Ken Stewart, formerly Detective Chief Superintendent at the City of London Police, has been appointed as Director – Corporate Risk Solutions at The Shield Group, the UK’s ninth largest business security company. Ken, whose last position was ‘Head of Crime’, is a leading expert in fraud and anti-terrorism and will take up his new position at the firm later this month. His role will focus on advising the business and its customers on the latest crime trends and countermeasures which supports Shield’s Total Security Solutions approach across their whole business. In addition Ken will help build stronger relations across London’s financial community, police forces and beyond.
Ken, 52, joins The Shield Group at an exciting time, as they lead the way in delivering innovative and progressive security solutions based on identified and known risks. He brings a wealth of expertise to the team, having worked as an investigator in numerous counterterrorism campaigns and having conducted major fraud enquiries spanning Africa, Europe and North America. Ken was involved in the investigations of the Bishopsgate, St Mary Axe and Heathrow Airport terrorist bombings in London, as well as the response to the 7/7 attacks near Aldgate Underground Station. During many of his assignments he worked alongside the FBI, the US Secret Service and Homeland Security.
Welcoming his appointment, John Roddy, Chief Executive of The Shield Group said, “Ken joins us at a great time for The Shield Group as we continue to capitalise on emerging opportunities within this ever-evolving industry. He brings vast knowledge and expertise to the team which will strengthen our position as a Total Security Solution provider. He will have a unique perspective on our customers’ risks and how to best mitigate them. I am delighted to welcome Ken to The Shield Group; we look forward to working with him and the opportunities he will bring to the team.”
Ken Stewart also commented, “After completion of my police service I wanted a challenging career which best uses the skills and expertise I have gathered from over 30 years in UK and overseas policing. I also wanted to continue to work within a team environment protecting people and property from terrorism and crime.
“The Shield Group has provided me with the perfect opportunity to work within a great team and business that understands how the industry is changing and is leading the way forward.”
Ken, born in Greenwich, originally joined the force in 1984 as a Police Constable and was quickly assigned to help keep the peace during a number of historic events, including the Stop the City protests, the anti-apartheid and poll tax demonstrations and the Wapping riots. After being appointed Detective Constable in the Crime and Fraud Squad unit in 1986, his role shifted to responding to armed robberies and conducting major international fraud enquiries. Ken was promoted to Detective Sergeant in 1991 and worked with the Metropolitan Police Anti-Terrorist Squad (SO15), investigating terrorist bomb attacks at St Mary Axe, Bishopsgate and Heathrow Airport.
In 1995, Ken returned to the Fraud Squad division as Detective Inspector, where over the next few years he oversaw international fraud enquiries which spanned to the far reaches of Africa and the United States. As Overseas Liaison Officer, he facilitated all foreign investigations conducted by law enforcement agencies in the City of London.
In 2000 Ken was assigned to a multi-agency team at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office within the Drugs and Crime division. He was then promoted to Head of Counter Terrorism for the City of London in 2002 where he became the police lead for Project Griffin, a major police initiative to protect UK cities and communities from the threat of terrorism. He was also a member of the Local Government Strategic Partnership for the Corporation of London.
In 2004 Ken was appointed Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent, responsible for all operational matters including the 7 July 2005 suicide bombing at Aldgate Underground station and the subsequent aftermath. In 2008, he was appointed Detective Chief Superintendent, Head of Crime and Counter Terrorism at the City of London Police. His role was expanded to oversee all major intelligence and surveillance operations, the undercover and public protection units, source handling, the Special branch and the Criminal Investigation Department.
In addition to being a qualified Senior Investigation Officer, he is an Alumni of the Senior Executive Course at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), USA, and of the Windsor Leadership Trust in the UK.