As part of the IFSEC Global Influencers in Security & Fire 2020 Awards, we remember some of the most influential and well-respected professionals in the security and fire safety sector who have sadly passed this year. Tributes come from friends and colleagues.
David Clark CPP PCI PSP passed away on October 14, 2019 after a very short illness. David was a giant in the security industry and held several senior corporate security positions. His last role was Head of Security for the Francis Crick Institute, a globally renowned unique scientific research centre in London where he is still much loved and highly respected. In September 2020, the Security Control Room was renamed in his honour.
As well as his role at the Francis Crick Institute, David devoted much of his time to advancing the industry. David was a passionate supporter of many industry initiatives including reducing knife crime and other policing and crime reduction initiatives, promoting increased diversity and inclusion across the industry, and supporting those transitioning from the military and police into private security.
He was Chair of ASIS UK Chapter 208 from 2016-2019, a member of the ASIS International CSO Roundtable and Association of University Chief Security Officers (AUCSO), Chair of the Project Griffin Practitioners Board and Chair of the Security Commonwealth (2016-18). David was also a member of the London First SRN advisory board, the SIA strategic forum, PISF, the Association of Security Consultants, and the Internet of Things Security Foundation.
As Chapter Chair, David developed and modernised ASIS UK to further establish the Chapter’s reputation on the international stage. The UK Chapter honoured David with the Mervyn David Award in December 2019. Named in memory of the late Air Commodore Mervyn David OBE, former head of the RAF Provost branch and the Chapter’s first Chairman and Honorary President. This award, first presented in 2000, is given to someone who the Chapter feel has made an outstanding contribution to the security profession, or security in its wider sense.
David handed over the reins of the Security Commonwealth in 2017 after a two-year tenure and remained on the Executive board as immediate past Chair until his tragic passing. The Security Commonwealth grew in both size and stature under his leadership and continues to do so.
David led a number of Policing and Counter Terrorism initiatives in London’s South Bank and in recent years designed and implemented executive protection and physical security programmes for major companies in the UK and overseas. He restructured the Project Griffin Practitioners Group to align with the CSSC structure for providing rapid counter terrorism advice. Introducing regional police and civilian practitioner leads, streamlining and accelerating the process for ensuring as many citizens as possible have easy access to counter terrorism awareness programmes.
As Head of Security for the Francis Crick Institute, David led the organisation to a unique ‘triple crown’ of organisational security awards and accreditations – the Building Security Award from the City of London Police, the Secured Environments award from the Metropolitan Police and the British Standard for Strategic and Operational Security Management (BS 16000: 2015). This has set the bar incredibly high for other organisations and is an example of what can be achieved in security and safe and secure environments in the UK.
David was highly regarded within the security profession and the police. He was a great ambassador for the UK Security Industry; always willing to share his thoughts and offer guidance on areas of best practice. He was also a fantastic and engaging International conference speaker, recommending dynamic and innovative strategies to his fellow security leaders.
He was a passionate supporter of IFSEC International and thrilled to be voted #1 in Security Management in IFSEC Global Influencers 2018.
David’s loss to the industry cannot be overstated. He was a family man, a good friend, a respected leader, and a valued colleague. He remains a true thought-leader and inspirational visionary in the security world.
On 10 December, 2019, we lost our dear friend and colleague, Mark Hargraves. Mark was a founding member and chairman of the Asia Crisis and Security Group and a doyen of the security industry, who was known for his consummate professionalism, kind heart, good humour and levelheadedness. He was a shining beacon of light who led the security community by example – in skill, manner, behaviour, conduct and kindness – and touched lives across the world through his generosity and his actions.
As a security professional, Mark was often considered the gold standard in the work that he did. He began his career with the Royal Hong Kong Police, followed by a successful career in corporate security at Pinkerton Asia Ltd., Sun Microsystems, Fidelity, HSBC, Citi and, most recently, the prestigious Hong Kong Jockey Club. His talent and commitment to his work led to early recognition as a leader in his chosen field.
To anyone who met Mark, it was immediately evident that his work and ACSG was a deeply held passion. His commitment to his values and his drive for excellence and professionalisation of the industry meant that he was often looked upon for mentoring – by those looking to grow in their careers, by those transitioning from public sector careers to corporate security as well as young professionals beginning their careers. Despite all his various commitments, Mark was never too busy for anyone. Countless people all over the world have a story about how Mark helped them or made time for them or put his entire might behind giving them a leg up. He was the sort of person who would talk people through their development opportunities and encourage them to find answers within. Even as he grew into this role himself, he always remembered his own mentors and spoke fondly of them.
He was an active champion for diversity and inclusion within security and oversaw the rollout of several ACSG initiatives, such as the ACSG Scholarship programme, the New Professionals in Corporate Security programme and the ACSG Mentoring programme. ACSG is committed to standing by those values and is committed to delivering on all the programmes envisioned under Mark’s leadership.
His immeasurable generosity earned him many friends through the years, and they all join us in expressing our sincere condolences to their family in this difficult hour. Mark was a devoted husband and father and so proud of his family. His eyes always shone as he spoke of them and his world revolved around them.
With all his achievements, Mark was known to his friends as someone who made everyone laugh. His hearty laughter, the mischievous twinkle in his eyes and towering persona filled every room he was in. Even though we will never be graced by it again, Mark gave us so much of himself and many memories to cherish.
In this moment of profound loss, as we all struggle to come to terms with it, we are grateful for all he has given us. The security industry and so many people all over the world are better for having known Mark.
The ACSG Committee is engaged in discussions around commemorating Mark’s legacy and will reach out to the membership, once we have more information. Thank you all for your support.
It is with great sadness that passive fire protection industry stalwart David Sugden passed away on 27 July 2020, following a short battle with pancreatic cancer. David served the industry for more than 50 years, providing forthright views and leadership in a range of senior posts. He was a Chair of ASFP and its CEO from 1997 to 2002.
He was instrumental in the formation of the Passive Fire Protection Forum (then Federation) and was its Chair from 1996-2013. He was also President of the European Association for Passive Fire Protection on two separate occasions.
Born and bred in Yorkshire, David first trained as a mechanical engineer, before joining specialist industrial coatings manufacturer Leigh’s Paints as a sales representative in 1967. He rose through the ranks, finally serving as Divisional Director of Fire Protection until 1996, when he established his own fire consultancy business advising a range of passive fire protection clients. David continued to work as a consultant to Leigh’s Paints until Leigh’s was taken over by Sherwin Williams in 2011. He continued to provide consultancy services to Sherwin Williams to the end and could often be found working in many of the furthest reaches and remote places of the world. His particular expertise was in international sales and fire protection of structural steel for oil and gas industry and for civil engineering projects.
Passive fire protection was personal for David. He was hugely affected by the Grenfell tragedy which he considered entirely avoidable. He campaigned to the end for improvements in building fire safety, often citing the recommendations of a 2003 ASFP/Department of Trade and Industry study he authored, which he declared had clearly warned of the shortfalls in construction that could lead to such a tragedy.
David was hugely influential in the development of the passive fire protection industry. He leaves behind a significant legacy and a huge gap which will never be filled. David was a real character, a quintessential Yorkshireman, who wasn’t shy with his opinions but put them across with great integrity and humour.
He will be greatly missed by all in the passive fire protection sector and the ASFP passes on its condolences and best wishes to his family.
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