affairs sub-specialist with an emphasis on Africa and the Middle East. His numerous awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal and Silver Star and he was decorated for service by three foreign governments.
ABOUT GARDAWORLD GLOBAL RISK CONSULTING GROUP
GardaWorld is a trusted security partner offering global risk consulting, market entry strategy, project risk assessment, contingency planning, close protection, crisis response, and risk analysis services to major relief agencies, corporations, and governments around the world. We focus on and assist our clients in achieving their strategic business objectives within a clearly defined operational framework and help them in delivering government sponsored aid programs, infrastructure development, governance support, economic development and national elections support. For more information on GardaWorld, visit http://www.garda-world.com
ABOUT GARDA
Garda (TSX:GW) is a global provider of security solutions, cash logistics and global risk consulting. With headquarters in Montreal, Canada, the firm's 45,000 dedicated professionals, among the most highly qualified and best-trained in the industry, serve clients in countries throughout North America, Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Garda works with clients in a broad range of sectors and industries including financial institutions, retailers, manufacturers, insurance companies, governments, humanitarian relief organizations and the natural resources, construction and telecommunications. The company's decentralized management philosophy and structure encourages employees to be entrepreneurial and performance-driven in their approach to client service and the pursuit of excellence in all they do. Garda's global experts take the time to fully understand their clients' business goals and objectives in order to customize solutions with strong local engagement that meet their needs. As a result, clients can improve operational performance, meet their business obligations, and achieve their corporate objectives. With proven experience and a commitment to ensuring the highest ethical standards in everything the Corporation does, Garda has earned a reputation for integrity, leadership and uncompromising safety standards. Most importantly, businesses, governments, and individual clients place their trust in Garda. For more information, visit: www.gardaglobal.com, www.gardacashlogistics.com and www.garda-world.com.
GardaWorld Contact
Nathalie de Champlain, Vice President, Communications, +1 561 939 2330, nathalie.dechamplain@garda.com; Joe Gavaghan, Director, Corporate Communications, +1 302 294 2162 x 400162, joe.gavaghan@garda.com