Before joining the SIA, Mike was chief executive of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority, and before that was chief executive of the Defence Vetting Agency.

Speaking today Mike said:

"I am joining an organisation that has an important role to play in protecting the public by regulating the private security industry.

The SIA has accomplished a great deal in a relatively short period of time. It worked closely with government and with the private security industry to draw up a range of security standards. And today, over 230,000 individuals hold valid SIA licences, more than 368,000 SIA specified qualifications have been awarded and 378 security companies are approved contractors. This is an impressive achievement that reflects well on the quality and commitment of all staff.

I look forward to working with the directors and staff of the authority, the SIA Board, with the private security industry and with other stakeholders, to build on the SIA's achievements to date. I am particularly interested in improving our service to customers, to ensuring that we minimise any regulatory burden on the industry, and in showing that the authority is achieving the outcomes envisaged in the Private Security Industry Act 2001"