Andy is former Head of Security with Virgin Atlantic, where he had responsibility for all aspects of the airline's security programme, including threat assessment and security incident management. Andy managed many dynamic and high-profile security events during his time with the company and was instrumental in implementing the company's Security Management System (SeMS) which was a UK first with the CAA/DfT. Prior to joining Virgin Atlantic he was UK Security Manager and Lead Threat Assessor with DHL International.
Andy has an extensive law enforcement and intelligence background, with previous service with UK Customs, British Transport Police, the National Criminal Intelligence Service and the National Drugs Intelligence Service of the Czech Republic. Andy has been commended by the Metropolitan Police for demonstrating a high degree of professionalism and providing an exceptional level of service during a period of heightened threat against civil aviation interests.
Andy is now Principal of Blackwell Security Consulting which specialises in threat and risk management, resilience, transport and travel security, and development and implementation of Security Management Systems (SeMS). Andy is a member of the Advisory Council of International Security Expo and the Editorial Advisory Panel of Aviation Security International magazine. He is a former member of the Advisory Board of International Airport Review Andy is a full member of the Association of Security Consultants, ASIS, the Institute of Strategic Risk Management, and the Emergency Planning Society. He works closely with regulators, government agencies and law enforcement agencies in the UK and overseas, whilst also providing a wide range of security advisory services to commercial concerns globally.
Andy regularly speaks at international conferences and is a published author. He was listed in the Top 50 Most Influential People in Security and Fire 2016 (see http://www.ifsecglobal.com/top-50-most-influential-people-in-security-and-fire-results-announced/
