RICHARD WALKER OBE FInstRE
Chief Executive at The Not Forgotten- Claim this Profile
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Bio
Séan Harris OBE
Delighted to see Richard Walker announced as the CEO of The Not Forgotten Association, which seeks to address the isolation and loneliness experienced by so many of our sick and disabled veterans. I was privileged to work with Richard over many years and witnessed at first hand his selfless and fully committed service to our soldiers. Richard is an exceptional operator, whose career was characterised by superlative leadership and an immutable sense of moral justice. Always keen to deliver the correct, rather than the most expedient outcome, Richard will ensure that our veterans remain front and centre in the public conscience and that their needs are promoted to those in a position to help. I am confident that Richard will continue to ensure that no veteran is left behind and importantly, that they retain their pride and sense of value as we journey onwards. I wish Richard good fortune in this new and important role.
Mark Hendry MBE
I have worked in close proximity for and with Richard on several occasions throughout a combination of the most demanding operational/crisis scenarios and more deliberate daily business activities. Never flustered, he is highly skilled at working under pressure and his calming influence adds structure to any scenario. Richard has the rare blend of being able to map out strategic priorities while maintaining workforce focus and achieving immediate objectives. 100% authentic, he is a natural people person and adept at building high performing teams for any situation or challenge. Amongst the very best leaders I have ever seen, I would follow him anywhere. With exemplary communication skills, a totally inclusive approach and desire to succeed, he would be a prized senior decision maker in any organisation.
Séan Harris OBE
Delighted to see Richard Walker announced as the CEO of The Not Forgotten Association, which seeks to address the isolation and loneliness experienced by so many of our sick and disabled veterans. I was privileged to work with Richard over many years and witnessed at first hand his selfless and fully committed service to our soldiers. Richard is an exceptional operator, whose career was characterised by superlative leadership and an immutable sense of moral justice. Always keen to deliver the correct, rather than the most expedient outcome, Richard will ensure that our veterans remain front and centre in the public conscience and that their needs are promoted to those in a position to help. I am confident that Richard will continue to ensure that no veteran is left behind and importantly, that they retain their pride and sense of value as we journey onwards. I wish Richard good fortune in this new and important role.
Mark Hendry MBE
I have worked in close proximity for and with Richard on several occasions throughout a combination of the most demanding operational/crisis scenarios and more deliberate daily business activities. Never flustered, he is highly skilled at working under pressure and his calming influence adds structure to any scenario. Richard has the rare blend of being able to map out strategic priorities while maintaining workforce focus and achieving immediate objectives. 100% authentic, he is a natural people person and adept at building high performing teams for any situation or challenge. Amongst the very best leaders I have ever seen, I would follow him anywhere. With exemplary communication skills, a totally inclusive approach and desire to succeed, he would be a prized senior decision maker in any organisation.
Séan Harris OBE
Delighted to see Richard Walker announced as the CEO of The Not Forgotten Association, which seeks to address the isolation and loneliness experienced by so many of our sick and disabled veterans. I was privileged to work with Richard over many years and witnessed at first hand his selfless and fully committed service to our soldiers. Richard is an exceptional operator, whose career was characterised by superlative leadership and an immutable sense of moral justice. Always keen to deliver the correct, rather than the most expedient outcome, Richard will ensure that our veterans remain front and centre in the public conscience and that their needs are promoted to those in a position to help. I am confident that Richard will continue to ensure that no veteran is left behind and importantly, that they retain their pride and sense of value as we journey onwards. I wish Richard good fortune in this new and important role.
Mark Hendry MBE
I have worked in close proximity for and with Richard on several occasions throughout a combination of the most demanding operational/crisis scenarios and more deliberate daily business activities. Never flustered, he is highly skilled at working under pressure and his calming influence adds structure to any scenario. Richard has the rare blend of being able to map out strategic priorities while maintaining workforce focus and achieving immediate objectives. 100% authentic, he is a natural people person and adept at building high performing teams for any situation or challenge. Amongst the very best leaders I have ever seen, I would follow him anywhere. With exemplary communication skills, a totally inclusive approach and desire to succeed, he would be a prized senior decision maker in any organisation.
Séan Harris OBE
Delighted to see Richard Walker announced as the CEO of The Not Forgotten Association, which seeks to address the isolation and loneliness experienced by so many of our sick and disabled veterans. I was privileged to work with Richard over many years and witnessed at first hand his selfless and fully committed service to our soldiers. Richard is an exceptional operator, whose career was characterised by superlative leadership and an immutable sense of moral justice. Always keen to deliver the correct, rather than the most expedient outcome, Richard will ensure that our veterans remain front and centre in the public conscience and that their needs are promoted to those in a position to help. I am confident that Richard will continue to ensure that no veteran is left behind and importantly, that they retain their pride and sense of value as we journey onwards. I wish Richard good fortune in this new and important role.
Mark Hendry MBE
I have worked in close proximity for and with Richard on several occasions throughout a combination of the most demanding operational/crisis scenarios and more deliberate daily business activities. Never flustered, he is highly skilled at working under pressure and his calming influence adds structure to any scenario. Richard has the rare blend of being able to map out strategic priorities while maintaining workforce focus and achieving immediate objectives. 100% authentic, he is a natural people person and adept at building high performing teams for any situation or challenge. Amongst the very best leaders I have ever seen, I would follow him anywhere. With exemplary communication skills, a totally inclusive approach and desire to succeed, he would be a prized senior decision maker in any organisation.
Credentials
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Become a Chief of Staff
LinkedInOct, 2021- Oct, 2024 -
The Six Morning Habits of High Performers
LinkedInOct, 2021- Oct, 2024 -
Defence Mentoring
UK Ministry of DefenceJan, 2021- Oct, 2024 -
Nuclear Professionalism
AWEDec, 2019- Oct, 2024 -
MSP® Certifications
APMG InternationalOct, 2018- Oct, 2024 -
Best Companies 3 Star Accredited Manager
Best CompaniesFeb, 2021- Oct, 2024
Experience
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The Not Forgotten
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United Kingdom
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Non-profit Organizations
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1 - 100 Employee
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Chief Executive
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Sep 2022 - Present
Heading up a small team delivering a huge difference to 10000 Service and Merchant Navy beneficiaries every year. Combatting loneliness and isolation amongst our wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans through comradeship and challenge (via adventure, respite, connectivity and an attuned network). Making a tangible difference every day for those who need us, is what this is all about and what I truly love doing. Heading up a small team delivering a huge difference to 10000 Service and Merchant Navy beneficiaries every year. Combatting loneliness and isolation amongst our wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans through comradeship and challenge (via adventure, respite, connectivity and an attuned network). Making a tangible difference every day for those who need us, is what this is all about and what I truly love doing.
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AWE
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France
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Technology, Information and Internet
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Head of Engineering
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Mar 2019 - Aug 2022
Senior engineering leadership and management in the Nuclear sector. Leading a 1000 strong team of multi-disciplined engineers and maintainers to deliver the through-asset-lifecycle engineering excellence which underpins the design, resource, construct, commission and operate our atomic weapon manufacturing and assembly capability. Senior engineering leadership and management in the Nuclear sector. Leading a 1000 strong team of multi-disciplined engineers and maintainers to deliver the through-asset-lifecycle engineering excellence which underpins the design, resource, construct, commission and operate our atomic weapon manufacturing and assembly capability.
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British Army
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Armed Forces
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700 & Above Employee
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Director - Strategic Interoperability Programme
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Jan 2017 - Jun 2019
Head Office, International Relations and Strategic Planning - Programme manager for strategic interoperability between the British Army and global bilateral and multilateral partners. Set within the Army head office portfolio management and futures department. Chair of NATO committees in Brussels, and similar roles in USA, Germany and France. Head Office, International Relations and Strategic Planning - Programme manager for strategic interoperability between the British Army and global bilateral and multilateral partners. Set within the Army head office portfolio management and futures department. Chair of NATO committees in Brussels, and similar roles in USA, Germany and France.
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HM Forces (ARMY) Corps of Royal Engineers
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United Kingdom
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Defense & Space
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700 & Above Employee
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Executive Director - Commanding Officer & Commandant
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Jul 2014 - Dec 2016
Awarded OBE for Leadership and Management - Leading a Royal Engineer Regiment charged with providing engineering support to the British Army. Approx 1000 strong organisation consisting of British, Gurkha and Foreign and Commonwealth soldiers and officers and civil servants.Globally deployed delivering construction, combat engineering and disaster relief projects in the Falklands, Africa, Middle East, Nepal, US and throughout Europe.Risk managed an Everest expedition and delivered a diverse and complex reconstruction programme across Nepal following the 2015 earthquake.
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Senior HR Director - Royal Engineer People Policy
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May 2013 - Jul 2014
STEM, Human Resources, Recruiting and Professional Development - Policy lead for and managerial oversight of outsourced recruiting and apprenticeship program delivery for the Royal Engineers. Delivering people capability and resilience for today and tomorrow. Developed mechanisms and relationships to place annual outflow of Royal Engineer Officers and Soldiers into subsequent employment. Corporate resilience and culture formed core elements of this portfolio.
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United Nations
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United States
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International Affairs
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Executive Director - United Nations
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Mar 2016 - Oct 2016
Security and Diplomacy - led the UK military contribution to the UN Mission in Cyprus. Routinely engaging at the diplomatic and military senior leadership level and supporting a series of strategic milestones in the Settlement process. Security and Diplomacy - led the UK military contribution to the UN Mission in Cyprus. Routinely engaging at the diplomatic and military senior leadership level and supporting a series of strategic milestones in the Settlement process.
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NATO
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India
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Technology, Information and Internet
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Senior Programme Manager - NATO Strategic Force Management & Programme Implementation
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Aug 2012 - Apr 2013
Consultancy and Programme Management - High level consultancy and programme management in Asia working within the Afghan Ministry of Defence.Programme managing the fielding, training and equipping of the Afghan Army working with Afghan and international strategic partners.Mentoring and supporting indigenous MOD in generating military capability at strategic and operational level.Fielding new military capabilities and developing requirements and concepts for subsequent capabilities - these included $90m projects (weapon systems, engineering and equipment) and oversight of a $1Billion defence programme.
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Cranfield University
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United Kingdom
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Higher Education
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700 & Above Employee
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Advanced Command and Staff College
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Sep 2011 - Jul 2012
Level 7 CMI accredited programme. Professional Development - 1 Year Masters level study programme focussed on Defence and International Affairs at the world reknown Defence Academy of the United Kingdom alongside and competing with 287 high quality UK and International Military Officers and Civil Servants. Level 7 CMI accredited programme. Professional Development - 1 Year Masters level study programme focussed on Defence and International Affairs at the world reknown Defence Academy of the United Kingdom alongside and competing with 287 high quality UK and International Military Officers and Civil Servants.
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Senior Training and Development Director - Chief Instructor
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2009 - 2011
Leadership Training and Development Instructor - Year 1 - Led (and instructed) a training Company; taking 90 cadets through the gruelling year long Commissioning Course preparing them to become Army Officers. Leadership Programme Manager - Year 2 - Chief Instructor responsible for the training delivery for the extremely challenging (mentally and physically) final term at the Academy. Focus was on refining leadership and management skills and consolidating academic and military field skills.
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Senior Operations Director - Gurkha Engineer Squadron Commander
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Jul 2007 - Sep 2009
Leadership and Management - Led a 200 strong business unit /organisation. Prepared, deployed on operations to Afghanistan focussed on Combat, Force Support engineering and Counter Insurgency. Included commanding significant expeditionary close support operations as well as deliberate construction projects to enable Afghan forces requisite protected facilities to go about their business. Subsequently deployed the organisation to Canada to conduct large construction tasks in adverse winter conditions (-40 Celsius) operating under very compressed timelines, with changing requirements and constrained resources.
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ISAF
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Afghanistan
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Armed Forces
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100 - 200 Employee
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Operations Senior Executive - Operations & Plans Officer
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Jul 2005 - Jul 2007
Planning and Influence - Primary focus on delivery of coherence to the planning and implementation of NATO transition (expansion of the NATO mission to command the entire military operation across Afghanistan under General Sir David Richards) in Afghanistan as an embedded planning officer in the US command headquarters (Operation Enduring Freedom). Subsequently Engineering Operations and Planning Officer at the Operational level - responsible for combat operations and the NATO interface with international and indigenous infrastructure projects and programmes. Additional tasks including Afghan National Army (ANA) force development, Reconstruction and Development and ISAF Counter Improvised Explosive Device Branch establishment and training delivery.
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US Army Corps of Engineers
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United States
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Government Administration
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1 - 100 Employee
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Project Planner
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Sep 2005 - Dec 2005
Planning and Influence - Embedded NATO project planner in the US Mission in Afghanistan. Role was to understand the strategic and operational requirements of the existing mission in order to inform the design and shape of the subsequent NATO mission. Specific focus was on the engineering operations and infrastructure development across Afghanistan - civil and military. Planning and Influence - Embedded NATO project planner in the US Mission in Afghanistan. Role was to understand the strategic and operational requirements of the existing mission in order to inform the design and shape of the subsequent NATO mission. Specific focus was on the engineering operations and infrastructure development across Afghanistan - civil and military.
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Change Manager and MOD Policy
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2002 - 2004
Corporate Structures and Change Manager - Responsible for the corporate structure and equipment allocations for the Corps of Royal Engineers (circa 20000 personnel in size at this time). Corporate Structures and Change Manager - Responsible for the corporate structure and equipment allocations for the Corps of Royal Engineers (circa 20000 personnel in size at this time).
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Queens Gurkha Engineers
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United Kingdom
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Armed Forces
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1 - 100 Employee
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Deputy Operations Director
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Jul 2000 - Jul 2002
Deputy Commander of a Gurkha organisation of 150 personnel. Language training, deployment of elements to Iraq, response to 9/11 risk mitigation and a series of technical global deployments. Deputy Commander of a Gurkha organisation of 150 personnel. Language training, deployment of elements to Iraq, response to 9/11 risk mitigation and a series of technical global deployments.
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Royal Marines
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United Kingdom
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Armed Forces
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700 & Above Employee
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Arctic Warfare
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Dec 1999 - Jan 2000
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Team Manager and Leader - Combat and Reconnaissance
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1998 - 2000
Tactical Leadership and Management - Commando and Parachutist selection and training.Commanded a 30 person specialist unit in support of the Royal Marines and then on to command the Reconnaissance Troop as part of the 3 Commando Brigade Reconnaissance Force. Ran the selection cadre for the Junior Non Commissioned Officers and conducted Arctic Warfare Training.
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Royal Air Force (RAF)
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Armed Forces
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700 & Above Employee
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Military Parachute Training
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Mar 1999 - Apr 1999
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Commando Training Centre Royal Marines
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Education Administration Programs
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1 - 100 Employee
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Commando Training
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Apr 1998 - Jun 1998
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Junior Officer HR & Engineering Project Manager
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Mar 1996 - Jun 1998
Construction engineering in Northern Ireland. Microsoft project management of civil engineering projects including protected high level towers, entry control and small dwelling construction. Including human resource management of 30 personnel. Construction engineering in Northern Ireland. Microsoft project management of civil engineering projects including protected high level towers, entry control and small dwelling construction. Including human resource management of 30 personnel.
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Sandhurst Commissioning Course 95/2
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1995 - 1996
Leadership and Management Professional Development - Year long command, leadership and management course at the renowned Sandhurst academy. Contemporary courses now receive CILM degree level qualifications in Leadership and Management. Leadership and Management Professional Development - Year long command, leadership and management course at the renowned Sandhurst academy. Contemporary courses now receive CILM degree level qualifications in Leadership and Management.
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Gap Year Commission Gurkhas
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1990 - 1991
A year long ‘gap year Commission’ in the British Army. Requiring a high grade pass at the Army Officer Selection Board. Generally filtered from thousands of applicants to 60 personnel per year. After Sandhurst and Engineer Officer training served in the Far East - Hong Kong, Brunei, Sabah and Sarawak. Challenging and austere construction projects for the MOD, Malaysian army and the Royal Geographical Society research station in Brunei. A year long ‘gap year Commission’ in the British Army. Requiring a high grade pass at the Army Officer Selection Board. Generally filtered from thousands of applicants to 60 personnel per year. After Sandhurst and Engineer Officer training served in the Far East - Hong Kong, Brunei, Sabah and Sarawak. Challenging and austere construction projects for the MOD, Malaysian army and the Royal Geographical Society research station in Brunei.
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Education
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2019 - 2019
Alliance Manchester Business School
CMI Level 8 Strategic Management, Strategic Leadership and Management -
2011 - 2012
King's College London
Managing Defence, Defence -
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Sheffield Hallam University
Bachelor of Arts - BA, Facilities Planning and Management -
1995 - 1996
The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
Leadership, Management -
1983 - 1990
Chew Valley School
A-Levels -
1993 - 1993
Jim Russell Racing Drivers’ School
Amateur Racing Driver Qualification, Motorsport
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